CLICK HERE TO VIEW FORM SIX-2012 EXAMINATION RESULTS

Read More

Information & Communications Technology Specialist

Consultant Position Available
CIDA funded Support to the Ethics Secretariat (SES) Project in Tanzania
Information & Communications Technology Specialist


Level of Effort: Up to 50 days from present to September 2015
Reports to: Field Project Director, SES Project

Overview:

This individual will design databases and create systems for the utilization of data for planning and reporting purposes as well as support ES website development as it relates to facilitating the electronic submission of relevant data.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and recommendations in assessing new IT software projects and initiatives;
• Make recommendations on custom applications to support business operations;
• Identify opportunities that can improve efficiency or business processes
•  Investigate and resolve application functionality related issues and provide first level support and troubleshooting;
• Provide systems for storage, retrieval, security and back-up of ES data
• Work with project consultants in developing a database system for collecting, reviewing and monitoring information collected for use by the ES to conduct investigative analysis and risk management of the same.
• Work with project consultants in developing management information and statistic reports to assist ES management with supervision and oversight of staff performance indicators;
• Develop internet-based data input and collection screens for data entry by solicited parties.
• Coordinate application development for multiple projects;
• Assist in managing an outsource relationship for 3rd party application development and programming (in the event one is needed);
• Write technical procedures and documentation for the applications including operations, user guide, etc.;
• Create design prototypes, including graphic design, site navigation, and layout of content, for the website;
• Ensure that the layout of the content is accessible and logical; recommend improvements if necessary;
• Create visual concepts that match the content and the image wanted by the program and ensure the site is easy to navigate;
• Build the website using technologies that conform to standards and make sure that they are universally accessible;
• Design security infrastructure system;
• Create and provide support documentation and training on maintenance and update procedures;
• Train on the management of day-to-day operational aspects for managing the website and communicate with external vendor and entities as required.

Qualifications:

Database & Website Design and Administration:

• 5-7 years‟ experience with website and database design and administration;
• Advanced knowledge of XHTML, CSS, and use of digital imaging and illustration with Adobe
• Support to the Ethics Secretariat (SES) Project in Tanzania 53 Inception Report
• Photoshop, QuarkXPress, and Illustrator;
• Knowledge of JavaScript, CSS, PHP and dynamic HTML;
• Experience with Macromedia Flash;
• Extensive experience working on PC platforms.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with cross-browser and cross-platform issues (IE, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
• Extensive knowledge of current web-design trends and techniques, with a strong portfolio displaying user-centred design and experience with web database solutions.
• Experience in general management of the development, documentation, and implementation of Internet-based applications to support business operations.
• Experience with security issues and structures for web systems handling sensitive information

  Required Skills:

• Web and database design and administration (5 Years preferred)
• Experience with JavaScript (5 Years preferred))
• XHTML, CSS, Photoshop, QuarkXPress, Illustrator (5 years preferred))
• Maintaining and administering web server and middleware tools including SQL(5 years preferred))
• Good English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Preferred Assets:
• BS degree, preferably in IS or Computer Science
• Microsoft Certified in Microsoft word, Excel, and SQL Server.

Remuneration based on experience and past salary history
Send complete CV with references to sestanzania@gmail.com or deliver to Sukari House 3rd Floor Dar Es Salaam, Support to ethics Secretariat Project Office
Closing date: All CVs must be received no later than 31 May 2013

Read More

MASCULINITIES,LEADERSHIP AND GENDER JUSTICE TRAINING COURSE

Sonke Gender Justice Network, the MenEngage Africa Network and the Women’s Health Research Unit of the University of Cape Town are proud to offer the second ‘Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa’ Training Course, as part of the ‘MenEngage Africa Training Initiative’. The aim of the MenEngage Africa Training Initiative is to work regionally to increase the capacity of organisations and individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa to lead gender justice programmes in their respective countries that engage men as partners and agents of change.

We hereby invite interested persons to apply for the upcoming course which runs from 16-26 September 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. Please go to www.menengage.org/mati2013

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Sonke Gender Justice Network

Sonke Gender Justice Network (Sonke) is a South African-based NGO that works across Africa to strengthen government, civil society and citizen capacity to support men and boys in taking action to promote gender equality, prevent domestic and sexual violence, and reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS. Using a human rights framework to achieve gender equality, Sonke endeavours to create the change necessary for all to enjoy equitable, healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of just and democratic societies. Sonke has an expanding presence on the African continent and a growing international profile through its involvement with the United Nations and its role as co-chair of the Global MenEngage Alliance and Chair of the MenEngage Africa Network, as well as other international networks and affiliates.

Sonke is involved in a wide range of initiatives and activities which encompass its multi-faceted approach to promoting gender equality, preventing gender-based violence, and reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS.  This includes research and advocacy at both the community and policy levels; community education, outreach, and mobilisation; building networks and effective coalitions; coordinating global efforts to engage men; monitoring and evaluation of its projects and initiatives; and on-going staff training to improve internal capacity.

MenEngage Africa Network

The MenEngage Africa regional network was formed in 2006, with the goal of working in partnership to promote the engagement of men and boys in achieving gender equality, preventing HIV, promoting human rights and reducing violence at all levels across the continent.  In particular, the network aims to promote collaboration and resource sharing among organisations, support joint advocacy initiatives, and build capacity and leadership on gender equality within Africa.  For more details, please visit: www.menengage.org

The network currently has country networks in over 15 countries.  These networks bring together partner organisations working on gender-based violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, women’s rights, youth and child rights, masculinities, HIV, fatherhood, sexual and reproductive health and rights, maternal health, refugees and migrants, and other issues.  The networks undertake joint programming, research, and policy and advocacy activities. 

Women’s Health Research Unit (UCT)

The Women's Health Research Unit (WHRU) was established in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 1996 and is located in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine. The overall aim of the Unit is to improve the health of women through research that informs policy and practice. It acts as a multidisciplinary centre for women's health research in South Africa focusing on high priority women's health, particularly sexual and reproductive health, and gender and health issues. The Unit's main activities include: Research, Health service support, Teaching, Social responsiveness and Advocacy. The WHRU collaborates with departments and organisations within the University and with other Universities and national and international NGOs and research organisationsand academic institutions. The Unit's research is structured according to high priority areas identified by the government and in keeping with international trends: HIV and AIDS; health systems research: sexual and reproductive health; abortion; and female cancers and contraception. One of the key issues for the Unit is how these areas link to gender issues.  Its links with the National, Provincial and Local Departments of Health ensures that its research is relevant and contributes to health policy development and program implementation.

BACKGROUND TO THE COURSE

Achieving economic, social and development goals within Africa requires individuals, government and civil society to build a more gender equitable society with healthier gender roles for women and men. To be effective, strategies must not only empower women, but should engage men and bring about significant changes in men's attitudes and practices towards sex, reproduction, women's rights and their own health.

We have, however, insufficiently focused on the need to engage men.  For although men are implicated in public health and human rights challenges facing the African continent, they are equally an integral part of the resolution – whether it be ending sexual violence, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, preventing HIV infections, addressing homophobia and human rights abuses towards LGBTI persons, or becoming more involved in fatherhood and holding their governments accountable for their commitments. In all these areas men and boys play a central role as partners and agents of change and as leaders in governance.

In addition, we have too often neglected how gender plays out in the lives of men and boys – to the detriment of women, and to the detriment of men and boys.    Rigid norms related to gender, and power differentials between groups of men, mean that many men are vulnerable to violence (the leading cause of death for young men worldwide) and are less likely to seek health services when needed, compared to women.

A growing number of program interventions at the local level are showing tremendous success in engaging men and boys in promoting their own health and well-being, and that of women and girls.   A review of 57 male involvement programmes published by the World Health Organisation found evidence that at least a quarter were effective in transforming harmful gender attitudes and behaviour, and many of the others were regarded as promising.  We now have evidence that well implemented gender transformative interventions can bring about significant changes in men’s gender and HIV related attitudes and practices.

Recognizing this fact, and the centrality of engaging men and boys to address the health and human rights problems facing Africa, UN agencies, governments and civil society have affirmed the need to involve men in achieving gender equality, and promoting the rights and well-being of girls, women and boys and men themselves.  Moreover, many countries have affirmed their support for work with men in a number of international commitments, providing policy makers with a compelling mandate to develop, implement and evaluate approaches in this area. And a growing number of NGOs and community-based groups are engaging men and boys in gender equality work.

Despite these developments, however, most initiatives to engage men and boys in achieving gender equality have been, and remain, small-scale and short-term. In order to transform pervasive gender inequalities within Sub-Saharan Africa, a scaling-up and widening in scope of the programmes and models already known to be effective is imperative. Central to achieving this aim is the strengthening of abilities of women and men to undertake effective work with men for gender equality.  It was on this basis that the MenEngage Africa Training Initiative (MATI) was born.

INTRODUCTION TO THE MENENGAGE AFRICA TRAINING INITIATIVE

As an initiative of the MenEngage Africa network, and reflecting a commitment made by the global MenEngage alliance to create a training/leadership initiative within several geographical regions, the MenEngage Africa Training Initiative was established to expand the skills and knowledge among female and male advocates, civil society practitioners, policy makers and other stakeholders within Sub-Saharan Africa on engaging men and boys, and to build a regional network of future leaders and gender justice advocates. 

Regional consultative meetings were held in Kenya (2010) and Uganda (2011) to bring together MenEngage Africa partners to deliberate on the concept of the MenEngage Africa Training Initiative, agree on curriculum content and methodology, recruitment methods and all other aspects of such an initiative.  These meetings discussed data published by Sonke in the MenEngage Africa Network Regional Organisational Capacity Survey report,[1]highlighting that capacity building of individuals and practitioners at all levels was required in order to scale-up work with men and boys to promote gender equality, and prevent HIV and GBV, within the continent.  These consultative meetings affirmed the need for the MenEngage Africa Training Initiative to launch, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town and other partners, a dedicated course in Africa on masculinities, leadership and gender justice.

ABOUT THE COURSE

‘Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa’ is a short, intensive, ten-day residential course which seeks to expand the skills and knowledge of women and men in the Sub-Saharan Africa region to scale up work on engaging men and boys in gender equality, and build a network of leaders and gender justice advocates. In doing so, it aims to strengthen existing work on the greater involvement of men and boys in the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, fatherhood, child sexual exploitation and abuse, LGBTI rights and other issues pertaining to gender equality.

The ten-day course will incorporate a mix of thematic and skills-building sessions, as well as a site visit and daily opportunity for self-reflection.  The course also entails a ‘Project for Change’ to engage men in gender justice, and a mentorship programme.  Further details of these areas are provided below.

SUMMARY OF THE FIRST COURSE

From 20-30 August 2012, the first MenEngage Africa Training Initiative course ‘Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa’ took place at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. It brought together 23 participants (14 males and 9 females) from 13 African countries (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Course content was delivered by global and regional experts and leaders in the fields of gender, human rights and social justice, for example, on topics such as ‘Why Engage Men?’ and ‘Gender, Culture, Tradition and Religion.’ Evaluations from the first course indicated that participants found the training very useful and it increased their knowledge and skills by 41 %. This is a positive outcome demonstrating that the modules on the course were effective in transferring knowledge and skills to participants on how to work with men and boys for gender equality.

COURSE OUTCOMES

At the end of the course participants will have developed in-depth knowledge and critical skills in the area of masculinities, leadership and gender justice.  Participants will be able to apply this learning to their current and future employment at the programmatic, research and policy levels, and will become part of a network of trained gender justice advocates who can advance the field of engaging men for gender equality within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Participants will have also critically assessed and strengthened their Project for Change during the course, enabling them to successfully implement these projects.

Finally, participants will have access to a mentor, and be linked to the MenEngage country network, to support their work and continued professional development.

COURSE CONTENT

The ten-day course will incorporate a mix of thematic and skills-building sessions – covering both theoretical and practical components - as well as a site visit and daily opportunity for reflection on topics being covered.

The thematic modules will focus on engaging men in programming particularly in the following areas:

§  Why engage men, The Gender Integration Continuum and working with women’s movements

§  Masculinities and HIV

§  Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

§  Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

§  LGBTI and sexual diversity

§  Human rights as a framework for gender equality

§  Women’s rights

§  Fatherhood and children’s rights

§  Culture, tradition, religion and gender

§  Key concepts

Ø  Patriarchy

Ø  Masculinity

Ø  Feminism

Ø  Women’s movements

Ø  Sexuality

The skills-building sessions will specifically focus on:

§  Advocacy

§  Monitoring  and Evaluation and research

§  Mentorship and individual leadership

§  Values Clarification

§  Resource Mobilisation (evening session)

§  Finance (evening session)

§  Organisational leadership (evening session)

The course will consists of 10 full days (Monday 16^th to Saturday 21^st September; and Monday 23^rd to Thursday 26^th September) plus a number of optional morning and evening sessions.  Sunday 22^nd of September 2013 is a free day for participants.

The sessions will use a mix of digital stories, documentaries, case studies, site visits and interactive robust discussions.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Part 1: Training Course

The programme is divided into two parts. The first part is the training course which takes place during the ten days in Cape Town, South Africa, from 16-26 September 2013.

Part 2: Follow-up

For the second part, participants will be expected to work on their Projects for Change (see below) in their respective countries. Mentors will be assigned for feedback and support. This will include regular follow up calls with the mentor on progress. Implementation of these projects is an integral part of the training course. Certification for the course is awarded on the basis of successful implementation of the Projects for Change and satisfactory participation in the Mentorship Programme.

Part 2.1: Projects for Change

Participants who apply for the course should have a project or programme – ‘Project for Change’ – that is applicable to engaging men in gender justice. This project will be refined during the course, and implemented within their respective organisations once the course is completed.  The project can be a current one that you wish to expand/strengthen, or a new initiative that you will implement (commencing no later than two months after completing the training).

The project can focus on sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues, children’s rights or fatherhood.  Applicants should ensure that they have the support of their supervisor and employer to implement this project plan in their organisation.

Example topics for the Project for Change include:

·         Policy or media advocacy on engaging men in gender equality

·         Community mobilisation targeted men

·         Needs assessment in your organisation on gender equality and male involvement

·         Campaign together with women’s rights organisations

·         Research plan

The Project Plan should cover the following:

·         Name or title of project

• How the project currently engages men

·         Why the project is needed

·         Project purpose

·         Expected results

·         Example of activities

·         Expected benefits of the project for beneficiaries

·         Monitoring and evaluation plan

·         How the project is expected to develop during the course

·         Skills or experiences of an ideal mentor

·         Implementation plan

Applicants should complete the separate Project Plan Template document that forms part of the application pack available at: www.menengage.org/mati2013application

Part 2.2 Mentorship Programme

A very critical aspect of the training course is its Mentorship Programme. This programme is designed to provide participants with ongoing support and guidance as they implement their Projects for Change at the conclusion of the ten-day course (and no later than two months after). The Mentorship Programme is six months long and runs concurrently with the implementation of participants’ projects. Applicants can either identify a suitable mentor themselves, preferably someone from within their country but not within their organisation. However, the hosts are able to appoint a mentor if necessary.  

For added support, a virtual network of participants will be created, and those attending the course will be linked to their respective national MenEngage network.

COURSE TARGET GROUP

The course is aimed at gender activists, programme staff and project managers from women’s rights, children’s rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS, and LGBTI organisations, youth leaders, government officials, UN Agency representatives,donors, academics and media advocates. 

The ideal candidate will:

·         Work in a field where they can influence gender justice and gender equality through their positions within non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), government, UN agencies, donors, academic institutions, faith based organisations, juridical systems or other relevant organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa

·         Have a minimum of 3-5 years work experience in gender, advocacy , human rights, social justiceand/or  sexual and reproductive health and rights  issues

·         Demonstrate commitment and interest in strategies and programmes aimed at engaging men for gender equality within Sub-Saharan Africa

·         Have proven and demonstrable leadership experience/skills

• Have a basic understanding of gender issues, particularly around gender justice
• Demonstrate an understanding, commitment and willingness to be part of an intense ten-day residential course
• Have an innovative proposal for a ‘Project for Change’, to be implemented on completion of the course
• Have the support of their organisation for both participation in the course and implementation of their Project for Change (where applicable)
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, human rights, health rights, gender or other relevant fields (practical experience will be taken into account in lieu of an educational background)
• Be fluent in English
• Have experience/interest in running training courses

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date for application is 31 May 2013. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Applications should be made via the on-line application form which is available at www.menengage.org/mati2013application and all necessary documentation should be attached, including a description of the participant´s Project for Change.

Queries and technical problems can be addressed to Tanya Charles at mati2@menengage.org

Selected applicants will be notified via e-mail by 1 July 2013. Once accepted the applicant must confirm participation by no later than 15 July 2013. An invitation letter will be sent out, containing additional information on the programme and the practical arrangements.

Family members are not allowed to accompany participants to the programme.

COST OF PARTICIPATION

There are no registration fees. Applicants are requested to cover all travel related costs in full. Accommodation and course costs will be covered by the hosts. 

A very limited number of scholarships to cover the full costs of participation are available. The hosts encourage ALL interested parties to apply.

Visas

Participants are responsible for obtaining all visas necessary for their journey and stay during the training programme. The visa should be valid for the whole period of the programme and the passport should be valid for three months longer than the entry visa. Inquiries should be directed to respective South African Embassies /Consulates, as soon as possible after acceptance into the programme.  Those participants awarded a scholarship will be reimbursed for all visa related expenses.

For further details contact Tanya Charles at: mati2@menengaege.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The course organisers wish to express sincere appreciation to the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida), the Oak Foundation and the UNFPA South Africa Office for their financial support in making this training course possible.  Particular thanks also to members of the MenEngage Africa Network, including those on the Advisory Committee, for their on-going commitment, input and collaboration.

Read More