Stanley Enow wins the best new act prize at the 2014 MTV African Music Awards

Durban (South Africa) (AFP) – Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o won the personality of the year award at the 2014 MTV African Music Awards (MAMA) held in South Africa’s southeastern city of Durban on Saturday.The 31-year-old, who won the best supporting actress Academy Award in March for her role in historical drama “12 Years a Slave,” was not present to receive her award.She became the first winner of the newly introduced lifestyle non-music personality of the year award.

In doing so she beat Nigerian award-winning novelist Chimamanda Adichie, South African top stand up comedian Trevor Noah, Ivory Coast footballer Yaya Toure and popular Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

The MTV African Music Award celebrates pan African music, youth culture and talent, and winners are chosen by public vote.

Cameroon’s Stanley Enow

was the first winner of the show, aired live from the Durban International Convention Centre, in the southeastern city of Durban, taking the best new act prize.

South Africa’s afro-pop duo Mafikizolo took the best group award, while their track “khona” was voted song of the year. They beat other strong nominees including Nigeria’s popular R&B duo P-Square.

Nigerian afro-pop artist and producer Davido won the favourite artist of the year award.

He also took the best male artist prize while his compatriot, the multi-talented sensation Tiwa Savage took the best female artist award.

Sarkordie of Ghana was named the best hip-pop group.

Awards host, American stand up comic, film and television sensation Marlon Wayans expressed the wish for the “safe return” of the more than 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped by extremist Islamist group Boko Haram .

Wayans also paid tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

“Madiba had a profound impact on not only South Africa but on the entire world as a whole, so tonight we pay tribute to Mr Mandela,” said host Wayans.

Legendary all-male South African acapella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo made a surprise appearance to give a stunning performance.

The MTV Africa music awards were first staged in 2008 and have each year recognised iconic musicians from across the continent.

Courtesy: Wilder Veranso of www.updatedvibes.blogspot.com/ 

Why not give a try?

Les Talents d'Afrique Africa 24 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZJqGx3AACQ

Assessing Cameroon's Film Industry  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IfNIb0teLc

Youth & Agricultural Development http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLH5QyABJAk

Youth & Entrepreneurship http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ0bvAWoltM

Les jeunes et le développement agricole http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETeirpCLwgM

Take a step Forward http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P7yamrUNSA

Safety & Health in the use of chemicals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8TW7ymLmxI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U3hB9Ayc4Y

Les jeunes et le développement agricole http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbdZABjM9bM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1gstheq_Xk

http://www.lecamerounaisinfo.com/Amy-Banda-je-suis-un-manager-a-l

Holding in the Nation

Douala

A Five day forestation workshop to protect the congo basin opens up in Douala today at the Residence la Falaise Akwa. Participants will during these deliberations devise scientific, innovative and technical approaches to manage and protect forest reserves. The exchange between participating countries seeks to reinforce research, funding and technical abilities that will follow up carbon management in the world.
For More details, contact Douglas Muchoney (USGS): dmuchoney@usgs.gov
                                        Greg Reams (USFS):            greams@fs.fed.us
                                        Evan Notman (USAID):        enotman@usaid.gov
                                                                                     www.silvacarbon.org

Dschang

A two day Patcha Foundation free cancer screening exercise opens today at the Dschang District Hospital. Believing good health is central to efficient and good living, the non profit organization based in Silver Spring, Maryland volunteers in another 2 day (5th & 6th of June 2014) cancer free screening exercise in Bamenda at Mezam Polyclinic to improve the health of World citizens.

Call 237 79 57 59 59 / 237 97 19 87 19 (www.patchafoundation.org) for major details.

Buea

* After Yaounde, Bamenda and Douala, Uncle P presents all 3 volumes of his reflections in Buea on Wednesday June 4, 2014 at the Amphi théâtre 250 of the University of Buea. Journeying to my Emmaus, Lamentations for my beloved Country and Stand Up, Be Strong, Don't Quit! are all reflections that open deep wounds, allow the mind see reason and usher seeds of new hope for an uncertain tomorrow. Grabbing copies of these collections of wisdom is tantamount to refreshing one's spirit, mind, and body to the holies for cleanliness and the perfect salvation.

* The launching of Tem Martin's 4 new books : 1) Conquering the Enemy called Fear

                                                                        2) Developing the Entrepreneur's Mindset

                                                                        3) A Practical Guide to write your own book

                                                                        4) What is in a Dress?

comes up on Sunday June 29, 2014 at Eta Palace Hotel. Let your presence make the difference!

Abortion & Reproductive Rights on the table again...

A two day workshop on abortion and the reproductive rights of adolescents and young women brought tens of civil society organisations across the continent. The purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness on the upsurge of consequences of unsafe abortion and its effects on the health and lives of African women. 

According to the 2010 estimates on maternal mortality and morbidity, the sub-Saharan African and South Asia contributed 86% of deaths; vast majority of which are due to preventable causes that need minimal cost to address.  In Africa alone “25% of all unsafe abortions in Africa, are among adolescents aged 15 to 19 and about 60% among young women under 25 years” (Women’s health, WHO-2009).

The Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR)  in partnership with IPAS Africa Alliance– an organization protecting women’s health  and advancing women’s reproductive rights in collaboration with Equal Now African region, seeing this as a threat to maternal health and the attainment of the MDG by 2015 for some African countries, organized this two day workshop on unsafe abortion at the Hilton hotel in Nairobi, Kenya from the 13^th - 14^th May 2014.  The workshop empowered participants to advocate for women to access safe abortion (according to the Law of the country and Article 14 Para 2 c of the AU Protocol, which states: “Protect the reproductive rights of women by authorizing medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest, and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or the foetus.”) particularly within the context of the AU Protocol on Women and other women’s instruments agreed upon by States.  

The meeting noted that reducing the burden of maternal deaths due to unsafe abortion and realizing women’s rights to reproductive health is within reach in the African region and this has been addressed in regional treaties and agreements including the African Protocol on Women and the Maputo Plan of Action on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

The Nairobi meeting also discussed other international and regional policy frameworks on reproductive health, including CEDAW, ICPD, and Vienna Human Rights Conference, which resulted in the declaration– ‘that women’s rights are human rights’.  Other commitments to women such as the Beijing Conference, Millennium Development Goals have been reference for workshop participants in the bid to reduce maternal mortality by 75% by 2015, a vision which could be far reaching.

Yet African leaders through the AU continue to show political commitment at their government’s level to promote and protect the right to health in a series of international, regional and continental legal protocols and declarations.  Another demonstration of high level political will to protect women from unsafe abortion is the launching of the Campaign on the Acceleration of Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa- CARMMA in 2010 to reduce unsafe abortions that contribute to 40% of maternal deaths in Africa.  The Gambia is part of the 38 member states that took part in this continental initiative.

Socio-economic, political, and legal issues continue to determine the lives of women in Africa and elsewhere. Women’s bodies are sites of dispute and instruments of conflict and abuse.  They are subjected to all forms of sexual abuse including rape, unwanted and unplanned pregnancies.  Yet they are perceived as the perpetrators of the abuse or simply they have to be blamed for what happens to them and their bodies.   Such has been the concerns of women’s rights activists in Cameroon like Women Peace Initiatives, Servitas, and Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom – Cameroon...  who last Saturday at the Douala based strategies site in one of their concertation and strategic meetings, realized how much women’s bodies are sites of controversy, abuse and neglect. 

 

Job: Chief of Service, Office of Ombudsman and Mediation Service, United Nations, NY

For more information on how to apply click https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=35242&
		Chief of Service, Office of Ombudsman and Mediation Service, D1 CHIEF OF SERVICE, OMBUDSMAN Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services NEW YORK

Special Notice
	Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
		Org. Setting and Reporting
	At the United Nations, the ombudsman function is that of an organizational ombudsman. As a neutral and independent party, an ombudsman assists United Nations employees to address their work-related concerns and helps to resolve conflict through informal means. The incumbent will report to the United Nations Ombudsman.
		Responsibilities
	The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:  1. Manage and direct the work of the UN Ombudsman and Mediation Services by:  • Formulating, implementing and reporting on the substantive work programme of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS);  • Overseeing the management of activities undertaken by the Office, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Office and with other entities as appropriate;  • Overseeing and ensuring the implementation of the provisions contained in the compact of the Head of Department with the Secretary-General;  • Determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; • Serving as the main point of contact for the members of the integrated office, the Ombudsmen of the Funds and Programmes and UNHCR;  • Coordinating and overseeing the preparation of reports on budget and programme performance for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and; representing the UN Ombudsman and UNOMS at meetings related to such reports.  2. Serve as Ombudsman, providing alternative dispute resolution services by exploring with staff the options and different avenues open to them taking into account the interests rights and obligations existing between the Organization and staff members.  • Receive comments on policies, procedures and practices; with the aim to review, analyse and interpret trends, identifying problems and issues.  Oversee the preparation of analytical studies regarding systemic problems leading to workplace conflict.  3.  Assist the ASG in ensuring that the leadership of the Organization is made aware of current and foreseeable trends and developments with regard to root cause s of conflict and make recommendations in this regard.  4.   Oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of UNOMS, including:  • supervising the preparation of the office work plan, budgets, human resources management activities and coordination of the outreach programme; reviewing and formulating policies and establishing important guidelines related to the functioning of UNOMS New York and regional offices; recruiting staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance; managing, guiding, developing and training staff under his/her supervision including evaluation of staff performance; developing training policies and plans, ensuring the effective utilization, supervision and development of staff;  fostering  teamwork and communication among  all staff including those in the regional branches and across organizational boundaries  5.  Manage and oversee the work of the seven (7) regional branches by: overseeing the operations of the regional offices, including matters of stakeholder outreach and activities, conflict competence efforts, office space, security, travel, training, leave and attendance; communicating any concerns to the mission’s management as necessary; providing guidance and advise to the regional offices in ongoing case matters as needed; carrying out weekly operations meetings and consultations with the regional ombudsmen to ensure that emerging issues and concerns are addressed in a timely manner.  6.  Perform other duties, as assigned, and travel, as needed
		Competencies
	Professionalism:  Proven strategic and analytical skills that lead to the formulation of options and recommendations. Proven ability to provide seasoned specialized advice in a broad range of managerial, financial, and administrative areas. Proven abilities to represent the Organization before UN legislative committees, strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. The ability to generate vision and to communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.   The ability to produce and oversee the timely preparation of reports.   The ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations.  Knowledge of alternative dispute resolution tools and ability to apply them effectively.  The ability to act as a neutral third party when assisting staff with work-related disputes while maintaining confidentiality. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;   is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;  is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations .  Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.  Planning and Organizing:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.  Leadership:  Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.  Managing Performance  Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
		Education
	Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, international relations, dispute resolution, law, finance, accounting, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification in alternative dispute resolution is desirable.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, dispute resolution, legal affairs, financial management, budget, logistics or related field. Managerial experience in programme management desirable.  Experience in managing decentralized operations is desirable. At least 5 years of experience in a UN or related international Organization is desirable.  Experience with informal conflict resolution is desirable.
		Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For this post English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language is highly desirable.
		Assessment Method
	Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
		United Nations Considerations
	The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
		No Fee
	THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNT Courtesy Craig Zelizer