Miracle Missions Trust, a non-profit organisation working on waste management in Zimbabwe is determined to make Harare look better. Over the past months, they have been mobilizing volunteers from different communities, and the Harare city Council for massive clean up campaigns around the city. Last Friday they were in Chisipite busy at work.

Every year, the first Monday of October is set aside to commemorate Habitat Day. On this day reflections are made on the state of our towns and cities, basic rights for all, and access to adequate shelter. For Amnesty International, World Habitat Day is a global day to take action to end forced evictions and other human rights violations suffered daily by people living in slums and informal settlements. In commemoration of this years’ World Habitat Day, Amnesty International Zimbabwe remembered the survivors of Operation Murambatsvina with the theme “End Forced Evictions’. Many families were displaced and left homeless when the government of Zimbabwe initiated its unpopular and inhuman Operation Murambatsvina. Operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle then followed to resettle these families but, however, today years later no proper essential facilities and services have been provided for these families such as sanitation, education, housing and health.

A drama group from Hopley and Hatclife settlements where many of the families affected by Operation Murambatsvina are settled took time to remind Zimbabwe of how they are living. They had their own exhibition of their plastics shacks at the Harare Gardens. Some operate hair saloons, or bars and some sell firewood, or vegetables. The shacks take various shapes and forms but they all exhibit the plight of how our government has failed its people in so many ways. In these informal settlements education is a privilege whereas it should be a right for all children. In these settlements safe drinking water does not exist, as their water sources are unprotected wells. ‘The walls have ears’, is a saying you wont be caught saying in these settlements because their housing is little more than thin plastic.

Therefore Amnesty International of Zimbabwe in remembering the survivors of Operation Murambatsvina is calling on the government of Zimbabwe to:
End all forced evictions
Adopt guidelines based on the UN Basic Principles and Guidelines on Development Based Evictions and Displacement
Provide free primary education for children living under Operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle

Amnesty International Zimbabwe today held a press conference launching a report titled Left Behind: The impact of Zimbabwe’s mass forced evictions on the right to education. The report is based on research assessing the level of access to education at Hatcliffe Extension and Hopely, two settlements created by the government under Operation Garikai, which Amnesty International Zimbabwe has been monitoring since 2005.

Under Operation Garikai, the government provided a small proportion of the 700 000 victims of forced evictions either with houses that were not fully constructed or with un-serviced plots of land, on which those who were resettled were permitted to build houses without receiving any further government assistance. Both Hopely and Hatcliffe extension did not have access to government amenities such as health, education, water or electricity. The majority of households were allocated plots by the government were unable to build decent shelter, and were living in plastic shacks or other poorly constructed structures.

The data presented, was collected between December 2010 and August 2011. Interviews were conducted with 83 individuals, including children, young people, parents and guardians of children affected by Operation Murambatsvina and living in the settlements. Teachers and volunteers at community schools, NGO workers, members of teacher’s trade unions and representatives of UN agencies were also interviewed. The report estimates that at Hopely there are about 2000 children attending makeshift schools constructed and staffed by community members.  While UN Special Envoy on Human Settlement Issues Anna Tibaijuka’s report estimates that Operation Murambatsvina estimates that Operation Murabatsvina disrupted the primary and secondary education of 222 000 children, Mwanza noted that a comprehensive study of how many children had lost access to education in Zimbabwe was yet to be done.

Speaking at the launch, Amnesty International Zimbabwe, researcher Simeon Mwanza said that Operation Garikai had been retrogressive to the right to Education. He added that the biggest issue faced by communities at Hatcliffe Extension and Hopely was that government had not made any deliberate investments into restoring livelihoods. The resultant food and financial insecurity made accessing education less of a priority. The long-term impact of this was that a significant proportion of Zimbabwean children, in particular those at Hopely and Hatcliffe, were condemned to a makeshift education. Mwanza stated that the people living in Operation Garikai settlements were excluded from government programmes and services, and Non-governmental organisations were struggling to provide for them. Communities in both settlements had made attempts to meet the need to educate their children by building makeshift schools. However, these had gone unregistered and were thus excluded from government support schemes such as the education transition fund and the per capita tuition grant. In instances where communities had attempted to register schools, they were met with resistance from government officials.

The report concludes:

Violations of economic, social and cultural rights for people living in Operation Garikai settlements, including violation so the right to education, have gone largely unnoticed mainly due to lack of a government mechanism to monitor the situation in these settlements and devise strategies to address human rights violations resulting from Operation Murambatsvina. The government has done little to genuinely consult with the affected communities in order to formulate interventions that address problems experienced by the victims. There is a huge gap between the reality as lived by the affected communities and the stated government policies to address the situation.

I attended a National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) organized Youth Peace Convention on the 29th and 30th of September at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music, Bulawayo at which the only visible minister of the very toothless and useless organ on ‘National Healing’ spoke. But that’s not what I want to talk about.

On the second day we had representatives from ZAPU, MDC, MDC Tsvangirai and ZANU PF. The ZAPU and MDC guys were eloquent, but I have forgotten what they talked about; which means it was useless. The MDC Tsvangirai guy made a total fool of himself: He kept saying ‘the smaller MDC’ and referred to ZANU PF as the opposition party; implying that his party was the ruling party. Really? We must be the only country in the world where the ‘ruling party’ does not actually rule. I sat there getting very confused; if MDC Tsvangirai is the ruling party, why don’t they control the army and the police and everything else actually. He rudely dismissed the MDC and ZAPU and said their agenda as a party was ZANU PF, not the insignificant small parties. And I thought their agenda like all of us was Zimbabwe!

When it was the turn of the ZANU PF guy, Fundisani Dewa (youth secretary for economic affairs) to speak, he spoke eloquently about how he had spend the last two weeks in a ZANU PF prison. I happen to have remembered this guy’s name because I have known him for years and I didn’t know he was ZANU PF: But I should have suspected that his success was not hard-earned. I guess by mentioning that he was in prison, he was angling for our sympathy. He conveniently forgot that his arrest was totally different to the arrest we always cry about. Him and other youths have been taking over buildings in Bulawayo and that’s surely illegal and he deserved to be arrested. I guess he is bitter because ZANU PF does not arrest its own over something as ‘commendable’ as taking over white men’s property: Fundisani and others must be victims of the infighting that has rocked ZANU PF of late.

The question that we were left asking was that if ZANU PF can do that to its own, what’s in store for those who belong to the opposition parties. When the question of Gukurahundi was raised, he said we should let bygones be bygones. He hastened to add that he had been born in Khami prison during Gukurahundi and that he didn’t know his father. I guess his reasoning for being part of ZANU PF is that it can make him rich. Does it make sense? I am a victim of Gukurahundi myself and what I would want is Affirmative Action; we need to catch up to our Shona brothers who have had an undisturbed path to success. Fundisani is taking his Affirmative Action now and who are we to judge him.

I left the convention wondering if the people knew what their parties were all about and felt it was of urgent necessity to organize meetings between parties and the people. Not rallies, but meetings were people can engage their ‘leaders’ and bring them to account.

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.

Two (2) positions: National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe
Deadline: 7 October 2011

National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, NCDPZ seeks to employ the services of an Agronomist and Project Manager with relevant professional qualifications and experience on a three year fixed term contract. National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ) is an organisation of persons (men, women, boys and girls) with disabilities.

1. Project Manager

Reports to the Executive Director.

This is a senior position that requires a mature professional of high integrity.

Duties
-Oversee the implementation of the project and ensure that stated goals and objectives are met
-Prepare program work plans, budgets in co-ordination with the agronomist
-Work with the agronomist to ensure that the project is implemented in conformity with the project goal
-Regular monitoring of the project budget to ensure the budget is spent on time with no overspending
-Preparation of periodic project reports relating to the progress of the project
-The Project manager should be able to liaise and communicate with the Agronomist on updates, developments and any information considered relevant to the project

Qualifications attributes and Relevant work experience
-Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences
-At least 3 years experience at senior level in project management in development work
-Excellent English writing and communication skills
-Good analytical and project management skills
-Experience in working with people with disabilities

2. Agronomist: Based in Zezani, Beitbridge

Reports to the Project Manager

Duties
-Provide regular reports on the project activity implementation status against the project goals and objectives
-Document all project activities and reports
-Organize and conduct training in horticulture, technical agronomic skills and conservation farming for 200 households
-Prepare and produce training materials
-Facilitate linkages between agro dealers, potential markets and farmers

Qualifications, attributes and relevant experience
-University Degree in Agriculture or relevant discipline from a recognized institution
-A minimum of 3 years experience managing a sustainable agricultural programme
-Excellent agricultural skills including the ability to manage time, set priorities and meet deadlines
-Class 4 Driver’s License a must
-Understanding of food security programmes, disability and gender issues
-Be computer literate
-A readiness of working with people with disabilities

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should email a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (including referees) and copies of University degrees and professional certificates to: ncdzim [at] mweb [dot] co [dot] zw or hand deliver to: Freedom House, Opposite Mpilo OI Clinic, Old Victoria Falls Road, Bulawayo

Please note that only the highest quality applications will be considered. In the case of a successful candidate being found, NCDPZ will perform reference & background checks. NCDPZ is an equal opportunity employer. It particularly encourages applications from people with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people.

Programme Manager
Deadline: 7 October 2011

Two international organisations are partnering in Zimbabwe to implement a programme that will facilitate the creation of employment through self-help and practical tools which strengthen the individual and society for sustainable development. The programme is being implemented in 10 districts across Zimbabwe.

We are seeking applications from appropriately qualified and experienced people for the position of Programme Manager Zimbabwe.

Work base: Harare, Zimbabwe
Position details: 2 year fixed term contract
Salary: Negotiable

Job purpose: To lead the national implementation of the programme and managing the programme team and resources to deliver agreed results within the set timeframes and budgets. The Programme Manager, who will be fully responsible for the implementation of the programme, will report to the Steering Committee comprising SCC and HIH senior managers.

Key Responsibilities

-Responsible for managing the implementation of the foundational and growth phases of the job creation processes, including Self-Help Group formation, training, access to finance, markets, skills and promotion of small, micro enterprises.
-Provision of leadership to staff
-Recruitment and performance evaluation of programme staff
-Management of the programme budget
-Monitoring and evaluation
-Responsible for stakeholder engagement and management
-Responsible for representing the programme
-Co-ordination of the progress on the field
-Builds relationships and develops networks

Key requirements

-Senior management experience in leading the development and ensuring the delivery of programme strategy
-Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically
-Experience in leading and motivating multi disciplinary, geographically remote teams, a high degree of self-awareness
-Experience in representing an organization with partners, government agencies, private sector organizations and donors
-High level financial management skills to steer the operational budget
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate, influence and negotiate
-An advanced degree in Development Studies or Economics or Social Science or Businesses Management is required
-A valid driver’s licence
-Fluency in English and at least one local language
-Computer literacy
-Over 10 years’ experience in senior management position

To apply, please send a brief motivational letter and CV to both of the following email addresses: recruitzim [at] yahoo [dot] com and jwara.lungile [at] gmail [dot] com

Country Controller: SNV
Deadline: 7 October 2011

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is working in over 33 developing countries across the world in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The emphasis of our work is on poverty reduction and promotion of good governance through (1) increasing production, income and employment and (2) increasing access to basic services in the sectors of water, sanitation & hygiene, education, health and renewable energy. The East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region of the SNV includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This position is located in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Country Controller is a member of the Country Management Team; s/he functionally and hierarchically reports to the ESA Regional Controller while providing finance and control services to the Country Director, SNV Zimbabwe and the Country Management Team.

Purpose

The Country Controller position exists to provide support for all SNV Zimbabwe based activities. S/he implements (Finance) policies along the five pillars (Finance and administration, planning and control, audit, ICT and procurement) for the country and functionally carries out supervision of Portfolio Administrators located in the portfolio offices. In addition, s/he provides (financial) advice to the Country Director and Portfolio Co-ordinators. S/he is responsible for adherence to compliance and in this capacity the guardian of SNV rules and regulations. S/he oversees all Key Qualitative Indicators (KQIs) and reports on a monthly basis to the Regional Controller and CMT.

Major responsibilities

Financial strategy
-Contribute to the formulation of the Financial and ICT strategy of the region
-Develop Country Finance strategy as well as contribute to development of the Country strategy

Financial Management and Control
-Establishing procedures, guidelines and work instructions concerning administration of portfolios within the country
-Monitoring procedures, administrations and data of portfolios on quality, compliance, consistency and effectiveness and taking action if necessary
-Overseeing the budget preparation process by budget holders, monitoring budgets, ensuring compliance to budget procedures and providing timely feedback reports

Financial Accounting and Administration
-Carrying out accounting at country level
-Checking and consolidating data of portfolios, preparing monthly, quarterly and annual budgets and monitor progress and exhaustion on monthly basis
-Carrying out necessary reconciliations and adjustments between existing administrations
-Responsible for liquidity Management within the country
-Archiving all relevant documents, monitoring reporting by portfolios
-Responsible for payment to suppliers and monitoring actual delivery
-Being in charge of salary and tax related issues at country level
-Being in charge of Fixed Assets Management from a financial and economic perspective
-Manage logistics & purchasing for the Zimbabwe office

Information Services
-Providing financial and administrative reports, ensuring quality of outsourced ICT services
-Checking financial and non-financial data on accuracy, completeness and timeliness
-Supporting Human Resources reporting to country offices, portfolio offices and Finance

Resource Mobilisation
-Coordinate risk assessments, contract signing, budget formulation and funds flow for resource mobilisation initiatives in line with the Partnership and Resource Mobilisation guideline. Ensure revenue accruals are done on a monthly basis
-Provide monthly financial reports to management and lead advisors on partner funds exhaustion
-Provide financial reports to partners on the agreed dates in line with the partnership agreements

Financial Training Partners
-Provide support to SNV clients on financial issues as and when required by the advisory practice

Human Resource Management
-Assist in recruitment of Finance staff
-Coach junior employees for optimal performance

Qualifications

Education
-Degree in Accounting, Financial Management or related fields (MBA preferably)
-Professional accounting qualifications (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, etc)
-Qualifications in information systems and especially SPA an added advantage

Work experience and knowledge
-Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a similar position
-Fluency in written and spoken English
-Computer literate, proficient with MS Word, Excel and financial applications

Personality
-Proactive personally
-Good communicator who is a critical thinker and has a strong personality
-A professional orientation to work
-Impeccable integrity

Applications should be emailed to: Zimbabwe [at] snvworld [dot] org and rshamu [at] snvworld [dot] org

SNV is dedicated to a society where all people enjoy the freedom to pursue their own sustainable development. For more information visit the website: www.snvworld.org

Country Directors: VSO
Deadline: 13 October 2011

VSO has a new strategy and we’re looking for country directors in Africa to help us breathe life into it. This is your chance to play a decisive role in shaping the way our operations in Africa look for years to come. Are you ready for the challenge?

The jobs
We want people to head up our programme offices and we have a number of vacancies in countries across Africa. Working together with a highly motivated team, you’ll translate our new strategy into lasting, meaningful improvements in the lives of the country’s poorest people. You’ll work with our strategic partners to shape our goals, create national strategy, raise our profile, network with government agencies, donors and other international agencies, and generally be a walking, talking embodiment of our values and vision. You’ll also support our volunteers, manage our people, take responsibility for financial and resource management and legal compliance. Easy, right?

You
You’re an experienced senior manager and you’ve successfully managed development or humanitarian programmes at a country level before. You have excellent leadership, negotiation and relationship-building skills. And your project-management skills need to be second to none, because you’ll be using them to plan, resource and implement our innovative programmes Oh, and you’ll need to find the cash to run some of those programmes too, so experience securing external funding and grants is essential.

Us
We’re a development organisations that’s been working through volunteers to fight poverty for more than fifty years. We blush when we admit it, but we’re the leading organisation in the field. We work in almost 50 countries and we’re constantly exploring new ways to use the time, energy and skills of people to make a difference. Even if you know us, it’s worth checking out our website – we might not be the organisation you think we are.

The package
OK, so nobody works for an NGO to make a fortune, but you still deserve to be paid properly. As well as a competitive salary, the package includes comprehensive health benefits, accommodation, children’s education and relocation costs, plus we’ll match pension contributions up to 5% of your salary.

Ready to apply?
Find out more

Deputy Logistics Sub-Unit Manage: JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc
Deadline: 14 October 2011

Key functions

The overall purpose of the Deputy Logistics Sub-Unit Manager is to work closely with the Logistics Sub-Unit (LSU) Manager, Upstream Logistics Co-ordinator and Data Analyst to highlight any gaps in supply and work to ensure these gaps are filled. As a member of the LSU, work to ensure the continuous supply of essential medicines including HIV & AIDS commodities wherever they are needed in the MOHCW public sector.

The Deputy LSU Manager will:
-Deputize the LSU Manager
-Supervise HIV & AIDS and Essential Medicines Logistics Officers and PMTCT Focal Person

Specific responsibilities/tasks

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
-Carry out duties of the LSU Manager in his/her absence
-Work with the LSU Manager to develop annual work plans for the LSU
-Work closely with NatPharm to co-ordinate health commodities distribution systems and logistics management information systems
-Provide pharmaceutical technical advice to the LSU team
-Forecast and quantify essential medicines and HIV related commodity needs
-Prepare technical and status/progress reports on logistics system performance and implementation activities
-Monitor the timelines and completeness of deliveries of commodities within the country
-Generate regular stock status and logistics system progress reports to be presented to programme managers, donors and other stakeholders
-Conduct a regular pipeline analyses and monitoring of commodity supplies at the national and facility levels
-Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with NatPharm, PMDS, ZNFPC, HIV & AIDS commodity donors, NGOs, NAC and other agencies
-Assist in conducting logistics management training and other related trainings and workshops
-Serve on donor co-ordination and commodity management committees as requested
-Perform any other duties as necessary

Qualifications
-Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (preferred), Public Administration, Logistics or related field
-Five years’ progressively responsible experience in logistics management
-Very good reporting and writing skills in English
-Ability to conduct effective public presentations
-Demonstrated skills in representation, liaison and collaboration with government, private and non-governmental organizations
-Demonstrated skills in word processing and use of spreadsheets
-Demonstrated knowledge of the Zimbabwe public health sector
-HIV & AIDS work experience
-Police clearance
-Good physical and mental health

Competitive salary and benefits. Interested applicants please submit application letter and complete resume and contactable references to: JSI Country Director, Southwest Wing, Room SW 07, Agriculture House, No. 1 Adylinn Road, Corner Marlborough Drive, Marlborough, Harare. Fax: +263-4-309830. Email: info [at] jsizim [dot] co [dot] zw

Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Information Officer: local NGO
Deadline: 20 October 2011

Background
A non-profit making local non-governmental organization in Zimbabwe working on capacity building and advocacy with youth at national level seeks to employ an Information Officer to start 1st November 2011.  The Information Officer will support the organization for its information management and internal & external communications functions. The Information Officer will support programme departments and will be responsible for developing effective information exchange and communication, collecting and disseminating documentation about program impact. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager.

Responsibilities

* Develop communication materials and coordinate the organization’s publications while maintaining quality standards: writes and edits reports, brochures, newsletters, website content etc.
* Set up and manage the organization’s resource centre;
* Develop and manage internal information resources and networks
* Conducting research
* Develop a strategy and policy for the utilization of new media (including social media) for the organization’s information and advocacy activities;
* Support the organization’s information and advocacy activities through maintaining a database of partner organizations and communicating with these regularly ;
* Ensure the handling of external requests for information;
* Develop and implement an effective communication strategy for YET;
* Assist in distribution of YET publications;
* Assist in development of project proposals, organizing and facilitating  training workshops and monitoring of activities for effective communication of results;
* Perform any other relevant tasks/duties as assigned by the Programme Manager or Director

Qualifications and Experience

* A degree in Journalism, Information Management or any other Social Science degree plus post-graduate studies in a communications related field
* At least 3 years experience working in youth development work and understands the dynamics of the youth sector in Zimbabwe
* Excellent English writing and communication skills
* Ability to work in a youthful and dynamic team
* Effective planning and organisation skills
* Good project management skills
* Excellent computer skills
* Ability to work under pressure

Prospective applicants should email their CV and cover letter to: yetrecruitment [at] gmail [dot] com

Managing Editor: Journal Of Public Policy In Africa (JoPPA)
Deadline: 31 October 2011

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and Institute of Peace, Governance and Leadership (IPLG) based at the Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe has an exciting position for an energetic Managing Editor. The two organisations are in the process of developing a uniquely African Journal on Public Policy to be known as the Journal of Public Policy in Africa (JoPPA). The Journal will play a catalyst role on the continent in the generation and dissemination of new ideas in developing public policy for democratic development.

Overview of Key Responsibilities

The Managing Editor will report to the Editor-in-Chief, who in turn reports to an Advisory Board made up of a panel eminent African scholars and academics. The Managing Editor will be responsible for:

1. Overseeing all phases of the production process ensuring production and distribution of the JoPPA in a timely manner, coordinating efforts with other editors and with authors.
2. The Managing Editor is responsible for developing and/or implementing and maintaining sound business procedures consistent with prevailing Africa University policies pertaining to overseeing and coordinating the production and publication of the Journal.
3. Procedures for efficiently coordinating all logistics pertaining to publication of journal articles.
4. Procedures for efficiently coordinating all logistics pertaining to book reviews for eventual publication in the Journal.
5. Procedures for maintaining accurate, auditable records for interactions with contributors, copy editor(s), and subscribers to the Journal.
6. Administration of all contracted relations with publishers, printers, subscription management services, and other vendors/service providers.
7. Coordination of the compilation and preparation of accepted materials for copyediting;
8. Proofreading of copyedited materials as required at various stages of the publication process.
9. Supervision of such part-time student personnel as may be hired by the Journal for specific purposes and of such IPLG clerical staff as may be temporarily assigned.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree and five years relevant publishing experience in proofreading academic prose and in-house production editing. Must be proficient in APA style documentation. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and Acrobat. Excellent communication skills including scholarly vocabulary, knowledge of academic footnoting and bibliography form, ability to enter corrections in foreign languages (French and Portuguese) with correct accents and presentation of translated material.

Previous experience in marketing and subscription management will be beneficial.

The position will be based in Mutare, Zimbabwe. An attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience applies. The job is offered on a two-year (renewable) contract.

Interested applicants should forward a letter of interest and a detailed CV to:

The Assistant Registrar Personnel and Administration
Africa University, Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe
c/o Mrs. Susan V. Musiyiwa
Secretary to Director
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance
Africa University
Iplgsec [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw