hiv/aids
hiv/aids
FHI360: Technical Advisor
FHI 360Please note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Thursday, February 28, 2013FHI360 is a nonprofit organisation working in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support.Opportunity type:Employment
FHI 360 South Africa seeks to appoint a Technical Advisor, based in Pretoria.
The Technical Advisor will provide technical support and specific expertise for assigned country programmes.
Responsibilities:- Provide SRH/PMTCT training to identified NDOH and PODH health faculty staff;
- Provide care and support technical guidance to the ICPC implementing partners;
- Participate in key policy formulation working groups Policy formulation working groups Policy formulation and reviews;
- Coordinate linkage between health facilities and FHI supported community groups;
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Provide on-site technical support to program implementation;
- Support the development and monitoring of work plans;
- Capacity Building and mentoring of stakeholders as needed and assist in strengthening partnerships with NDOH, Provincial Districts and other stakeholders;
- Contribute to SRH/PMTCT policy formulation;
- Prepare reports and papers summarising project results.
- Informed on international programme developments in unit expertise and stay alert to any implication of such information for project activities;
- Have knowledge of HIV/AIDS, reproduction health, family planning, public health, and/or social science research health programs in developing countries;
- Have sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political and ethical issues in assigned areas, e.g. reproductive health, family planning, HIV infection;
- Resourceful through technology, research skills, and relationship building among several organisation teams and units and professional organizations to resolve problems and initiate enhancements;
- Have writing and verbal communication skills;
- Have relevant language skills (if appropriate);
- With minimal supervision, manage high volume work flow;
- Have relevant computer software skills (including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office).
- PhD, MD or similar degree and one to three years relevant experience in HIV/AIDS or family planning, reproductive health programmes.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about FHI360, refer to www.fhi360.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Want to reach the widest spectrum of NGO and development stakeholders in South Africa as part of your communication and outreach objectives? Learn more about how the NGO Pulse Premium Advertising Service can support your communication requirements. Visit http://goo.gl/MUCvL for more information.FHI360: Programme / Capacity Building Officer
FHI 360 - South AfricaPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, February 22, 2013Opportunity type:EmploymentFHI360 is a nonprofit organisation working in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support.
The FHI360 South Africa Umbrella Grants Management (UGM) programme provides capacity building support to USAID selected partners in implementation of HIV/AIDS programs under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The program includes (1) provision of grants to USAID/PEPFAR partners to ensure adequate resource flow; (2) provision of ongoing capacity building in organisational development and HIV prevention, care and support, and treatment service delivery and (3) implementation of effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) systems to assess and document activities.
The FGHI360 Umbrella Grants Management (UGM) Project seeks to appoint a Programme/Capacity Building Officer, based in Pretoria.
The Programme/Capacity Building Officer will be part of a highly efficient and motivated team. This position will be involved in Programmes Unit administration; coordination of Capacity Building (CB) activities, strategic meetings/workshops and consultations; maintaining and building partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
Responsibilities:- Support the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) in the administration of Programmes unit;
- Liaison with other Units to compile the Monthly Workplan and track accomplishment of planned activities;
- Organise and attend grantees Progress Review and Management Meetings;
- Contribute to the team and keep partners abreast of developments and trends in the HIV Care and Support, Prevention, OVC fields and support the implementation of grantees activities, as appropriate;
- Arrange weekly unit meetings and keep accurate records of meetings;
- Compile monthly CB progress reports and updates;
- Coordinate regular communication with partners/ grantees to follow up the implementation of CB and programmatic TA Plans;
- Coordinate the recruitment of CB consultants and compile all relevant documentation;
- Assist the CB Advisor to monitor Consultant work plans and progress on accomplishment of contractual deliverables;
- Edit draft reports from consultants;
- Prepare all necessary documentation to process consultant payments;
- Administer and coordinate the Education and Training Fund (ETF);
- Prepare presentations and develop other workshop materials as may be required;
- Serve as a backstop and contact person during the absence of DCOP and CB Advisor;
- Perform other tasks as assigned by the DCOP and CB Advisor.
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, communication, development or any relevant field;
- Minimum of three years of relevant experience in administrative and logistical support;
- Experience in programme management and report writing;
- Previous work within an NGO setting;
- Experience in workshops logistical arrangement;
- Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, including people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
- Proficiency in computer technologies such as word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as Internet research best practices;
- Fast-paced and deadline-oriented, ability to be flexible, well-organised and self-sufficiency
- Ability to analyse and synthesise information;
- Writing abilities with focus on attention to detail and production of high quality reports;
- Ability to multi task simultaneously and prioritize projects efficiently;
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines;
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (both verbally and in writing).
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about FHI360, refer to www.fhi360.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Want to reach the widest spectrum of NGO and development stakeholders in South Africa as part of your communication and outreach objectives? Learn more about how the NGO Pulse Premium Advertising Service can support your communication requirements. Visit http://goo.gl/MUCvL for more information.USAID, m2m, Partnership to Reduce PMTCT
The United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development and mothers2mothers have launched a five-year regional partnership in Swaziland.
The partnership, which is the first of its kind in the region, is part of USAID's Southern Africa Regional HIV/AIDS Programme (RHAP) and is designed to strengthen country-led programmes to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and eliminate pediatric AIDS in Southern and Eastern Africa, the regions hit hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Swaziland will be the first country under the new partnership to receive USAID funding to implement m2m's "Mentor Mothers Reducing Infections through Support and Education (RISE)" Project.
To read the article titled, “US government announces USAID and mothers2mothers (m2m) partnership to end pediatric AIDS,” click here.Source:All AfricaAgriAids South Africa: Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
AgriAids SAPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Wednesday, February 20, 2013Opportunity type:EmploymentAgriAids is a NGO supporting the South African agricultural industry to actively address the problem of HIV/AIDS. AgriAids promotes an integrated approach where awareness as well as treatment are considered essential to fight the pandemic.
The programme is working towards reducing the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on commercial and emerging farming operations. AgriAids works in close cooperation with farm management and the Public Health Care. AgriAids ensures follow-up and closely monitors HIV and wellness programmes implemented on farms. The organisation is funded by PEPFAR/USAID.
AgriAids SA seeks to appoint a full-time Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager, based in Pretoria.
The successful candidate we are looking for should have a clear understanding and knowledge of information and data management systems. S/he should understand the special requirement of USAID reporting requirements and procedures. S/he will be responsible for reporting on a quarterly base to donors. The M&E Manager will use data to inform the programmatic implantation. S/he will be responsible for programme quality assurance. The M&E Manager will ensure AgriAids image is maintained at all levels whilst pursuing specific goals and objectives as defined by AgriAids management and donors.
Responsibilities:- Ensure all donor requirements are met in terms of day-to-day data management and record keeping;
- Closely monitor all project targets to ensure optimal achievement of targets;
- Arrange monthly internal reporting meetings with management;
- Together with the Managers and implementing teams, assess the overall impact and the effectiveness of programme strategies;
- Constant monitoring, control and evaluation of project related activities through regular site visits;
- Execute monthly/quarterly reporting to donors as per reporting templates;
- Ensure all project-related information/data is stored and retrievable;
- Documentation of projects and programme outcomes;
- Report to Chief Operating Officer.
- Minimum of five years experience in M&E related field;
- Qualified data and information management, or related experience;
- Data management experience related to maintaining computer database systems, filing, managing facility systems, equipment and supplies;
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel;
- Communication skills (both written and verbal); and
- Ability to prioritise and organise various tasks.
To apply, submit your application to the Chief Finance Officer, Karin Jenkins at karin@agriaids.org.za.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted applicants who meet the criteria will be contacted.
For more about AgriAids SA, refer to www.agriaids.org.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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CARE: Regional Emergency Coordinator
CARE South Africa- LesothoPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, February 11, 2013CARE is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations. Its current focus is on women and girls. It manages and supports programmes related to HIV/AIDS and health care, voluntary savings and loans, income generation, capacity building of community based organisations’ and local NGOs and efforts to improve local governance.Opportunity type:Employment
CARE seeks to appoint a Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC), based in Johannesburg.
As part of CARE’s priority to strengthen its humanitarian preparedness and response globally, region-based emergency coordinator positions have been established in each major region where CARE operates. Coordinators support country offices and regions in the initial phases of an emergency response, humanitarian preparedness, capacity building, humanitarian policy & analysis and technical assistance in the support of quality emergency response.
The REC provides critical coordination and support to CARE International’s emergency preparedness and response. In-between emergencies s/he works with country offices, lead members’ management, and CI and lead members’ emergency units, on strengthening capacity for preparedness, emergency response, integration of emergency programming within CARE’s program approach, strengthening humanitarian policy, and other related priority areas, in order to strengthen CARE’s humanitarian capabilities across the region. S/he also represents CARE externally at regional level in the humanitarian field with key forums, partners and donors, develops a contextual understanding of the region, and undertakes appropriate humanitarian policy and analysis. During major emergencies, the REC will often be the first rapid response staff member to deploy from outside the country office and would support initial response start-up by the country office. The REC represents all of CI, liaises with various CI offices and members, and should ensure consistency with CI global humanitarian approaches and standards. For these reasons, the REC reports to the CI emergency group (CEG), but with strong links to lead members’ management structures, including both their line management and emergency units.
Responsibilities:- Response: Support country offices initiate responses to emergencies, in consultation with CEG and the lead member (line management and emergency units), including advising on start-up, assessments, coordination with sector specialists, review and support on emergency strategy. In rapid onset and/or major emergencies, the REC will be expected to rapidly deploy to the country office to directly support the start-up of the response in an appropriate role such as leading assessment and/or start-up of an emergency response, or other roles as needed. The REC might also be responsible for leading assessments and responses in countries in which CARE has no presence. In relatively small or chronic emergencies, the REC may coordinate or provide TA to the country office team mounting a response. This includes monitoring country office capacity to respond and progress made in doing so, guiding country offices on the use of CARE’s emergency toolkit, guiding the role of the ERT, helping country offices assess capacities and fill human and other resource gaps as rapidly as possible;
- Preparedness: With a focus on high risk countries - support country offices on improving and enhancing their level of preparedness. Provide support and guidance to country offices through EPP workshops and in identifying preparedness or response gaps. Working with the capacity building team to strengthen staffs knowledge and understanding on emergency response teams, application of CARE EPP guidelines and CET and contingency plans,. Link CI technical specialists with Co for technical input for preparedness and draft response strategies;
- Quality and accountability/learning and reflection: Promote and guide quality in emergency programmes throughout the region. This includes promoting and guiding country offices in their adherence to minimum standards, including CARE’s Humanitarian Accountability Framework (incl. program principles and its humanitarian mandate, policies, procedures & guidance as contained within CARE’s emergency toolkit) incorporation of gender approaches and integration of humanitarian considerations. Additional supporting the programme quality team by facilitating RAR & AAR workshops and following up on action points. Also cross country learning / best practises sharing across the region and within the CEG/ERWG team;
- Startegic support: To provide support to CO’s in strategic positioning on humanitarian and emergency issues. Also ensure that humanitarian issues are reflected and integrated into all strategic discussions and key documents at CO and regional level (LRSP, country reviews, management reviews, programme strategies etc);
- Representation: Lead CARE’s engagement in relevant regional humanitarian forums and meetings including with regional entities, UN humanitarian agencies, other NGOs, partners, region-based emergency donors (as appropriate), inter-agency working groups (ECB), etc., and coordinate with CEG and CI members as appropriate. Inform CO’s and Lead Members on a regular basis on regional meetings, forums and also on advocacy initiatives and opportunities.. Establish strong and close relationships with CDs and Regional / deputy regional directors and emergency directors at CI levels and play an active advisory, supportive and coordination role to facilitate clear communication and coordination and address any potential issues related to emergency preparedness and response;
- Monitor and develop understanding of on-going country/ regional contexts and vulnerabilities and risks and produce weekly updates;
- Facilitate regional emergency preparedness and regional programme opportunities;
- Work with country offices, CEG’s HR coordinator, and technical specialists to support the staffing of the RED with qualified and skilled staff within the region readily available to participate in CARE responses to emergencies within and outside the region.
- CARE International emergency group (CEG): CI head of emergency operations, head of emergency capacity development, Humanitarian director, Programme quality and accountability advisor, and other CEG staff;
- CIMs’ management: Including regional management and staff, as well as members’ emergency units, emergency directors and other emergency units’ staff;
- Country offices: Country directors, emergency coordinators and other country office staff as appropriate;
- CARE International emergency strategy implementation group (ESIG), response working group (ERWG): ESIG and ERWG members, emergency directors, sector and other specialized staff, and other appropriate staff;
- CARE International communications working group (COMWG): CEG media & information coordinator, COMWG members;
- CARE International accountability standing team: including membership of the team
- Other CARE International units: As needed.
- Donor agencies, UN agencies, IAWG, other NGOs; host governments; and other principle stakeholders.
The Regional Emergency Coordinator reports to the CI head of emergency operations in CEG. If deployed during initial emergency response, and depending on the situation, the REC may report to the country director /ACD P or other for the purposes of managing the specific response for the temporary duration of the assignment.
The position does not directly manage any positions, though when working as part of a CI emergency assessment or rapid response team the coordinator may supervise other emergency staff for the temporary duration of the assignment.
Requirements:- Master’s degree or relevant combination of qualifications and experience, in a relevant field;
- Minimum of eight to ten years experience in humanitarian preparedness, risk reduction and response;
- Experience and knowledge of the region;
- Experience in programme design, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, including SPHERE standards, donor relations, security and protection considerations;
- Experience in scale-up emergency response;
- Excellent training, coaching, facilitation and mentoring skills;
- High level of writing and communication skills;
- Willingness to spend high proportion of time travelling away from home (approx 60%) and be deployed with limited notice period;
- Language skills in English and French
- Team building;
- Managing relationships across units, country offices, and CI;
- Self-awareness;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Stress tolerance;
- Customer orientation;
- Planning and organising;
- Proactive problem solving;
- Operational decision-making;
- Resilience, adaptability and ability to self-manage.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.
For more about CARE, refer to www.care.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Want to reach the widest spectrum of NGO and development stakeholders in South Africa as part of your communication and outreach objectives? Learn more about how the NGO Pulse Premium Advertising Service can support your communication requirements. Visit http://goo.gl/MUCvL for more information.CARE: Support Service Coordinator
CARE South Africa - LesothoPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, February 11, 2013CARE is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations. Its current focus is on women and girls. It manages and supports programs related to HIV/AIDS and health care, voluntary savings and loans, income generation, capacity building of community based organizations’ and local NGOs and efforts to improve local governance.Opportunity type:Employment
CARE seeks to appoint a Support Service Coordinator, based in Johannesburg with about 25% field travel.
The purpose of the Support Services Coordinator position is to manage the day to day operations of Country Office Support Services departments; provide guidance on administrative activities to achieve management of property, vehicles, lease and general administration for the Head Office and Sub-Offices and to supervise Support Services activities. S/he will be responsible for ensuring smooth running of support services; ensure implementation of CARE Operational Policies and Procedure and compliance with Donor regulations.
Responsibilities:
Coordination of support services activities- Manage performance of support services staff;
- Ensure smooth running of support services unit;
- Ensure proper support is given to all CARE programs as well as other support units;
- Assist with audit responses and development of corrective action plans.
- Responsible for ensuring that general vehicle management activities are done smoothly and as well as ensuring timely preparation of vehicle related reports by administration and logistics;
- Responsible for ensuring that vehicle log books are collected from sub offices as well as ensuring completeness and compliance by any Administrative and Logistics staff where applicable;
- Ensure that country office vehicle maintenance schedule is in place and fully functional as well as ensuring that vehicles are serviced as per manufacturer’s recommendations;
- Ensure that vehicle personal usage reports are prepared on quarterly basis as well as charging relevant people for excess mileage travelled;
- Ensure that proper vehicle records are kept;
- Ensure that monthly vehicle usage charges are prepared for all pool vehicles that are used by Projects and other departments.
- Ensure proper maintenance of Country Office Fixed Asset register;
- Ensure that all CO fixed assets as defined by the Policy are tagged upon receipt by Administration and Logistics Assistant;
- Ensure proper maintenance of all CO assets as well as ensuring timely repairs in accordance with the Policy;
- Ensure effective systems for property safeguarding and control;
- Ensure quick disposal and auction of old unusable and damaged property of the CO as and when necessary in accordance with the Policy;
- Ensure leases for property are effectively managed.
- Ensure smooth running of logistical support to all CARE programs as well as other support units.
- Responsible for coordination of procurement of lease agreement for CO as well as ensuring that all safety and security requirements are met for all leased premises;
- Responsible for managing contracts of lease between CARE and landlords as well as ensuring proper records of agreements accordingly;
- Responsible for lease agreement renewals on yearly basis;
- Responsible for timely processing payment of all CO leased premises;
- Responsible for up keeping and maintenance of all CO leased premises and liaising with landlords as applicable.
- Provide support to all CARE programs and other support units regarding general communications (E-mails, telephones, mobile phones etc.);
- Responsible for timely processing and payment of all telephone invoices for CO;
- Responsible for tracking telephone usage for CO and ensuring good controls on telephone usage;
- Responsible for timely processing and payment of all mobile phone invoices for CO;
- Responsible for timely processing and payment of CO e-mail services;
- Responsible for timely processing and payment of Braamfontein primi cell invoices.
- Supervises and coaches the Administration and Logistics Assistant;
- Ensure that the Administration and Logistics Assistant maintains all Vehicle Fleet and Property records for control and reference purpose in accordance with CO Policies and Procedures.
- Perform other incidental duties as requested by immediate supervisor.
- Bachelor degree in accounting, management or equivalent;
- Minimum of three years experience in General Support Services;
- Experience with accounting systems, spread sheets such as Excel; Access etc. in generating source and origin waivers;
- Good writing and analytical skills;
- Proven language proficiency in written and spoken English;
- Computer literacy in Microsoxft Office;
- Interpersonal communication skills;
- Demonstrated technical and managerial ability, sound judgment and ability to work effectively with others at all levels;
- Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, participatory approach and sustainable development.
- Competencies: respect, accountability, accountability, analytical ability, networking, adaptability, initiating action, building partnerships, communication with impact, customer focus, facilitating change, coaching, managing performance for success, operational decision making, planning and organising.
To apply, submit a CV, salary history and motivation letter to brian.phaka@za.care.org.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.
For more about CARE, refer to www.care.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
--------------------------------------------------------- Need to upgrade your NGO's technology capacity and infrastructure? Need software and hardware at significantly discounted prices? Refer to the SANGOTeCH online technology donation and discount portal at www.sangotech.org.
Foundation for Professional Development: Technical Assistance - Finance and Supply Chain Fellows
Foundation for Professional DevelopmentPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Tuesday, April 30, 2013Opportunity type:EmploymentThe President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Fellowship Programme offers an exciting opportunity for Masters' level graduates and students who have completed 80 percent of their Masters course work to be placed with HIV and AIDS service organisations (PEPFAR Partners) within South Africa.
PEPFAR seeks to recruit Masters' level graduates and students as Technical Assistance - Finance and Supply Chain Fellows for the PEPFAR Fellowship Programme.
The successful candidates will provide project-driven financial and supply chain management support services to the following District Offices: Tshwane/Metsweding, Nkangala, Capricorn and Vhembe districts.
Responsibilities:
System strengthening
Map financial and supply chain processes, defining steps, responsibilities, formats and standards, including:- Budgeting;
- Creditors management;
- Debtors management;
- Compile detailed procedure manuals incorporating the relevant aspects of BAS and LOGIS.
- The fellow will be expected to participate in any intervention that may be identified and approved.
- Compile short training programmes across the spectrum of financial and supply chain management for delivery to various occupational levels in the District Office and its institutions
- Compile the criteria for finance and supply chain management functionality at district hospital level
- Valid EB driver's licence and own car;
- Master's degree in financial management/logistics/supply chain management/business economics;
- Knowledge of PFMA and treasury regulations, PPPFA and procurement regulations;
- Knowledge of training methodologies;
- Verbal and written communication skills;
- Computer literacy in Microsoft Office;
- Report writing skills;
- Interpersonal and diplomacy skills and appreciation for protocols;
- Ability to think logically;
- Problem solving skills; and
- Analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
Only South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible to make application to The PEPFAR Fellowship Programme. However, non-South African candidates can send in their CV's for future reference should The PEPFAR Fellowship Programme expand into Africa.
To apply, submit a CV and cover letter to thabison@foundation.co.za.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more information, refer to www.foundation.co.za/General/fpd-ships.html.
For more about the Foundation for Professional Development, refer to www.foundation.co.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Want to reach the widest spectrum of NGO and development stakeholders in South Africa as part of your communication and outreach objectives? Learn more about how the NGO Pulse Premium Advertising Service can support your communication requirements. Visit http://goo.gl/MUCvL for more information.Employment is the answer to AIDS
A recent report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS) estimates that 5.6 million South Africans are living with HIV/AIDS. It is the highest number of infected people in any country in the world.
With so many infected people in spite of decades of action and billions of rands spent on awareness and preventative campaigns, one can only ask: What is behind the seemingly unstoppable spread of AIDS?
Not so long ago, a loveLife radio campaign speculated that the root cause of the epidemic is not ignorance, cultural practice or lack of education. Rather, it is a lack of hope and income-earning opportunity among those most at risk, namely; school leavers and the youth, that continues to fuel the spread of the virus.
The message seems to be that, without prospects for employment, education and a decent quality of life, our youth are adopting a what's-the-point attitude to their health and future, leading to irresponsible sexual behaviour and the resultant risks this carries with it.
If this is the case, reason would dictate that, to halt the spread of AIDS and reverse the gains this epidemic continues to make among our poor and marginalised communities, we need to offer young people real alternatives and opportunities.
There are many youth development and training opportunities, and the dozens of government agencies and non-governmental organisations geared at supporting and educating school leavers and new entrants into the job market show a passionate commitment to finding solutions. Unfortunately, the continued spread of AIDS and ever-increasing unemployment, especially at a graduate level, would suggest that these initiatives are not having the impact that our country needs.
So what is the answer? How do we create solutions that encourage young people to reach for the stars and not stumble over their own feet?
Bridging the gap
Firstly, we need more opportunities that bridge the gap between where the unemployed youth are now and where they aspire to be.
The rapidly changing world is a scary place for many people, and especially for school leavers and graduates as they face the responsibility of making a living and supporting their families. We need to make this transition from childhood to adulthood easier by providing accessible stepping stones such as internships, apprenticeships and low-risk micro-business opportunities.
Internships are used extensively in the United States and Europe as a way to provide on-the-job experience for young school leavers, often forming part of the requirements for a tertiary degree. Internship can be valuable to employers too, introducing a try-before-you-buy option. Internship provides excellent practical experience for youngsters and brings an infusion of new ideas and affordable, capable resources to businesses.
For that reason, the Fetola Foundation recently initiated the Graduate Asset Programme (GAP), which seeks to place 24 000 unemployed graduates into internships over the next three to four years, creating about 8 000 permanent jobs. Through GAP and supported by the jobs fund, we are aiming to revolutionise the way the small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) sector views the hosting of graduates and interns.
Simple solutions
The concept of learnerships and apprenticeships is well established in South Africa but appears to be having limited success. Unfortunately, the cumbersome sector educational and training (Seta) process makes the accredited training and learnership route unattractive for most smaller businesses and an administrative nightmare for learner and host alike.
We need to simplify this process, get youngsters into businesses to learn on the job and to start producing school leavers and graduates who have relevant, practical skills that are aligned to employers' needs.
In the same vein, the youth need access to practical, needs-based training that provides the skills they need to succeed in the real world. We must scrutinise training programmes ensure they teach skills that are needed by commerce and that these skills will help our young people to find jobs. We need to ensure that, in addition to self-belief and motivation, youngsters have practical, immediately implementable and in-demand skills.
A recurring theme in rural and peri-urban small businesses that participate in Legends, an enterprise development programme we run, is a lack of basic computer skills. But to find training organisations that offer decent personal computer literacy training at reasonable rates is almost impossible. The provision of computer training at school and university level needs to be a top priority if South Africa is ever to build an economy in which our people can advance from being low-skilled labourers to valued employees. This needs support and a working partnership between the government and business.
Thirdly, we need to ensure that the trainers and support partners are themselves equipped and experienced in the skills they teach. Business trainers need to be people with practical experience, and not simply academics and theorists.
Stop chasing numbers
We would do well to find out why so many support programmes have had limited success in solving unemployment. Why are most government-funded youth and enterprise development initiatives achieving below target? Enterprise development organisations should be measured on the results of their support - the growth of the individual or the SMME, not simply by the numbers of people trained or other input data. Performance management of this space needs to be impact-based and driven by people with a passion and understanding for the commercial arena.
Role models and mentors
Lastly, without successful, visible role models, how will we ever wean our youth away from the fantasy life of gangsters, TV stars and tenderpreneurs? We need to show that 99 percent of people succeed because they love what they do and because they work hard, not because they chose the winning numbers in the Lotto, have political connections or can kick a football.
Youngsters also need a support base to which they can turn when things get tough, or an experienced elder they can go to for advice.
According to the loveLife campaign, the antidote to AIDS is opportunity. If this is true, we clearly need to do better in the opportunity department and start offering more in ways that will strike a chord with our youth. We need to show a clear link between cause and effect, hope and life, skills and opportunity, and hard work and success. We need to inspire our greatest asset, the next generation, to see a future that is prosperous, positive and AIDS-free.
To learn more about the enterprise development agency Fetola and its programmes, refer to www.fetola.co.za.
- Catherine Wijnberg is its director and Anton Ressel is a senior consultant of the agency and a director of the Fetola Foundation. This article was first appeared in the Mail&Guardian and republished here with the permission of the Fetola Foundation.Author(s):Catherine WijnbergDurban Chamber Foundation: Administrative Assistant
Durban Chamber FoundationPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Saturday, February 2, 2013The Durban Chamber Foundation (DCF) is a section 21 company of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and has designed a series of interventions to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in the workplace.Opportunity type:Employment
The Durban Chamber Foundation (DCF) seeks to appoint an Administrative Assistant, based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Responsibilities:- Provide administrative duties and support for HIV, AIDS, CSI and wellness services and programmes;
- Scheduling, meetings, travel and accommodation arrangements;
- Take minutes at meetings;
- Coordinate the arrangement of board meetings.
- Personal assistance or secretariat experience;
- Relevant tertiary qualification;
- Minute taking skills essential;
- Unendorsed valid code 8 driver’s licence;
- Computer literacy-competence in the use of computerised packages – Microsoft Office;
- Knowledge and understanding of the NGO sector;
- Good communication and organisational skills;
- Excellent organisational and planning skills;
- Highly-motivated, confident communicator with the ability to confidently engage with individuals at all levels.
To apply, submit a CV and a motivation letter at albertn@durbanchamber.co.za.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the Durban Chamber Foundation, refer to www.durbanchamber.co.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
REPSSI - Regional Psychosocial Support InitiativePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, February 15, 2013The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) is a nonprofit that works to lessen the devastating social and emotional impact of HIV/AIDS, poverty and conflict among children and youth.Opportunity type:Employment
REPSSI is supported by USAID – PEPFAR to implement the Certificate programme and development of the guidelines for the PSS Conceptual Framework in South Africa. The programme will be implemented collaboratively with the DSD in South Africa.
REPSSI seeks to appoint a Monitoring and Evaluations (M&E) Officer, based at the REPSSI Secretariat in Johannesburg.
The person will report to the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager in Johannesburg. S/he will be required to coordinate, implement and oversee all monitoring and evaluation initiatives in South Africa as well as undertaking regular travel to the assigned areas.
Responsibilities:- Lead in the design and implementation of the M&E framework for the Project;
- Collect data using approved tools from the institutions of learning, students and other stakeholders on the agreed time frame;
- Analyse data and generate quality reports for REPSSI and its partners;
- Provide feedback on data and reports received from stakeholders;
- Ensure data quality assurance by carrying out periodic data audits with partners and stakeholders;
- Conduct regular monitoring of the project implementation;
- Participate in the implementation of baseline surveys and periodic evaluations and assessments for project, (Pre intervention, Mid-term and End of Projects);
- Monitor programme and partner performance in meeting established objectives, targets and provide regular updates;
- Provide M&E related orientation, training and mentorship for the USAID supported programme;
- Contribute to promoting M&E capacity and sustainability in the assigned areas in collaboration with the regional M&E manager;
- Assist with all other strategic information related to activities, which involve data analysis and enhanced data use to inform programme improvements;
- Provide other M&E related support and expert assistance required in support of REPSSI programme.
- Qualification in social science or Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, international health or related discipline;
- Minimum of five years experience in specific M&E related work and operationalisation of M&E frameworks;
- Experience in the OVCY work required, experience with psychosocial support is preferred;
- Ability to network and build multi-sectoral partnerships for monitoring and evaluation. Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Practical experience in basic data analysis;
- Experience in the implementation and management of M&E systems involving capacity building for field staff, monitoring and promotion of quality data;
- Experience with USAID - PEPFAR as well as other bilateral and multilateral donor M&E reporting requirements preferred;
- Computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications, with competence in programming and analysis using programs such as SAS, SPSS, Epi-Info or others is an advantage;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and local languages.
- Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines;
- Proven ability to work as a team member with multidisciplinary teams;
- Willingness to take on new tasks and learn new skills as required. Willingness to travel extensively across the country;
- Valid driver’s licence.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
Should you not receive a response from REPSSI within two weeks of application closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
This is a local position that does not come with any transfer /relocation benefits should the successful incumbent not be based in Johannesburg.
South African citizens are encouraged to apply.
For more about the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative, refer to www.repssi.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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