Job adverts Updated 3rd July 2015 Big Lottery Funded - UK

 

Big Lottery Funded - UK

Project Reference Code: 010232364

Project Title: NGONG Training the Bambui Farmers of Tomorrow

ROLES IN CAMEROON

Where jobs will be advertised

Where jobs will be advertised
University and Institutes announcements	University of Bamenda National Polytechnic Bamenda Catholic University Cameroon Rural Agriculture College
On 1 of these newspapers (depends on timing and price)	Cameroon Tribune Cameroon Post
Online	Reignite website Bamenda online Bambui forum online Email to Bambui Cultural & Development    Association
Community	The Divisional officer office The Tubah Council office The Bambui Village Council office. Church announcements: Catholic and    Muslim. Quarter Heads meetings

 Roles in the Cameroon

Job Advert

Reignite Action for Development (RAD) is a UK registered charity aimed at alleviating poverty in Africa.  The mission of RAD is “to inspire communities in less privileged areas to play their part in breaking the cycle of poverty where they are in, using a holistic approach to development.” 

On the 1^st of June 2015, we are starting a new project based in the rural community of Bambui called NGONG – Training the Bambui Farmers of Tomorrow and we are currently looking to recruit 2 Project Officers and 1 Project Finance Officer to join us at a time of innovation, transformation and expansion. All posts are funded by the Big Lottery Fund UK.

 The project

 

NGONG – Training the Bambui Farmers of Tomorrow

Funded by: Big Lottery Fund (UK)

Partners: National Polytechnic Bamenda, COBEX, SEEDS and NOWEFOR

2015-2017

This project aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers (680) and their families (3,400) by professionalizing and revitalizing the village’s agricultural sector. This will be achieved by improving farmers’ agricultural skills and levels of productivity, whilst at the same time developing their ability to reach larger, more profitable markets.

The project will deliver an intensive agricultural and enterprise skills training programme that will include livestock management, farm mechanization, pest control, organic farming methods, improved irrigation methods, improved soil management and crop rotation. It will also include training on organizational and business skills, entrepreneurship, risk analysis, marketing, leadership and negotiating skills and will also include a life skills element in relation to numeracy and literacy training.

Positions available:

POSITION 1 - Ref: PO1CO

PROJECT OFFICER 1: Communications Officer

Role: Communications Officer                                  Based in: Bambui, Cameroon

Line Management: Project Manager

Hours per week: 40h/PW                                         

Annual Salary: £2,280 pro rata (XAF 1,824,000)

Starting Date: 1^st July

Permanent Contract (2 years)

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to any other task assigned by the Project Manager/Project Coordinator, the main duties of the role are expected to be:

In the overall:

Support the successful delivery of the Ngong Project;

Provide solid and consistent support to other team members and work with them to promote and develop the project.

Specific duties:     

Support the gathering of necessary data to compile project progress reports, external communications and other documentation related to the project implementation;

Support the monitoring and evaluation process by treating data and compiling it into reports;

Support the promotion of the project and its results by capturing case studies, stories, facts, images, and by interviewing stakeholders, partners, beneficiaries;

Write articles for Reignite’s newsletter, the project allocated webpage, and Reignite’s social media;

Write articles for local newspapers and other channels that will help diffusing information;

Help setting up promotional events, publicising and delivering them;

Search for sources of funding that could potentially fund activities after Year 2 at a national and regional level;

Act as a promoter of the project;

Responsible for putting in place the communication plan;

Maintain the project schedule;

Maintain the project risk register and the issues log;

Maintain the lessons learned log;

Track benefits;

Act as the main liaison between key parties.

Personal attributes and competencies:

Education	Degree in journalism, communication, relations, or related field	Essential
Language	Fluent English and French required (speaking and writing)	Essential
Experience	Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience Previous work with a community-based organisation and/or international development	Desired Desired
Communicational skills	Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing for a variety of mediums including web based platform and professional reports. Excellent presentation and public communication skills. Internet and social media savvy (able to update and interact in social media) Knowledgeable of Wordpress	Essential Essential Essential Desired
Organisational skills	Initiative and ability to work independently as well as a part of a team; Ability in personal organisation, planning, priority setting and managing multiple tasks Have a team orientated work style and flexible approach to your work	Essential Essential Essential
Interpersonal skills	Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively and positively interact with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment; Have excellent co-ordination, planning and organizational skills and be a calm and collected individual.	Essential Essential
Sharing of mutual values for project and lead organisation	Share, respect and be willing to promote Reignite’s main values and principles; Share, respect and be willing to promote the Project’s main principles and outcomes	Essential Essential

Terms and conditions

The initial contract will be for 1 year with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, and available resources.

The position will be based in Bambui, Cameroon.

Application process

The application deadline is 25^th July 2015.

We will acknowledge all applications, but will only invite short-listed candidates to attend an interview at our offices. Successful candidates will be informed by the 27^th July

Interviews will be held on the 28th and candidates should be available to start working on the 3^rd of August

To apply, send an email to the Project Manager (teresa.desousa@reignite.org.uk), with the following documents:

CV

Application Form

One Reference Letter

Note: Please indicate your name and position in subject line of your email. Please also send your filled application form saved under a file name, which indicates your name followed by Project Officer Position.

POSITION 2- Ref: PO2CT

Project Officer 2:  Training Project Officer

Role: Training Project Officer                       Based in: Bambui, Cameroon

Line Management: Project Coordinator

Hours per week: 40h/PW                                         

Annual Salary: £2,280 pro rata  (XAF 1,824,000)

Starting Date: 1^st July

Permanent Contract (2 years)

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to any other task assigned by the Project Manager/Project Coordinator, the main duties of the role are expected to be:

In the overall:

•      To support the successful delivery of the Ngong Project
•      Support the team in the implementation and sustainability of the project.
•      Provide solid and consistent support to other team members and work with them to promote and develop the project.

 Specific duties:

•      Work closely with the Project Coordinator in providing logistical support to training sessions, demonstration sessions, national and international fairs and local promotional events
•      Liaise directly with beneficiaries and partners delivering the project throughout the training sessions, ensuring that they run smoothly
•      Support the monitoring and evaluation process by help gathering data throughout the project
•      Act as a promoter of the project
•      Maintain the project schedule
•      Maintain the project risk register and the issues log
•      Maintain the lessons learned log
•      Track benefits
•      Support the planning and development of comprehensive reports with a key focus on project control, stakeholders ownership and programme sustainability
•      Ensure proper monitoring and quality control of training activities
•      Provide efficient and effective coordination and relationship management for related stakeholders (donors, government, partners, CB, other NGOs)
•      Strengthen networking and relationships between these various stakeholders
•      Represent RAD on senior stakeholder field visits
•      Identify possible programmatic opportunities to the team in securing designated funding for the long-term sustainability of the project.
•      Identify, evaluate and address capacity development.

 

Personal attributes and competencies:

Education	Degree in social sciences, community development, project management, or related field	Essential
Language	Fluent English and French required (speaking and writing)	Essential
Experience	Minimum of 1 year of proven project management experience within a rural community Previous work experience with a community-based organisation and/or international development	Essential Desired
Communicational skills	Excellent verbal and written communication skills in order to deal tactfully and sensitively with a wide range of people Excellent computer skills including word processing, presentation and use of spread-sheets combined with the ability to develop and maintain office and management information system Proven attention for detail and ability to effectively manage a high volume of data and information	Essential Essential Essential
Organisational skills	Initiative and ability to work independently as well as a part of a team; Ability in personal organisation, planning, priority setting and managing multiple tasks Have a team orientated work style and flexible approach to your work	Essential Essential Essential
Interpersonal skills	Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively and positively interact with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment; Excellent relationship management skills Have excellent co-ordination, planning and organizational skills and be a calm and collected individual.	Essential Essential Essential
Sharing of mutual values for project and lead organisation	Share, respect and be willing to promote Reignite’s main values and principles; Share, respect and be willing to promote the Project’s main principles and outcomes	Essential Essential

Terms and conditions

•       The initial contract will be for 1 year with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, and available resources.

•       The position will be based in Bambui, Cameroon.

Application process

•       The application deadline is 25^th July 2015.

•       We will acknowledge all applications, but will only invite short-listed candidates to attend an interview at our offices. Successful candidates will be informed by the 27^th July

•       Interviews will be held on the 28th and candidates should be available to start working on the 3^rd of August

•       To apply, send an email to the Project Manager (teresa.desousa@reignite.org.uk), with the following documents:

-          CV

-          Application Form

-          One Reference Letter

Note: Please indicate your name and position in subject line of your email. Please also send your filled application form saved under a file name, which indicates your name followed by Project Officer Position.

Position 3- Ref: PO3FO

Project Finance Officer

Role: Project Finance Officer                                    Based in: Bambui, Cameroon

Line Management: Project Manager (CMR)

Hours per week: 40h/PW                                         

Annual Salary: £3,800 pro rata (XAF 3,040,000)

Starting Date: 1^st July

Permanent Contract (2 years)

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to any other task assigned by the Project Manager, the main duties of the role are expected to be:

Donor Budget Management & Reporting

•      Ensure compliance with donor and legal requirements on records retention and prepare financial reports in line with reporting requirements
•      Work with the project team to ensure that all donor related information is disseminated to project, finance and logistics staff as well as partners to enable them to abide by donor rules and regulations
•      In coordination with project staff and partners prepare and regularly update the spending plan

Financial Management

•      Administer and monitor the financial system in order to ensure that the project finances are maintained in an accurate and timely manner
•      On a monthly basis prepare Budget Versus Actual reports and send to Project Director and to other relevant staff. The expenditure report should include a brief commentary on matters arising as identified from the report
•      Maintain the accounts payable and accounts receivable systems in order to ensure complete and accurate records of all moneys
•      Prepare quarterly and annual activity-based budgets, as well as monthly and quarterly financial reports
•      Prepare monthly management accounts and variance reports for project including balances held

•      Administer employee files and records in order to ensure accurate payment of benefits and allowances
•      Review Expenditure returns from partners and make recommendations for approval of liquidations

•      Ensure processing of expenditure returns
•      Monitor financial performance of project through cash flow log
•      Support the Project Manager in preparing annual accounts
•      Undertake monitoring visits to ascertain validity of reports and claimed achievements
•      Liaise with head office in the UK
•      Provide efficient and effective office management

Personal attributes and competencies:

Education	Bachelor degree in Accounting, Commerce, Economics or Business Studies.	Essential
Language	Fluent English (speaking and writing)	Essential
Experience	Minimum 2 years experience in a Finance department Knowledge of computerized accounting software Xero Knowledge of high-level Excel Prior working experience with international donor funded organization Experience in: Budget preparation and control, Profit and Loss analysis, financial reporting, Auditing, Assets management, Payroll management, and Project Sustainability and Accountability.	Essential Desired Essential Desired Essential
Communicational skills	Excellent computer skills including word processing, presentation and use of spread-sheets combined with the ability to develop and maintain office and management information system	Essential Essential
Organisational skills	Able to work with limited supervision, be flexible and comfortable in a multi-cultural work force Excellent organization and time management skills developed to deliver with accuracy even while working under pressure. Proven ability to work on personal initiative with strong analytical skills as well as a committed team player with an objective to deliver on common targets. Ability in personal organisation, planning, priority setting and managing multiple tasks Proven attention for detail and ability to effectively manage a high volume of data and information	Essential Essential Essential Essential Essential
Interpersonal skills	Be able to build good working relationships with project team and partners at a range of levels and in different locations (Bambui and London) Be a calm and collected individual.	Essential Essential
Sharing of mutual values for project and lead organisation	Share, respect and be willing to promote Reignite’s main values and principles; Share, respect and be willing to promote the Project’s main principles and outcomes	Essential Essential

Terms and conditions

•       The initial contract will be for 1 year with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, and available resources.

•       The position will be based in Bambui, Cameroon.

Application process

•       The application deadline is 25^th July 2015.

•       We will acknowledge all applications, but will only invite short-listed candidates to attend an interview at our offices. Successful candidates will be informed by the 27^th July

•       Interviews will be held on the 28th and candidates should be available to start working on the 3^rd of August

•       To apply, send an email to the Project Manager (teresa.desousa@reignite.org.uk), with the following documents:

-          CV

-          Application Form

-          One Reference Letter

Note: Please indicate your name and position in subject line of your email. Please also send your filled application form saved under a file name, which indicates your name followed by Project Officer Position.

Roles in the UK

Position 4 - Ref: PAUK

Role: Project Administrator                                                          Based in: London

Line Management: Director (UK)

Hours per week: 1 day a week    (8hrs)                                              Salary: £12,000 pro rata

Starting Date: 1^st July

Permanent Contract (2 years)

An exciting, new position has arisen for an experienced Project Administrator to join Reignite Action for Development London-based operations. The role will be key in supporting the delivery of Reignite’s core project in Cameroon.
About Reignite Action for Development 

Reignite Action for Development (RAD) is a UK registered charity aimed at alleviating poverty in Africa.  The mission of RAD is “to inspire communities in less privileged areas to play their part in breaking the cycle of poverty where they are in, using a holistic approach to development.” 

We are based in a rural area of Northwestern Cameroon (Bambui), where we are currently starting the implementation of a two year project (2015-2017) called ‘Ngong – Training the Bambui Farmers of Tomorrow’, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

‘Ngong – Training the Bambui Farmers of Tomorrow’

This project aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers (680) and their families (3,400) by professionalizing and revitalizing the village’s agricultural sector. This will be achieved by improving farmers’ agricultural skills and levels of productivity, whilst at the same time developing their ability to reach larger, more profitable markets.

Job Description:
This is a new part-time role, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, which will provide the right person with an opportunity to establish and maintain a number of administrative processes that will contribute to the overall effectiveness and delivery of the project.
The role will support the smooth management of the network, and financial record-keeping and reporting to its donors.
We are looking for a proactive, team player with strong attention to detail and the ability to work to deadlines with relatively low levels of supervision. Prior experience of working in project coordination/grant management would be desirable but is not essential for the right candidate with a flexible, ‘can-do’ attitude.
Key Responsibilities:

In addition to any other tasks assigned by the Director, the main duties of the role are expected to be:

·         Act as the Donor’s main point of contact for this project in the UK

·         Prepare narrative and financial donor reports in collaboration with overseas Project Manager and Finance Officer

·         Work in close collaboration with the Finance Officer (Cameroon) and Treasurer (UK) to ensure grant spending is monitored, on track and in line with budget.

·         Contribute to the development and maintenance of project monitoring, evaluation and learning systems.

·         Maintain and update a project-monitoring framework (statistical and qualitative).

·         Represent Reignite at key events, meetings and conferences and contribute to key partnerships, networks and consortia

·         Look for potential future sources of funding and write grant applications 

·         Liaise directly and work closely with the Director and Board of Trustees

Person Specification

•      Excellent written communication skills and a keen eye for detail.
•      Experience of recording and maintaining financial records.
•      Excellent listening, communication and inter-personal skills.
•      Proactive self-starter, able to work with a high degree of autonomy.
•      Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
•      A flexible and positive attitude and approach to work.
•     Good team working skills.
•     Confident user of databases (Salesforce), internet browsers and Microsoft Office applications.
•      Experience working in the voluntary/non-profit sector.
•       Experience of supporting the management of projects/grants.
•      Knowledge and understanding of sustainable agriculture/rural development/international development issues.

Please note: This role would suit a person working from home and able to attend meetings with the Director and the Board of Trustees after 5pm, within Southwark.

Recruitment Process
Please apply by sending a CV (maximum 3 pages) and cover letter (maximum 1 page) to info@reignite.org.uk.  In your cover letter, please state where you saw the job advertised and describe and give examples of how you meet the requirements in the Person Specification.
The application deadline is 17pm on the 21^st of June. Interviews will be held on the 26^th June and candidates should be available to start working on the 1^st of July. Due to limited staff capacity, we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.
The subject of your email should be “[YOUR NAME]: RAD Project Administrator”.
All candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK. If you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to verifying that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.
If you would like more information about this role, please send your questions to Mariana Matoso at mariana.matoso@reignite.org.uk

Lord, Thy Glory Be: A short poem

Lord, Thy Glory Be: A short poem

 

Lord, thy glory be

To that lone guava tree

On which in my childhood, I could sit and see

That distant future when I shall go oversea.

 

Lord, thy glory be

To that blessed guava tree,

For the fruits it bore, I sold for my school fee,

And my entire family every morning from it, drank tea.

 

Lord, thy glory be

To this day I comfortably lie on my bed in Tennessee;

A foreign land where I am misery-free,

But that native guava tree, I am no longer privileged to see.

 

Lord, thy glory be

To all who sincerely pray to thee,

For although I can now right my wrongs with a just referee,

Sooner or later, I will from here to my homeland flee.

            Nkwetatang Sampson Nguekie

Trinity National Press Icons Award Of Excellence (Photonews)

Trinity National Press Icons Award For Excellence (Photonews)

Benoit Emvoutou SDO Menchum Highly Honoured In Bamenda

The Senior Divisional Officer for Menchum Division yesterday was highly Honoured as Best Senior Divisional Officer of the year. This was at the All Saints Parish Bayelle in the Pope John Paul II hall during the World Echoes Newspaper Trinity National Icons Award with slogan ‘Edifying The World Using The Crucifix’. The occasion was highly attended and pressmen like Baka Derick of Abakwa FM, Michael Ndi of The Guardian Post, Comfort Musa of ACMS and former President of CAMASEJ and an uncountable number of media outlets were seen at the occasion.

The man of the year at the occasion was Mayor Tanjong Martin of the Tubah Council who was singled out for having used ‘power to the people’ ideology and was voted after the 2013 municipal elections by an overwhelming majority of councillors of his municipality. He was also honoured alongside the lone female Mayor – the Lord Mayor Tebe Beatrice of Mbengwi Council, Lord Mayor Balick Awa Fidelis of Bamenda II Council because of their developmental projects which have already been carried out and their transparent management at the helm of the three Councils. Personalities whose presence was honoured and rewarded were Honourable Wallang Richard, His Royal Majesty the Fon of Nkar, the Director of HICM Professor John Egbe Ebai of The University of Bamenda, Dr. Sunjo, the divisional officer for Ndop also a traditional ruler, the regional delegate of mines north west,  Mr. Tangie Joseph Ambe, Principal of GTHS Bafut, Ghogomu Simon MT, Principal of GBHS Ndop, best school of the year Baptist High School Mankon, Itoe Peter Mbongo – best divisional officer of the year, St. Martin the Porres Njinikom, MBOSCUDA, Rev. Pastor Warah Solomon, Rev. Pastor DD Alo, Ihimbru Vincent Bache, Dr. Abiodum AKA, SARKI USMANU Balarabe, Ngwe Judith Abong, Tamfu Denis etc

See occasion photos 

Borrowing Money

 “SHOULD I BORROW MONEY?

            “Borrowing is like a wedding. Repaying is like mourning”. A Swahili Proverb. This saying is well–known to people in East Africa. And it undoubtedly reflects the sentiment of many in lands around the world. Is that how you feel about borrowing money from a friend or other sources? Though it might seem advisable at times. Is it a good idea? What are the dangers and pitfalls in borrowing? Another proverb saying get to the heart of the matter. It says: Borrowing and lending spoil a friendship. Indeed, debts can put friendships and relationship in jeopardy. Even with the best of plans and the most sincere intentions, things do not always turn out as expected. For example, if time passes and due repayments are not made, the lender may become irritated. Resentment could build, and the relationship between their families may become strained. Since loans are potential source of friction, we might view them as a last resort rather than any easy solution to money problems.

Borrowing money can also endanger a person’s relationship with God. First of all the Bible says that it is a wicked person who deliberately and knowingly refuses to repay his debts. It also makes clear that “the borrower is a slave to the lender”. The borrower must realize until the money is paid back, he is under obligation to the lender. True is another African saying “if you borrow a man’s leg, you will go where he directs you.” The idea is that one who is heavily in debt is no longer at liberty to do what he would like. Repaying what one borrows therefore, must be given high priority. Otherwise, difficulties will likely arise. Mounting debts can result in much distress, as well as sleepless nights, overwork, bickering between husband and wife and even family breakups, not to mention possible lawsuits or imprisonment. Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another.

In view of this, it is best to be cautious when it comes to borrowing money. It is prudent to ask. Is there a real need to borrow? Is it a matter of saving your means of livelihood so as to care for your family? Is there a measure of greed beyond one’s means? In most cases, it would be better to make do with less than obligate oneself by borrowing.

There may be exceptions, such as when an emergency arises and there does not seem to be any other way out. Even so, if a person decides to borrow, he should show himself to be a person of good principles. How can this be done? First, never take advantage of someone just because he or she seems to be better–off, he owes it to us to help us financially. Nor should we feel that we are free of any moral obligation to act with honest intentions toward such a person. Do not be envious of those who seem to enjoy financial security.

It is better you put your agreement in writing in order to avoid misunderstanding on either sides. If possible return what you have borrowed to the owner personally in order to thank him yourself. Conscientiousness in returning what you borrow makes for good relations. In addition, always bear in mind the Golden Rule, “All things, therefore, that you want man to do to you, you also must do to them.”

SDF Chairman addressing Militants and Wellwishers at Silver Jubilee in Bamenda

Children of Africa

This Is Health Care In America

On March 23, 2010, I sat down at a table in the East Room of the White House and signed my name on a law that said, once and for all, that health care would no longer be a privilege for a few. It would be a right for everyone.
Five years later, after more than 50 votes in Congress to repeal or weaken this law and multiple challenges before the Supreme Court, here is what we know today:
This law worked. It's still working. It has changed and saved American lives. It has set this country on a smarter, stronger course.
And it's here to stay.
If that means something to you today, add your voice here.
This morning, the Supreme Court upheld one of the most critical parts of health reform -- the part that has made it easier for Americans to afford health insurance, no matter where you live.
If the challenges to this law had succeeded, millions would have had thousands of dollars in tax credits taken away. Insurance would have once again become unaffordable for many Americans. Many would have even become uninsured again. Ultimately, everyone's premiums could have gone up.
Because of this law, and because of today's decision, millions of Americans will continue to receive the tax credits that have given about 8 in 10 people who buy insurance on the new Health Insurance Marketplaces the choice of a health care plan that costs less than $100 a month.
If you're a parent, you can keep your kids on your plan until they turn 26 -- something that has covered millions of young people so far. That's because of this law. If you're a senior, or have a disability, this law gives you discounts on your prescriptions -- something that has saved 9 million Americans an average of $1,600 so far. If you're a woman, you can't be charged more than anybody else -- even if you've had cancer, or your husband had heart disease, or just because you're a woman. Your insurer has to offer free preventive services like mammograms. They can't place annual or lifetime caps on your care.
And when it comes to preexisting conditions -- someday, our grandkids will ask us if there was really a time when America discriminated against people who got sick. Because that's something this law has ended for good.
Five years in and more than 16 million insured Americans later, this is no longer just about a law. This isn't just about the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.
This is health care in America.
Today is a victory for every American whose life will continue to become more secure because of this law. And 20, 30, 50 years from now, most Americans may not know what "Obamacare" is. And that's okay. That's the point.
Because today, this reform remains what it always has been -- a set of fairer rules and tougher protections that have made health care in America more affordable, more attainable, and more about you.
That's who we are as Americans. We look out for one another. We take care of each other. We root for one another's success. We strive to do better, to be better, than the generation before us, and we try to build something better for the generation that comes behind us.
And today, with this behind us, let's come together and keep building something better. That starts right now.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama