Florrie

 SAMARITAN'S PURSE

Position:       Administrative Assistant
Location:       Nairobi, Kenya

Reports To:           Kenya Country Director & MET Regional Director

Person specifications:

• Graduate
• Practical knowledge and experience in flight bookings-Preferably IATA qualification
• Able to take up any other tasks given and see them to completion
• Good communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Able to work flexibly
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Hard working and organized person
• Team player
• Strong Christian

 Duties and responsibilities:

The Administrative Assistant to the Kenya Country Director and the MET Program Director will provide Samaritan’s Purse programs in Kenya and the MET Programs in Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Kenya with administrative support. 

1. Assisting the Kenya Country Director to provide administrative and logistical support to the SP Programs in Kenya;

1. Coordinate the calendar of visitors to SP Kenya;
2. Coordinate travel arrangements, including but not limited to flight bookings, accommodation and airport pickups for SP Kenya staff and SP Kenya visitors.
3. Receive all the requests from SP Kenya field offices for their logistical requirements from Nairobi;
4. Purchasing of items and commodities for SP Kenya field offices;
5. Liaise with suppliers and service vendors for all the requirements of the SP Kenya field offices;
6. Coordinate funds transfer to field offices.
1. When need arises deputize for Projects Coordinator in her WMM duties of providing efficient logistics and hospitality for the WMM medical staff and their families.
2. Handle all MET program regional correspondence addressed to the regional MET Program Director in his absence.
3. Advice country level managers on programmatic issues on behalf of and in consultation with the regional MET Program Director.
4. Be responsible for organizing travel schedules and flight bookings for the regional MET Program Director.
5. Handle all regional MET program logistics relating to annual meetings, regional MET program guests and other MET regional meetings.
6. Be responsible for the setting up and management of a regional MET program Library/resource centre and the distribution of materials to country level MET managers.
7. Assist the regional MET Program Director in review and edition of the multi country monthly, semiannual, and annual MET reports and work plans.
8. With a generous and serving spirit assist co-workers to perform any tasks, duties, or responsibilities for the benefit of the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.

Interested applicants may send their C.V and application letter to hr@spafrica.org.

Application deadline: April 3, 2007 by 5.00pm.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted and must be willing to take up the position with immediate effect.

JOB 2

UNION FOR AFRICAN POPULATION STUDIES (UAPS)

VACANCY: CONFERENCE COORDINATOR

The Union for African Population Studies (UAPS) is a bi-lingual, pan-African, and non profitable scientific organization whose main aim is to promote the scientific study of population in Africa. It was established through the initiative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) by the Third General Conference of African Demographers, Statisticians and Planners held in Addis Ababa in March 1984.

UAPS is planning to hold its fifth (5^th) African Population Conference in December 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania, and seeks to recruit a conference coordinator for 9-10 months starting immediately.

Location:

The position is based at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in Nairobi with occasional travel to Arusha and the UAPS headquarters in Ghana. Reporting to the Executive Secretary and Vice President of UAPS and communicating in both French and English, the Conference Coordinator will support the Conference Steering Committee by monitoring progress of the various agencies involved in planning the conference and facilitating communication between them.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain an overview of the conference organization and monitor the activities of the various conference organizing committees to ensure that project deadlines are adhered to
• Act as Secretary of the Conference Steering Committee and regularly reporting on the status of planning activities.
• Facilitate communication between the UAPS Secretariat, the National Organizing Committee and the International Organizing Committee.
• Process the award of scholarships to attend the conference and arrange travel and logistics for participants funded by UAPS
• Monitor the status of session organization, abstract submission, and paper selection and submission and communicate (in English and French) with Session Organizers and Paper Presenters where necessary.
• Communicate with participants and respond to enquiries regarding travel, the conference program etc

Person Specification

Required:

• Fluency in speaking, writing and reading French and English
• Excellent communication skills (spoken and written) in both French and English
• Excellent project management skills
• Proficiency in the MS Office software packages
• Demonstrated experience in organizing conferences
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-organization team

Desirable:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Project
• Ability to translate from French to English and vice versa
• Masters degree in the social sciences

Purpose and objectives of the Conference:

The aim of the conference is to disseminate information on emerging population issues in Africa. The conference provides an opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing between researchers, policy makers, program managers, international development partners, and other key stakeholders in the population and health fields. 

Between 1000 and 1500 participants are expected to attend the conference.

Application procedure:

Please, send your CV to uaps2007conf@aphrc.org.  Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Individuals who have already applied to a previous advertisement for this post need not reapply.

The closing date for this post is 5pm, Friday 23 March 2007

Further details about UAPS can be obtained from www.uaps.org

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Monitoring and Evaluation officer- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection

and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment

programs. www.pedaids.org

VACANCY The broad vision can be translated into concrete objectives as follows:

Basic Quality; To support the national program for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) to provide pregnant women and their families with integrated, comprehensive and high quality PMTCT services

Increase Access; To assist in meeting targets for national expansion of PMTCT services

Enhance Care; To contribute to the expansion of associated care and support services for PMTCT in conjunction with local and international partners.

Evaluation, Documentation, and Dissemination; to share best practices and document lessons

The Foundation in Uganda is seeking a dynamic Monitoring and Evaluation officer who will work closely with the Uganda program team and the M & E team in Washington to develop a comprehensive PMTCT and Care and Treatment M&E system. This is still in early stages of pilot testing forms moving towards a full country level module for the Uganda program. Only self motivated, enthusiastic individuals need apply. University education in social sciences or related disciplines with M&E experience and working knowledge of software such as Epi info. Training and guidance will be offered by the Uganda country team and the visiting M&E team from Washington. A 3-4 month consultancy is being offered which will likely lead to a full time position.

Applications should be sent to:

Country Director

Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

P.O. Box 21127,

Kampala.

Or by email attachment. william@pedaids.org

2. HIV/AIDS Project Officer - Johannesburg, South Africa

Sonke Gender Justice (SGJ), a South Africa NGO focused on HIV/AIDS, gender and human rights is looking to hire a gender and AIDS project officer based in Johannesburg , South Africa.

The successful applicant would be expected to, among other duties:

- Develop and provide HIV/AIDS prevention education with a focus on gender equality and human rights to refugee men and women in Johannesburg and the nation's capital, Tshwane (formerly Pretoria).

- Work closely with SGJ staff on the design, implementation and evaluation of the gender and AIDS focused refugee programme and with refugee serving organisations.

- Assist in the coordination of the outreach, recruitment and running of gender and AIDS workshops with community stakeholders and members of refugee communities

- Coordinate community education and mobilisation events

Qualifications should include an advanced degree in social sciences, health or related field or equivalent experience, a minimum of 3 years experience working on programmes with refugees aimed at the prevention of gender-based violence and/or HIV/AIDS, and experience managing and supervising peer educators

To apply, please submit a comprehensive CV with a supporting cover letter, a compensation/salary history and three referees (one should be from your previous employer, preferably the latest) to: hiring@genderjustice.org.za

Closing date is 31 January, 2007.

3. Senior HIV/AIDS Project Manager - Cunene, Angola

The German Red Cross, an international nongovernmental organisation, seeks a suitably trained individual to manage its HIV/AIDS prevention and care project in Angola , in close cooperation with the organisation's national partner, the Angola Red Cross Society.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- manage and administer the HIV/AIDS project

- ensure active involvement of the community in the project

- set up an adequate monitoring and reporting system for financial management and budget control

Qualifications should include previous experience in AIDS-related projects preferably with European Union projects, a minimum of 5 years work experience and a minimum of 2 years experience working in foreign countries in development projects.

Experience in and readiness to work in a remote area (Cunene Province), a knowledge of Red Cross/Red Crescent principles and readiness to adhere to them, as well a fluency in both English and Portuguese is also beneficial.

Send applications to:

German Red Cross

International Cooperation

Field personnel - Team 21

Carstennstr. 58

Reference Code: RW_6XCCW3-67

I understand that using bad language is simply a choice and to some it’s a cultural issue. Most times though it is up to one's interpretation if it is offensive or not. Naye there are some ga-words that really, should not be said or even thought of at all.

On my way home from work last evening, some lady, or I thought she was, while speaking on the phone seemingly had a fight with the person on the other-side and then all hell broke loose, she insulted the other party using words that would make one’s hair stand on end. The driver had to stop the taxi to look at this Mukyala if she was like for real. I personally kuswalaed.!!!

And then I got to the gym…

We all have different reasons for working out, for some it is to lose weight, keep fit, pump weight or to look like Halle Berry. Whatever the inspiration, for me, getting to the gym is an achievement unto itself. When I find people there who are uncouth, or out-and-out infuriating, it can be maddening because they most times sidetrack me from the 30 minutes I struggle to spend in there, be them club members or not. I have been to various gyms and have noticed a few somewhat irritating manners that have now become habits simply because the management condones it.

 For example, customers who fail to wipe sweat from exercise equipment- we can get diseases from such stuff.

Weightlifters who refuse to replace weights in their designated slots. Yesterday Some guy actually mugged a whole 30 kgs with out putting a stopper, (Is it called that?) and the weight fell off and missed his toes by inches !!!

Some people just leave dumbbells on the floor, which is totally dumb(ever wondered why they are called dumbbells?)

Then the cell-phone guys. They leave their phones with the lady at the front desk and ask her to bring it to them if it rings, so the poor lady is always running up and down and worse still trying to remember who’s  phone is who’s.

Then there are People who stand idle and simply hang out with one another on the workout floor. Yesterday some ladies practically carried chairs into the gym and had an enjoyable 2 hours watching and laughing (imagine that) at those of us who were missing steps in the aerobics work-out. Ggggrrrrhhhh.....

Poll: Who annoys you most at the gym?

Some time back in June, the question of the week posted by the Yahoo 360! Staff was...If you were sucked into the TV and forced to live on a television show for 24 hours, which show would you be on and why? 

I do watch most of the TV shows and to some, I am actually addicted to, and this question simply gets my juices flowing. So many shows come to mind especially PRISON BREAK. Wentworth Miller is simply too alluring to allow one to concentrate on any other character in the series. His deep-thin-slit eyes pore deep into me as I watch the series and sometimes I hype myself into believing that he is aware I am paying attention. (weird… huh?). If I was stuck in this show for 24 hours, I would love to replace Dr. Tancredi. What with all the irresistible flirting that goes on between her and Michael, woo... Then I would forge some criminal case against Bellick and make sure is put in the slammer too. He is so dying to get some dirt on Michael, even if it means playing dirty. Boo… I would make sure Veronica and Lincoln spend some intimate time together before the guy hangs coz really she being the only one on the outside fighting to prove his innocence (ok she is his ex-girl...but still). And oh...Sucre Sucre, this Spanish-looking robber wanting to escape for love… isn’t that sweet!! For him, I would open the prison gates wide for him to go and fight to win back his woman. And one other show I would have loved to sneak into- FRIENDS, so I can tickle and chase Joey on the whole set… 

Which show would you want to be on?

Do we take time to rediscovering all the small pleasures that we so often take for granted. For no spiritual reason, but I am glad that it happens; I normally feel a pang of gratitude on Sunday night before I sleep. Coincidence.

I love it when I open the door to enter my bedroom. It is the one single place in this Universe that I feel safe, in control and comfortable. It calls to me every time!!!

I LOVE BEANS, I LOVE BEANS, I LOVE BEANS

I love the feeling when I have done everything I set out to do and more so when I do it right. The rewarding ideal that dances in my head when my conscience sits back and puts its feet up. Excellent!!

I love it when I look at my newest niece when she has just woken up. God!! She smiles so genuinely, her eyes light up, and sometimes i could swear that i see God's face thru her eyes. She looks up at me like I just removed death and taxes from her life in the future.

I love anxiety. It is the one true feeling that makes me realize that I am alive. Having buried my past life of being a pessimist, the anxiety I feel these days is exclusively positive. My mind, heart, soul,(and sometimes digestive system) are all working together like clockwork just to digest this feeling.

I love to laugh.

Remember your own small pleasures.  Live life. Love life. Embrace life.

How are your driving skills?

 Got this from a friend, lets see how odd i am, (that is if i am)

1. Height?  5' 4"  (reminds me of some famous basketball player)

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?  No!!!

3. Do you own a gun?  Imagine if I did?.

4. Do you get nervous before "meeting the parents"?  Don’t think I have ever really seriously “met” the parents.

5. What do you think of hot dogs?  Love them drenched in mustard and ketchup and chili, and garlic and every spice available.

6. What's your favorite Christmas song?  Right now, I cant think of any.

7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?  Cold freshly squeezed passion juice.

8. Can you do push ups?  Yes, (and I am growing a bicep too)

9. Is your bathroom clean?  When I left it was

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?  A gold and silver chain with a cross pendant.

11. Do you like painkillers?  No… but I don’t like pain either.

12. Do you have A.D.D.?  Hmmm.  Uhhh?  Did you ask me something?

13. What is your favorite boy name and girl name?  Jeremiah, Brianna

14. Middle Name?  Victoria

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 
    When is Irwin going to be here?
    I never have time to exercise anymore
    what is my third thought?

16. Name the last 3 things you have bought:
    A pair of Pink Shoes
    Tissues
    Gin

17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink:
    Passion Juice
    Red Label
    Coffee

18. Current worry? Brianna (..and I am starting to worry that it’s an obsession)

19. Current hate?  Taxi Conductors

20. Favorite place to be at?  My military-sized bed on a stormy night listening to Pastor David Jeremiah

21. Least favorite place to be?  Away from my family

22. Where would you like to go?  Heaven

23. Do you own slippers?  Yes, pink ones with pink panther theme.

24. What shirt are you wearing?  Blouse- a white something

25. Do you burn or tan?  None

26. Favorite color(s) to wear? Brown, Black, Red

27. Would you be a pirate?  With Johnny Depp, anytime!!!!

28. What songs do you sing in the shower?  “Who am I?”, “White Flag” -dido

29. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?  Dreaming that I was Falling In a never-ending deep hole.

30. What's in your pockets right now?  I have no pockets

31. Last thing that made you laugh?  Cata- work colleague.

32. Best bed sheets as a child?  Maroon and pink flowered cotton sheets that I got on my 1^st day in high school and I still use them to this day

33. Worst injury you've ever had?  Nail stuck in my leg

34. How many TVs do you have in your house?  My House? Hehehehe… I wish…

35. Who is your loudest friend?  Brian

36. Who is your most silent friend?  Irwin

37. Does someone have a crush on you?  I hope not, coz they may not like me much when the crush wears off.

38. Do you wish on shooting stars?  Yes, and those bu flying white doves that pass by in the evenings.

39. What is your favorite book?  The Third Twin- Ken Follet

40. What is your favorite candy?  I hate candy

41. What song played at your wedding?  Wedding? Ask me again a year from now…

42. What song do you want played at your funeral?   Any song by Enya.

43. What were you doing 12 AM last night?  Worrying about Brian

44. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?  Is he Alive?

After careful consideration and a little harsh experience in my life and from what I have seen in other people, here’s what I’ve decided. There’s no such thing as a grown up. What is “grown up” any way? We move on, we move out, we move away from our families and form our own, true we also get bigger, taller, (some) smarter But for most of us the basic insecurities, the basic fears and all those old wounds just grow up with us. Fortunate for those of us who may have a slight idea of what these insecurities are but which failure and/or lack of the abilities to positively deal with them puts us in the place where we find safety in numbers.

 And just when we think that life and circumstance have forced us to truly once and for all become an adult … our mothers say something… or do something like that for the most part reminds us that we are still  a bunch of kids running around the playground trying desperately to fit in. We try to fit into the workplace, group of friends, church, sports club anything, anything that our worldly mind tells us is needed for us to do to feel “accepted”  I’ve heard it’s possible to grow up. I’ve just never met anyone who’s actually done it. (no disrespect intended). Without parents, rules, bosses, to defy we break the rules we make for ourselves. True when that happens there is a feeling of freedom, victory or control that dances victoriously in our consciences.  We throw tantrums (read get pissed) when things don’t go our way. We whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark. We look for comfort where we can find it. And we hope. against all logic...against all experience… against all instinct. Like children, we never give up hope.

This morning, cold and grey yet somewhat contrastingly peaceful as the whether is, I, full of resolve to revamp my spiritual life, was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah (my favorite pastor lately). In between his sermon he mentioned something about Lance Armstrong’s Biography, a phrase from it that I thought was deep. So I sought it out and landed on an excerpt that, to me, shows how flimsy and yet valuable our lives are…  

I want to die at a hundred years old with an American flag on my back and the star of Texas on my helmet, after screaming down an Alpine descent on a bicycle at 75 miles per hour. I want to cross one last finish line as my stud wife and my ten children applaud, and then I want to lie down in a field of those famous French sunflowers and gracefully expire, the perfect contradiction to my once-anticipated poignant early demise.

…A slow death is not for me. I don’t do anything slow, not even breathe. I do everything at a fast cadence: eat fast, sleep fast. It makes me crazy when my wife, Kristin, drives our car, because she brakes at all the yellow caution lights, while I squirm impatiently in the passenger seat.

“Come on, don’t be a skirt,” I tell her.

“Lance,” she says, “marry a man.”

People die. That truth is so disheartening that at times I can’t bear to articulate it. Why should we go on, you might ask? Why don’t we all just stop and lie down where we are? But there is another truth, too. People live. It’s an equal and opposing truth. People live, and in the most remarkable ways. When I was sick, I saw more beauty and triumph and truth in a single day than I ever did in a bike race—but they were human moments, not miraculous ones. I met a guy in a fraying sweatsuit who turned out to be a brilliant surgeon. I became friends with a harassed and overscheduled nurse named LaTrice, who gave me such care that it could only be the result of the deepest sympathetic affinity. I saw children with no eyelashes or eyebrows, their hair burned away by chemo, who fought with the hearts of Indurains.

I still don’t completely understand it.

All I can do is tell you what happened.

…And then, in that moment, it occurred to me: I might lose my life, too. Not just my sport.

I could lose my life.

I have never thought of my self as being indecisive, and the more fearful fact may be that this is not the 1^st time I may be blogging about it. However I will not scroll through my blog to check, if maybe I am, so be it. For just today I have made and changed my mind a little bit too excessively over about 3 issues  and still as the day is winding up, all I have achieved is a minor headache and maybe a strain in the jaws [had to chew on gum in the process]…yeepie my other blog is finally let me in. I don’t know whether this was my ingenious [or not] persistence or the webmaster came through for me- wrote a heartfelt note to her/him about my frustration in the quest to express myself on his page. Thinking of it, its funny but now I cannot figure out why I was so dying to get access, hope it comes back to me… and here I go again, I have changed my mind about what I thought I wanted to blog about. [hehehe] call me crazy..