Christmas is mango juice running down forearms
swooping birds snapping flying ants out of the sky
the warm smell of wet earth and the shiver of swiftly growing foliage
fledglings screeching for their parents on dripping branches
and the snap, as you break through brittle leachy skin, and sweet-sticky juice floods your senses

painted-cloud sunsets and thundering rain on tin roofs

praise songs echoing up from the vlei
 
the smell of roadside mealies roasted on open fires
the smell of Tony cooking the ham and Kate cooking Christmas cake
friends on the verandah drinking home-grown coffee  and red wine
dinner on the outside table
as stars glimpse through billowing clouds

our Christmas will be here,
where we have been all along
watching the turning of time
2012 has been filled with wonder and struggle and gratitude and friends and family
with births and deaths and the promise of what is to come
and a deep sense of knowing
that this is where we belong

Gender activist Betty Makoni describes how women face war in their homes and how she feels about leaving Zimbabwe because of persecution from the State:

The last thing any human rights defender wants to do is to leave her home, work and settle in a foreign country. This was my last option during my time of despair and persecution in 2008; only the man I shared my home with knew as I grabbed my handbag and sped out of the door to run for safety.

Continue reading here

Zanu-PF declared at its recent annual conference that latest technology gadgets and wireless telephone applications embraced globally are the work of detractors out to get Zanu-PF. In resolutions passed at the close of the 13 Zanu-PF annual people’s conference in Gweru at the weekend the party appears petrified by the spread of social media which has hooked the young generation.
– Daily News, Thursday December 13, Pg 5

Two (2) Infrastructure Project Managers: UNFPA
Deadline: 12 noon on 27 December 2012

Duty Station: UNFPA; Harare, Zimbabwe

Overall Responsibility
Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Specialist, Reproductive Health (UNFPA), effectively coordinates refurbishment of Maternity Waiting Homes under the EU MDG initiative. The officer will work closely with the Operations Specialist, the Deputy Director Reproductive Health in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and the Department of Public Works

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
·Implement MWHs refurbishments in the MDG initiative under the guidance of the Operations Manager and Programme Specialist, RH in collaboration with Deputy Director Reproductive Health in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and the Department of Public Works.
·Prepare work fiscal and delivery/construction program in line with  project objectives
·Come up with works specifications for individual health facilities and generate bills of quantities and approximate cost for the repairs per facility.
·Participate in the tendering process and evaluation of  technical bids, submitted by construction companies, and make recommendations
·Advise on contract preparation and award procedure ensuring conformity with UNFPA procurement and financial rules and regulations
·Handing over of works to contractors
·Regular site visits at all stages of refurbishment in order to verify and confirm quality of the refurbishment work. Quality control to  be verified using proven instruments particularly on reinforced concrete, finishes, wiring, plumbing, framing and joinery
·Through site visits guide the site supervisors in construction/refurbishment supervision and contract administration in accordance with relevant contract conditions and specifications
·Certifying completion of the work
·Handover of works to Ministry of Health and Child Welfare
·Assist with preparation of monthly and quarterly reports and submit summary of relevant information with recommendations to the supervisor
·Represent the project as required in Inter-Agency mechanisms, with appropriate Government authorities and donors
·Ensure effective coordination with all stakeholders

Minimum requirements for the post
Only candidates satisfying all of the following should apply:
·At least a Diploma in Quantity surveying and Construction Engineering or equivalent.  Degree in infrastructure related discipline; Civil Engineering, Quantity survey or equivalent and added advantage. Relevant demonstrated experience can be substituted for academic qualifications.
·Experience in in quantity surveying and construction project management.
·Minimum 5 year experience out of which preferably 3 at managerial level
·Hands-on experience working with  Government structures
·Strong communication skills, both spoken and written and ability to work with various implementing partners at national , provincial and district  levels
·Computer literacy skills in MS Office applications

Please send your CV and cover letter no later than 12 noon on 27 December 2012  to: UNFPA Representative, Ref: Infrastructure Project Manager, Block 7, 1st Floor, Arundel Office Park, Mt. Pleasant, PO Box 4775, Harare; or by e-mail to: mailzwe [at] unfpa [dot] org

NOTE: THIS IS A PROJECT POST FUNDED BY UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)

Marketing & Communications Manager: Africa Centre for Holistic Management (ACHM)
Deadline: 15 January 2013

Position Summary
ACHM’s Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for developing and managing a marketing and communications plan that results in increased participation in ACHM’s programmes and profit-making activities, and sufficient revenue to keep the organisation growing in quality, influence and impact. Make presentations, manage, identify and coordinate activities at marketing platforms nationally, and at key exhibitions regionally. Work with the ACHM team to develop an understanding of our activities on the ground and in turn assist them to explain those activities meaningfully. Identify, approach and follow up on potential fundraising opportunities that are in line with ACHM’s core focus.

ACHM is an award-winning organization that is restoring land to health while enhancing livelihoods (and profits) and reducing conflict. We seek a mature, dynamic, results-orientated individual with passion who values working in a learning organization.

Key Challenge
To develop and implement a successful marketing strategy for ACHM’s business ventures and a communications strategy that will make ACHM and its land and water restoration efforts well known in Zimbabwe and the Region

Supervisor:  Executive Director

Required Qualifications & Work Experience
-BSc Degree or higher in Marketing, Journalism, or related field
-A minimum of five years work experience in leading marketing, communications, and public relations efforts
-Experience in making presentations, co-ordinating and facilitating meetings
-Experience in social media marketing and communications
-International work experience
-Knowledge of Holistic Management a plus; commitment to gaining it essential

Required Skills
-Ability to develop and lead the implementation of a successful marketing and communications strategy or plan
-Results orientation; ability to close on sales
-Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills
-Excellent writing skills in English
-Leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills
-Proficiency in website management and updating
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
-Fluency in Ndebele

Preferred Qualifications
-Knowledge and experience of proposal development a plus
-Fluency in Nambya, Tonga & Shona a plus

Duties & Responsibilities
1. Lead and manage ACHM’s marketing and communications efforts
a. Oversee production of advertising and communication information materials.
b.  Develop a program to improve the dissemination of Africa Centre’s work to national, regional and international communities.
c.  Work closely with organisation’s various sections to understand activities on the ground to create accurate feedback to stakeholders at all levels (communities, Trustees, Scientific Liaison Committee, NGO partners throughout the region, and local, regional and international donors and funding agencies) through speaking assignments, written materials (brochures, flyers, newsletters, quarterly reports, editorials and articles for relevant media etc), and social media (website, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc).
2. Liaise with funding organizations locally, regionally and internationally and follow up communications and opportunities for funding of our core programme.

Organizational Responsibilities
-Build the skill base in marketing and communications within the senior management team, so they can in turn enhance the knowledge and skills of their staff
-Produce regular reports for the Executive Director (monthly), Donors (quarterly), Trustees (quarterly) and other key stakeholders (as needed).

Application Process
ACHM is an equal opportunity employer. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.

For consideration, please email a cover letter, C.V. and references to:
hmatanga [at] achmonline [dot] org with a copy to: ejanuary [at] achmonline [dot] org

For more information on the Africa Centre for Holistic Management visit:
www.achmonline.org

Work in and for Zimbabwe. Help grow our nation. Check out the vacancies below. If you’d like to receive this sort of information, as well as civic and human rights updates, by email each week drop us a note saying “subscribe” to info [at] kubatana [dot] net

Please note that the job vacancies we carry are related to the NGO and civil society sectors only.

Director, Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative in Zimbabwe
Deadline: Close of Business on 21 December 2012

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) comprising the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches seek a suitably qualified person to be Director for its Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative in Zimbabwe (EPOIZ).

EPOIZ Director Responsibilities
-Provide oversight, monitor and co-ordinate EPOIZ work
-Plan EPOIZ work in consultation with Justice & Peace departments of the three ecumenical umbrella bodies (EFZ, ZCBC & ZCC)
-Supervise programme officers and other EPOIZ staff
-Conduct research and advise EPOIZ Board on relevant action
-Facilitate regional and international advocacy by ecumenical bodies and ensure accreditation with relevant regional bodies
-Identify, negotiate and liaise with development partners
-Represent EPOIZ in meetings and engage government on national peace-building issues
-Report to, and advise, the ZHOCD Executive on the performance of the organization
-Any other duties as assigned by the ZHOCD Executive.

Required Qualifications
-A Masters Degree from a recognised university in a relevant field
-Five years experience in peace-building and conflict transformation or a related field
-Detailed knowledge of the peace and conflict transformation dynamics in Zimbabwe and the Southern Africa region
-A professional qualification and not less than two years experience in middle or senior management
-Excellent analytical, organizational and computer skills; skilled in MS Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
-Experience of working with ecumenical bodies

Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with skills, experience and prevailing market trends.

Interested and qualified persons are invited to submit their applications via email, together with a cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae that includes the names and contact details of three traceable references, with reference ZHOCD EPOIZ 12/12 in subject line, to: The Executive Secretary, HOCDZ, email: epoizim [at] gmail [dot] com

Administrative Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Deadline: 23 December 2012

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you. For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

Vacancy Announcement No. Zim/2012:35
NOB Level
Based in Harare
Fixed Term Appointment Post

Purpose of the Job
The incumbent is responsible for the delivery of timely, efficient and cost effective UNICEF funded administrative services for the UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office and management of administrative staff. Ensures the Office’s administrative operations and services are in compliance with UNICEF administrative policy, procedures, regulations and rules.

Major Tasks to be accomplished
-Responsible for correct and consistent application of policies and procedures in administrative functions.
-Responsible for all office renovations, maintenance and repair of equipment and general cleanliness of complex.
-Ensure the security of office premises, through assessment of security needs, attending Security meetings, arranging fire drills and ensuring Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) and Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS) compliance.
-Procure administrative goods, stationery and equip in liaison with the procurement section and ensure adequate office supplies for smooth program delivery at all times.
-Supervision and management of contractual arrangements with suppliers of goods and services, to ensure that the terms and conditions of all contracts are being adhered to by the suppliers of goods and services.
-Supervises the timely and organized delivery, collection, registry, reproduction and courier of correspondence, documents, pouch services and administrative supplies, provided internally or through a contractor.
-Brief and assist arriving and departing staff on administrative procedures and requirements, (i.e. shipment and insurance of personal effects, liability claims, as well as in identification, arrangement and selection of staff housing).
-Responsible for office allocation and installation of new staff members both locally and internationally recruited.
-Organizes the reconciliation of Property, Plant & Equipment ((PP&E) asset data with office records to ensure physical count taken is complete and identifies discrepancies for corrective action.  Prepares required reports on UNICEF office premises and equipment (PP&E) for UNICEF Headquarters.
-Keep Administrative Specialist abreast of potential problem areas, and identify and recommend solutions.

Qualifications and Competencies
-University degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or other related disciplines
-Two years of practical professional work experience in the field of general office administration, especially in the areas of transportation management, travel, customs and protocol arrangements
-Demonstrable proficiency in computer application packages
-Good communication and organizational skills
-Ability to work in a multicultural environment.

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application letter together with curriculum vitae quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

Human Resources Manager
(Vacancy Notice Zim/2012:35)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] unicef [dot] org

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well-qualified candidates, particularly women are especially encouraged to apply.