Latest 2018 Job For Graduate Cash Transfer Assistants at the Danish Refugee Council

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of the refugee cause in more than 30 countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced migration, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC works in accordance with the UN Conventions on Refugees and the Code of Conduct for the ICRC and NGOs in Disaster Relief.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Cash Transfer Assistant

Location: Madagali, Adamawa
Slots: 6
Level: SB4
Contract length: 10 Months with possible extension
Start Date: 15th April 2018

About the Job

• The successful candidate’s main duties and responsibilities will be Facilitating the implementation of the early recovery cash transfer programme through liaising with local stakeholders and community to improve the food security and livelihoods of communities.

Responsibilities
Implementation of the Cash Transfer Programme:

• Ensure beneficiaries are screened, selected and verified through use of developed targeting criteria in operational areas
• Participate in the data collection of food security and livelihood related assessments
• Provide livelihood guidance, on an individual or group basis, to increase beneficiaries’ awareness of different business options based on market assessment and beneficiary interests
• Facilitate the implementation of Cash Transfer programmes and ward level; Unconditional/Conditional Cash Grants and Cash for Work
• Work with line manager to plan for cash distributions
• Business advisory, support and monitoring through guidance from line manager
• Work closely with government line ministries in the implementation of project activities
• Support the organization of trainings and other events related to the project
• Receive and distribute goods dispatched from warehouse and ensure all documentation is accurately completed in an accountable manner
• Provide administrative support if required
• Submit weekly reports and contribute to compilation of the monthly report and submit to line manager.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Coordination of Ward level stakeholders in consultation with line manager
• Keep abreast of all ward level stakeholders and NGOs working in DRC operational locations
• Ensure that protocol is followed through stakeholder consultation at all stages of project implementation.

Social Cohesion Programming:

• Assess the relevance of potential intercommunal dialogue activities linked to livelihoods to improve the dialogue and cooperation between these fields (e.g. joint workshops, peer-to-peer activities, language exchanges, etc.)
• Select beneficiaries who will participate in the activities through youth empowerment and community safety planning in coordination with AVR teams where possible
• Maintain Excel tracking sheet to ensure that data are collected on a timely basis
• Contribute to regular reporting on achievements and challenges related to the project as requested by the Livelihoods Officer.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Work closely with the monitoring team and the Livelihood Officer on the timely monitoring and evaluation of all components – information, beneficiary selection, beneficiary feedback about activities, etc.
• Facilitate the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the project through team meetings, visits to selected beneficiaries, regular reporting and any other monitoring tools
• Participate in the internal evaluation of the program
• Participate in Post Distribution Monitoring excersises
• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

About You

• To be successful in this role we expect you Experience in Cash Transfer Programming and an understanding of humanitarian/civil society issues in the North East of Nigeria.
• At least 1 year working experience, in the field of cash transfer programming is required.
• All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity.

Required:

• University Degree or advanced training/course in Economics, Agriculture, Sociology, Social Work, International Affairs, Humanitarian or any other related field plus.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages.
• At least 1 year working experience, in the field of cash transfer programming is required.

Desirable:

• Previous working experience with humanitarian agencies
• Experience working with displaced populations.
• Experience with case management protocols desirable

Salary

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment; please refer to drc.ngo  under Vacancies.

Application Closing Date
10th April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online now >>>

Note

• All applicants must send a Cover Letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.
• DRC Nigeria does not charge any fees for recruitment and does not use any employment mediator.
• Applications sent by email will not be considered.
• If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact: job@drc.dk

2018 Job Vacancy for Logistics Assistant at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income generating activities, legal aid and a wide range of other protection assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system in the area of Finance. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries. 

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Logistics Assistant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

About You

• To be successful in this role we expect you to provide support to the programme by undertaking technical and practical operational tasks to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operation of logistical activities in accordance with the Operations Handbook and Program Manual with adherence to the donor guidelines.
• All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity. 
• Under the supervision and direction of the Logistics Officer, the incumbent (the Logistics Assistant Inventory) shall provide support to the program by undertaking technical and practical operational tasks to ensure smooth, safe and efficient operation of logistical activities regarding inventory, warehouse, commodity accounting and tracking, in accordance with the Operations Handbook and Program Manual

Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Logistics Officer - Support Assets Management:

• Maintain the records of Assets, Equipment for Maiduguri Office, including all Borno field bases, in line with the Assets recording system for the country program.
• Ensure that the assets that are issued to staff are authorized, recorded and necessary paper work exists as per the DRC policy.
• Ensure that all assets are properly maintained and looked after. Any misuse and abuse are reported to the Logistics Officer, Logistics Manager and to the Maiduguri Area Manager.

Manage Inventories and Stock Managements:

• Ensure that all stock items (food, non-food) are properly stored and correctly recorded as per the guidelines.
• Ensure that the movement of inventories To-and-Fro the warehouse & stores are correctly documented; authorized and file as per procedures.
• Through the Logistics Officer, inform the relevant Programme staff/managers upon receipts and dispatches of assets. Allow requesters inspection of items upon delivery for quality
• Through the Logistics Officer, ensure monthly inventory and stock reports are collated and circulated to all Program Managers.
• Undertake stock inventory and update stock report on a regular basis

Support Base and Guesthouse Management - Under the supervision of the Logistics Officer:

• Ensure Base and Guest Houses are well maintained. Cover all Electricity, Plumbing and Carpentry needs
• Organizing Dislodging and Waste disposal in all locations
• Engage and Supervise work of suppliers
• Maintenance and repair of A/Cs

Support Transportation- Under the supervision of the Logistics Officer:

• Arrange for transportation of goods as required and ensure accurate documentation maintained.
• Arrange for the distribution of program supplies as per plan and coordinate with program teams.

Experience and Technical Competencies
Essential:

• 1-2 years’ experience in logistics, including procurement, supply chain, fleet management & inventory.
• Knowledge & experience of dealing with service providers.
• Excellent computer skills in MS Word & Excel.

Desirable:

• Resourceful in Inventory Management & Commodity Accounting and Tracking
• Flexible & willing to work in a remote setting & to travel to other field locations.
• Understanding and experience of security management.
• Experience in working with an (I)NGO in similar function

Application Closing Date
10th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online now >>>

Latest 2018 Job For Entry-level Logistics Assistant (Food Security) at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of the refugee cause in more than 30 countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced migration, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC works in accordance with the UN Conventions on Refugees and the Code of Conduct for the ICRC and NGOs in Disaster Relief.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Logistics Assistant (Food Security)

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract type: National contract

The Position

• Within the scope of DRC’s Food Security project, funded by WFP, the Logistics Assistant is to provide specialized support functions and/or supervise staff performing standard logistics/supply chain processes and activities to enable effective delivery of goods and services for all Food Security delivery modalities (CBT, GFD, BSFP etc).

Key Requirements/Responsibilities

• Responsible for receiving the redeemed paper vouchers and redeemed SCOPE Cards and archiving them in accordance CBT manuals and policies and relevant SOPs in coordination with the DRC Food Security Unit;
• For paper vouchers and SCOPE, s/he works on daily basis with the retailers/Vendors, perform the reconciliation of commodities and prices. Once the scanned copy of the invoice is received from Retailers/vendors, S/he must double check and submitted to Snr Food Security Officer (CBT) and Commodity Tracking Officer for further review;
• Responsible for receiving the original retailer invoices and submitting to the DRC Finance CBT Focal Point;
• Follow up and determine with procurement and programme the need for standby contracts for vendors;
• Regularly update and keep track of contracts and contract extension of the retailers/ Vendors
• Perform other duties, as required by the FSM

Desirables:

• 2 years work experience in a humanitarian organization
• 1 year hands on experience in the implementation of the Cash Voucher program
• Excellent oral and writing skills

Conditions

• Availability: Immediately
• Salary and conditions: In accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment;
• The income will be subject to statutory deductions as per applicable Nigeria laws. The employee is responsible for the tax returns.

Application Closing Date
3rd April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online now >>>

Note

• The position is for Nigerian Nationals Only.
• CV must be saved with name of applicant.
• Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.
• CV-only applications will not be considered.
• Applications sent/received after the deadline will not be considered. Due to the urgency of this positions, application will be considered on a rolling basis and DRC reserves the right begin the interview process before the close date.
• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written test and oral interview.

Latets 2018 Job For Nutrition Officer at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of the refugee cause in more than 30 countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced migration, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC works in accordance with the UN Conventions on Refugees and the Code of Conduct for the ICRC and NGOs in Disaster Relief.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Nutrition Officer

Location: Mubi, Adamawa

Main duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Emergency manager & the senior officer to develop, coordinate and manage a Food/Nutrition Distribution project in line with proposals, strategies and donor requirements.
• Assist the EM to manage, train and develop the Food/Nutrition Distribution team on nutrition screening and distribution
• Ensure high technical quality and transparent processes
• Assist the EM to represent Food/Nutrition distribution project in internal and external forums
• Assist the EM in project documentation, conducting of field assessments, profiling, distribution and community sensitization
• Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees and explore and asses new and better ways to assist

About you

• To be successful in this role we expect you to knowledgable on nutrtion and food security programming, particually within an INGO context. 
• You should have both project and people management skills, as well as the flexibility to work with competing priorities. 
• Team work and motivation is a must.. All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, Striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity.

Qualifications
Required:

• Relevant higher education at college level on nutrition and health.
• Experience from working as a nutritionist Officer in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Minimum 3 years of working experience in a humanitarian/recovery context within Nutrition program, preferably with an international NGO
• Proven experience from registration, verification and distribution in emergency relief operations is a strong advantage
• Strong understanding of protection principles and likely protection concerns arising in the Nigerian context as well as conflict sensitivity
• Computer skills (primarily MS Office applications), especially Microsoft Excel.

Desirable:

• Solid experience in staff management in a cross-cultural environment required
• Experience in complex emergencies and the ability to live and work in a very remote environment
• Ability to work under pressure and without daily supervision
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal and have a sound knowledge of the local languages of Maiduguri
• Remains productive when under pressure with ability to prioritise effectively, and respects and adheres to deadlines.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Email application software Languages:
• Knowledge of the context in rural Nigeria

We Offer

• Contract length: 6 months
• Level: SB3
• Start date: 10th April, 2018.

Application Closing Date
3rd April, 2018.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online Now >>>

Latest 2018 Job for Administrative Assistants To Heads Of Department

Chartered Institute of Administration is recruiting for fulltime Administrative Assistants To Heads Of Department.
Job Details



The Chartered Institute of Administration is a professional and examining body established in 1987 and Chartered by Federal Government Act No.103 of 1992 - Now an Act of the National Assembly, Cap C7 Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The Act empowers the institute to, among other things; regulate the Training, and practice of, Administration in Nigeria within a professional membership framework.

We recognize that our continued success as a Professional body depends largely on the collective strengths of our employees. As a result of this, we are recruiting to fill the below position:

Job Title: Administrative Assistant to Heads of Department
Location: Lagos
Job Requirements


Min Required Experience: 2 year(s)

Min Qualification: Bachelor's Degree/HND

Desired Courses: Not Specified
Other Requirements:


Requirements
Females, not above 35 years of age
Degree or HND in any Business Administration discipline, Mass Communication, or Office Technology
Outstanding skill in Business Communication
Efficiency in Office Management and ability to provide general administrative support
Proficiency in Computer Office Applications
At least two years experience

Compensation: Negotiable.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Hand-written Applications with CV's and one recent Passport Photograph to:
The Assistant Director (Administration),
Chartered Institute of Administration,
No 78 Old Ojo Road,
Off Badagry Expressway,
Kuje Amuwo,
Lagos State.

Latest 2018 Graduate Food Security Nutrition Assistant at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income generating activities, legal aid and a wide range of other protection assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system in the area of Finance. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries. 

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Food Security Nutrition Assistant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Slot: 3

About the Job

• The Food Security Nutrition Assistant is responsible to assist the Food Security Nutrition Officer in the implementation of DRC activities within the scope WFP programme in Borno State.

Your Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in all the Nutrition activities including nutrition screening and distribution.
• Supervise Nutrition Workers.
• Conduct training and sensitisation activities related to food distributions and nutrition.
• Assist in Planning, supervising and monitoring training, awareness and sensitisation activities, including maintenance and verification of all supporting documentation and activities (e.g. pre- and post-tests).
• Assist in Maintaining records of all activities, in order to complete timely reports for DRC and for external actors, including donors.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor all nutrition-related activities, including screening, referrals and follow up.
• Assist the Nutrition Officer in project documentation.
• Promote the rights of displaced people and affected populations, and explore and assess new and better ways to provide timely, effective and appropriate assistance.
• Assist in gap analysis, needs assessment, conducting registration, receiving commodities and distributing to beneficiaries in locations adversely affected by the conflict.
• Ensuring quality MUAC screening takes place at all team registrations: children are accurately recorded in terms of their nutrition status;
• Assist in Ensuring appropriate implementation of Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programme (BSFP) for children 6- 59 months and the Pregnant and Lactating Women
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to DRC and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

And any other duties assigned to him/her by the Food Security Manager

About You
To be successful in this role we expect you to. All employees should master DRC's core competencies:

• Prepare and share work plan with the CPT Officer according to the programme detail and implementation plan
• Provide the CTP Officer with relevant documents, and channel issues.
• Communicating
• Taking the lead
• Collaborating
• Striving for excellence and
• Demonstrating integrity.

Requirements
Required:

• BA/B.Sc/HND in health or nutrition related field;
• 1 year of experience working on the implementation of a nutrition program
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders to identify beneficiaries according to criteria required.
• Experience with carrying out assessments, nutrition case management, monitoring and evaluation required.
• Commitment to renewing and maintaining knowledge of best practices
• Ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical skills, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing

Desirable:

• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Fluency in English and Hausa; fluency in other languages spoken in Borno will be a plus.

We Offer

• Contract length: 3 Months with possible extension.
• Level: SB4
• Designation of Duty Station: Maiduguri
• Start date: 15th  APRIL 2018
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application Closing Date
10th April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
click here to apply now>>>

Note

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.
• Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Merchant Acquisition & Payments Specialist at Accion Microfinance Bank Limited

Accion Microfinance Bank Limited  - Established in 2006, began operations in May 2007 on license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Our management team comprises seasoned and distinguished professionals from diverse backgrounds complemented by the expertise of our technical partners, ACCION International. At Accion Microfinance Bank our core values, business philosophy and methodology distinguish us as one of the leading microfinance banks in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Merchant Acquisition & Payments Specialist

Location: Nigeria
Reports to: Head eBusiness

Summary/Objective

• The Channel Officer, will be responsible for deployment of POS, MCash, Accion instant Pay channels and collections channels for low cost liability generation for the bank.

Essential Functions
Acquisition:

• Manage the Accion NIP/ POS/MCash product of the bank to ensure liability generation and profitability
• Constant liaison with IT, NIBSS, Operations and all stakeholders to ensure 99.99% uptime of the Accion NIP Product
• Manager the web acquisition business of the bank
• Maintain physical custody of the bank’s POS Terminals and accessories allocated to customers
• Daily monitoring of Merchant transactions on the CTMS
• Provision of regular technical training to POS Support Officers
• Liase with payment terminal service providers (PTSPs) and other support vendors for efficient set-up and support of the bank’s POS
• Provide MCash/POS product support for both internal and external customers
• Deployment of other liability generation products available in the industry like Western Union Money Transfer.

ePayments:

• Liaise with Branches to secure new remittance and payments Mandates
• Liaising with Operations Department for the creation of users profiles
• Training and re-training of end users and Account Officers for marketing and deployment of the ePayments channels
• Provide first level support to branches
• Coordinates collection channels like Schools, Public utilities, TV and Other Collections including States & Federal Taxes (IGR/FIRS).

Qualification and Experience
Degrees & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Sciences /Engineering or equivalent or specific relevant experience.

Knowledge & Experience:

• 5 years of experience in banking system and/or 3 year of experience as Merchant Acquiring Officer.
• Good Knowledge of ATM, POS, MCash etc
• Good knowledge of information technology is very important in order to interact with different applications, especially Microsoft tools.

Key Performance Measures

• Number of MCash and Web Merchants
• % of transactions on the ePayments platforms
• Fee revenue from POS/MCash and ePayments platform
• % Growth on transaction value and volume
• % Availability of the ePayments Platforms
• % of Active POS Terminals.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
click here to apply now >>>

Latest 2018 Job For Manager, Digital Transformation at Accion Microfinance Bank Limited

Accion Microfinance Bank Limited  - Established in 2006, began operations in May 2007 on license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Our management team comprises seasoned and distinguished professionals from diverse backgrounds complemented by the expertise of our technical partners, ACCION International. At Accion Microfinance Bank our core values, business philosophy and methodology distinguish us as one of the leading microfinance banks in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Manager, Digital Transformation, Accion MfB

Location: Nigeria

Summary/Objective

• Providing and having access to financial services can be a challenging and costly activity. That is why we believe it is essential to leverage innovative technologies so businesses can efficiently and effectively provide their services and increase reach to those that remain excluded.
• Accion Microfinance Bank Limited is a team of experienced professionals that, through the smart use of innovative customer engagement approaches, effective product design, digital technologies and distribution channels, help increase the efficiency of small businesses, financial services providers and key actors to help achieve financial inclusion at scale.
• Reporting to the CIO, the Manager, Digital Transformation, will contribute to the development of the businesses’ digital strategy and the delivery of multiple technology solutions across all programmes and teams within the business, by ensuring consistency in delivery approach.
• The role will work closely with the CIO to overhaul the business’s digital services and channels while growing a team and meeting the company's objectives through digital transformation, improved digital customer experience and a more effective digital product range.

Key Responsibilities
Digital Strategy Development (20%):

• Define the direction of the overall digital strategy, in conjunction with the Chief Information Officer coordinate and manage the annual digital team's delivery calendar and digital roadmap to help drive business growth and planning. This will include:
• Technology infrastructure: Provide infrastructure services vision that will enable innovation which leverage IT trends to create business value
• Supplement innovations in current product service – use digital tools to improve Customer Journey and experience
• Launch new digital products and services – help plan for and design the bank’s new digital product offering
• Assessing internal services suitability for digital transformation and rigorously prioritizing involvement by customer or cost saving benefit.
• Promote partnerships that further digital agenda
• Providing advice to management on innovations that could best support customer needs.

Project delivery and change management for digital readiness technology implementations (40%):

• Managing the implementation of technology projects for core infrastructure to ensure the business has an effective technology platform to delivery its growth initiatives; prioritizing and driving changes to internal software and systems
• IT Capacity Assessments: Oversee business assessments of IT staff, policies and procedures to ensure they are equipped to support the business operations from an IT perspective.
• Business resilience: While developing strategies to grow and scale efficiently using technology, ensure the business is resilient through the implementation of comprehensive disaster recovery architecture, protection against security threats such as malware, and cyber-attacks, have risk monitoring and management, and business continuity architectures.
• Ensure best practices and processes across the digital team for the consistent delivery of digital projects

Project delivery, change management and technology implementations for new and existing digital product (30%):

• Managing the implementation of technology projects to supplement the current product offering as well as new digital financial products in order to:
  • Promote remote customer application and account usage
  • Improve the customer journey and allow for a improve, more intuitive customer experience
  • Drive the offering of new, more innovative and personalized financial products
  • Allow the business to drive growth metrics such as (but not limited to) customer numbers, ARPU, loan book size, operational efficiency. Across all IT projects, the candidate will be responsible for:
• Types of projects: the types of projects will include agency banking, mobile banking, channels implementation, implementation of data platforms to drive business intelligence, enterprise mobility, data analytics, payment systems, distributed ledger systems, technology infrastructure improvements.
• Pre-implementations: Oversee pre-implementation plans, which include development of business requirements, detailed functional requirements, review of change management business impact, human resources and risks.
• Project Management: Ensure all projects are effectively managed, and that all teams in the business are properly staffed and that adequate reporting and oversight controls are in place.
• Maintain full awareness of the performance of individual programmes, including the identification and resolution of risks, critical issues, and opportunities.
• Change Management: Ensure that projects deliver change through the business, and are ‘owned’ by the business, not seen as something ‘done’ by IT – ensuring that the business has the appropriate resources in place will be key.
• Selection & contract negotiations: Oversee and/or assist in the due diligence and software selection process for new software and tools; negotiate pricing and contracts. Manage relationships with third party digital delivery partners, focusing on performance management against agreed SLA's and KPI's
• Consultants: Source and manage external consultants and manage related budgets.
• Implementation: Oversee the implementation of all major bank systems and participate in issue-resolution decisions, vendor management, and regular update communication to all stakeholders.
• Post-Implementation Reviews: Oversee the assessment of a post-implementation review and lead on any findings / recommendations of the same.
• Budget / Funding: Work together with management team on systems budgets and funding, ensuring that the budget the costs of technology projects and support adequately
• Approach/stakeholder management: Ensure alignment with management teams and Boards with implementation approaches and plans.
• Governance: Advise on the establishment and maintenance of robust governance mechanisms that have the confidence of all stakeholders. Assist management to make good quality decisions through timely, accurate and informative reporting and forecasting

Communications, Knowledge sharing and Capacity building (10%):

• Driving cultural change and helping build digital capability and technical knowledge within the business: advocating user focussed design, agile project methodologies, use of low cost cloud based technology, open source software and the use of more diverse suppliers.
• Helping put in place new guidance and training for service owners and project managers; advising on the structures needed for future digital transform
• Share knowledge: Document and share project results (activities, findings, outputs, impact) in the form of sharing knowledge, disseminating useful information & tools, and organizing and delivering learning and exchange opportunities, blogging, articles and/or case studies completed for internal learning and external sector-wide knowledge sharing purposes.
• Be a thought leader on new digital trends and opportunities that the business can incorporate into its digital strategy to drive strategic growth ambitions

Qualification and Experience

• Must have consulting/advisory services experience.
• 10 years’ experience of consulting or working within a financial services institution, with working exposure to financial services, strategy, and hands-on operating experience in challenging contexts.
• Must have excellent knowledge of and expertise in digital financial services as well as hands-on knowledge of four or more of the following: mobile money, digital payments, mobile banking, POS/cards, agent banking, data and business intelligence platforms, core banking systems, digital field applications.
• 5 years of experience in banking system and/or 3 year of experience as Merchant Acquiring Officer.
• Strong experience managing transformation projects from start to finish, gathering user requirements through prototypes to actual delivery and iteration. Valuable experience will include project managing a financial services product launch from inception and product design to pilot and commercial launch, working across multiple teams in the business to deliver project KPIs
• Experience of data driven design and the production of effective management information.
• Experience delivering change activities and working effectively with senior management.
• Strong business analysis skills and an understanding of open source and open standards.
• Experience in supplier and contract management.
• Experience of Agile and an understanding of Prince 2 a distinct advantage.
• The candidate must also meet the minimum standard of the competencies listed below.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related careers. Masters or MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of work experience in IT consultancy, financial sector or microfinance bank.
• At least 3 years in management positions.
• Technical knowledge and experience in Product Management and product design and development.
• Excellent project and people/team management skills, especially in multi-cultural environments.
• Develop high levels of credibility and accountability and lead with transparency.
• Measure products, services and team performance against agreed standards.
• Have superb interpersonal skills, experience leading an innovative team and have a passion for forward thinking digital transformation.
• Excellent multi-tasking skills with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Ability to negotiate consensus among diverse groups and influence and impact the activities of others not in own reporting structure.
• Use different styles to influence individuals and groups and cause impact.
• Take a persuasive stand on difficult issues and on behalf of projects’ stakeholders.
• Demonstrably strong business negotiation skills.
• Willingness to travel nationally
• Willingness to embody our values of excellence, respect and passion for social change.
• Exceptional written, communication and presentation skills for a variety of audiences; comfort moving seamlessly between executive teams and the field.
• Inspire trust within (project teams and business groups) and outside (vendors and consultants) the organization and demonstrates personal integrity and trustworthiness.
• Fluency in English and [local language] required.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
click here to apply online>>>>

Resident Branch Controller at Accion Microfinance Bank Limited - Ariaria- Abia /Nnewi-Anambra

Accion Microfinance Bank Limited  - Established in 2006, began operations in May 2007 on license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. Our management team comprises seasoned and distinguished professionals from diverse backgrounds complemented by the expertise of our technical partners, ACCION International. At Accion Microfinance Bank our core values, business philosophy and methodology distinguish us as one of the leading microfinance banks in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Resident Branch Controller

Location: Ariaria- Abia /Nnewi-Anambra
Reports to: Head, Risk and Internal Control

Summary/Objective

• Working in the employment of ACCION Microfinance Bank Limited, the employee will hold the Resident Branch Controller position with direct reporting line to Residence Control Manager. He shall be responsible for conceptual ownership of all management processes in operations within the branch(s) of the bank.
• He shall also ensure adequate compliance to information technology industry standards by the bank. He will identify potential risks inherent in the established procedures within these areas of his responsibility and Identify appropriate mitigating control measures against such risks. Where necessary control measures are not yet in place, the employee shall also have the responsibility to design appropriate controls for management approval and subsequent implementations.
• In this capacity the incumbent will be key support to the management and serves as the eye of the HOD, Internal Control and Compliance in ensuring all employees of the branch comply with laid down rules and procedures in the performance of the their assigned roles.
• In essence, his duties shall focus on ensuring the assets of the branch are safeguarded and ensuring the integrity of the branch records.

Job Duties and Responsibility

• Ensure branch staff compliance with internal code of conduct, Policy/Procedure and Regulations.
• Ensure that all activities as stipulated in the control checklist are performed by branch
• Provide Control and Compliance Counseling, Advisory and Decision Support Service to branch
• Educate and train staffs on compliance issues, Improve compliance culture in the assigned branch
• Build strong KYC compliance environment in the assigned branch ie ensure capturing of all valid KYC documents in the core banking application through regular review of account opening and documentation both on clients files and on the system
• Review credit files and escalate all risk observed.
• Carryout unannounced visits to client’s business location after loan disbursement.
• Ensure daily call over of all Till transactions (which include but not limited to deposit/withdrawal slip, cheque slips, funds transfer) within 24hours of posting and where practicable online same day.
• Daily review of ATM card and PIN management or any other related reviews to ensure irregularities are discovered and escalated promptly.
• Ensure integrity of transactions and GL accounts in the branch through daily review of the branch GL balance report and escalate any major deviation from standard.
• Ensure prompt resolution of all recommendations in internal audit report, regulatory examiners report and other statutory examiners report involving the branch under your purview
• Conduct special investigation as maybe directed by the head Risk and Internal Control
• Ensure prompt and qualitative rendition of relevant reports which include but not limited to Weekly Activity Report, Vault balancing Report, Downtime Report, Risk Event Report.
• Any other job as assigned by the head Risk and Internal Control.

Key Performance Measures

• Control Adequacy rating from Internal Audit.
• Promptness and effectiveness of call over of transactions.
• Quantum of undetected regulatory/statutory infractions from External Auditor and Regulators’ reports.
• Quality and Timeliness of losses and loss events reporting in processing areas
• Undetected Income leakage/P&L reversal arising from undetected processing errors
• Integrity of the GL accounts in the Business offices of the region.
• Promptness, Accuracy and Validity of Exception Reporting/Rendition of all Control Activity Reports
• Effectiveness at follow up to ensure that Internal Audit recommendations are implemented

Qualification and Experience
Degrees & Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent or specific relevant experience.
• ICAN AAT, PE1 or ACA is an added advantage.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Good Knowledge of risk management
• Good knowledge of information technology is very important in order to interact with different applications, especially Microsoft tools.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
click here to apply >>>

Latest Job For Field Associate at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Field Associate

Vacancy No: 2018/VA/016
Location: Cross River
Grade:G-6
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment (with possible renewal)
Duration of Contract: 1 year
Supervisor: Protection Officer

Job Description

• The Field Associate is normally supervised by the Field Officer or Protection Officer or Head of Office and performs a variety of functions related to Field activities within the office. The supervisor defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance.
• The Field Associate may supervise some General Service support staff.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the situation in the AoR, collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly.
• Monitor the implementation of UNHCR programme including the delivery of all assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure.
• Undertake regular visits to various sites in order to assess needs of persons of concern, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.
• Keep regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners as requested by supervisor.
• Act as interpreter when required.
• Contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports by providing info, preparing tables, etc.
• Assist in administrative tasks as required such as preparation of reports and meeting authorized personnel and assisting them during field missions.
• Inform and act on the reports received on persons of concern within the refugee community or from the local authorities.
• In coordination with implementing partners, assist in the reception, registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR.
• Undertake other relevant duties as required.

Essential Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of the Secondary Education with post-secondary training/certificate in Business Administration, Law, Political Science or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of previous job experience relevant to the function.
• Computer skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
• UNHCR field experience.

Application Closing Date
2nd April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications following the procedures outlined below:

Internal Candidates
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should complete and attach a UN Personal History Form(P11) to their written application and send it via email ONLY to: niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the vacancy number and title of the position.

External Candidates
External candidates should submit their application/letter of motivation, resume as well as fully completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) and send via email ONLY to niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the above vacancy notice number and title of the position.

Protection Associate at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Protection Associate

Vacancy Notice No: 2018/VA/014
Location: Calabar, Cross River
Position number:10028715
Grade: G6
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment (with possible renewal)
Duration of Contract: 1 year
Supervisor:Protection Officer

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Protection Associate normally reports to the Protection Officer or the Senior Protection Officer. 
• He/she monitors protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards and provides functional protection support to information management and programme staff.

The incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

• Stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment.
• Consistently apply International and National Law and applicable UN/UNHCR and IASC policy, standards and codes of conduct.
• Assist in providing comments on existing and draft legislation related to persons of concern.
• Provide advice on protection issues to persons of concern; liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documentation.
• Assist in conducting eligibility and status determination for persons of concern.
• Contribute to measures to identify, prevent and reduce statelessness.
• Contribute to a country-level child protection plan as part of the protection strategy.
• Contribute to a country-level education plan as part of the protection strategy.
• Monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all protection/solutions activities.
• Manage individual protection cases including those on SGBV and child protection. Monitor, and intervene in cases of refoulement, expulsion and other protection incidents.
• Assist in identifying durable solutions for the largest possible number of persons of concern through voluntary repatriation, local integration and where appropriate, resettlement.
• Contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of protection related AGD based programming with implementing and operational partners.
• Contribute to effective information management through the provision of disaggregated data on populations of concern and their problems.
• Participate in initiatives to capacitate authorities, relevant institutions and NGOs to strengthen national protection related legislation and procedures.

Essential Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Completion of Secondary School. Additional certificate/training in International Law, Political Science or related field is required.
• Job experience: Relevant to the function: 6 years.
• Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Good computer skills.
• Completed Protection Learning Programme.

Application Closing Date
2nd April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications following the procedures outlined below:

Internal Candidates
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should complete and attach a UN Personal History Form(P11) to their written application and send it via email ONLY to: niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the vacancy number and title of the position.

External Candidates
External candidates should submit their application/letter of motivation, resume as well as fully completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) and send via email ONLY to niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the above vacancy notice number and title of the position.

Latest Job For Registration Assistant at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Registration Assistant

Vacancy Notice No: 2018/VA/018
Location: Calabar, Cross River
Position number: 10028720
Grade: G4
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment (with possible renewal)
Duration of Contract: 1 year
Supervisor: Protection Officer

Duties And Responsibilities

• The Registration Assistant is a member of the Registration team and is supervised by a more senior member of the team who normally reports directly to the Registration Officer.
• The Registration Assistant is responsible for supporting all activities related to registration, which may also include functions related to reception, filing and data management.
• S/He responds to queries from asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's registration procedures and their rights and entitlements as well as liaise with protection staff and partners to ensure timely identification and referral of persons of concern for protection follow up.
• The Registration Assistant may provide interpretation and/or translation services in cases for which s/he has the required language competencies

The incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

• Conduct registration interviews in accordance with local SOPs and registration standards.
• Respond to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's registration procedures and their rights and entitlements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all individual registration cases.
• Identify persons with specific needs and ensure timely referral to protection follow-up as required.
• Collaborate with protection staff and/or partners in the delivery of assistance and programming, including provision of identity and entitlement documentation
• Act as interpreter and translator when needed.
• Perform other related duties as required. 

Essential Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of secondary education preferably with post-secondary training or certificate in social science, statistics, mathematics, information technology or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant job experience (3 years with post-secondary certificate/training).
• Good computer skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English and local language.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Training in basic principles of international protection.
• Experience in working with UNHCR proGres software.
• Knowledge of another relevant UN language.

Application Closing Date
2nd April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications following the procedures outlined below:

Internal Candidates
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should complete and attach a UN Personal History Form(P11) to their written application and send it via email ONLY to: niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the vacancy number and title of the position.

External Candidates
External candidates should submit their application/letter of motivation, resume as well as fully completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) and send via email ONLY to niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the above vacancy notice number and title of the position.

2018 Registration Associate at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Registration Associate

Vacancy Notice No: 2018/VA/015
Location: Calabar, Cross River
Position number:10028716
Grade:G6
Contract Type:Fixed Term Appointment (with possible renewal)
Duration of Contract:1 year
Supervisor:Protection Officer

Responsibilities

• The Registration Associate is a member of the Registration team and is normally supervised by the Registration Officer.
• The Registration Associate is responsible for supporting all activities related to registration, and with ensuring that registration is effectively used for the identification of specific protection needs, for the management of operations, and for the achievement of durable solutions.

The incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation of registration strategies and methodologies for populations of concern.
• Assist in the supervision and daily running of registration team activities, where required.
• Conduct registration interviews when required in accordance with registration standards and guidance.
• Provide counselling to, and responds to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's registration procedures and their rights and entitlements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all registration cases.
• Identify persons with specific needs and ensure timely referral to protection follow-up as required.
• Collaborate with protection staff and/or partners in the delivery of assistance and programming, including provision of identity and entitlement documentation.
• Draft correspondence and reports relating to registration activities in the operation, when required
• Provide statistics and draft reports related to registration data, as requested.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Essential Qualifications

• Completion of Secondary School with post-secondary training/certificate in social sciences, statistics, mathematics, information technology, or related fields.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant professional job experience.
• Good computer skills, particularly in data management.
• Excellent knowledge of English and the local language.

Desirable Qualifications

• Training in basic principles of international protection.
• Experience in working with UNHCR proGres software.
• Knowledge of another relevant UN language.

Application Closing Date
2nd April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications following the procedures outlined below:

Internal Candidates
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should complete and attach a UN Personal History Form(P11) to their written application and send it via email ONLY to: niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the vacancy number and title of the position.

External Candidates
External candidates should submit their application/letter of motivation, resume as well as fully completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) and send via email ONLY to niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the above vacancy notice number and title of the position.

Latest Job For Admin/Finance Associate at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Admin/Finance Associate

Vacancy Notice No: 2018/VA/017
Location: Calabar, Cross River
Position number:10028719
Grade:G6
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment (with possible renewal)
Duration of Contract:  1 year
Supervisor: Finance Officer

Duties And Responsibilities

• The incumbent is normally supervised by the Admin/Finance Officer who defines general work objectives and provides necessary advice and guidance.
• The Admin/Finance Associate may supervise some support staff in which case Managerial competencies M001 and M002 (under 2.3 below) are applicable and should be selected by the staff member and manager in the context of Performance Appraisal Management (e-PAD). Monitor the situation in the AoR, collect data and other information relevant to UNHCR and report to the supervisor accordingly.

The incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

• Performs personnel administration tasks including interpretation and processing entitlements, issuance of contracts and maintenance of various personnel records and files;
• Assists in conducting preliminary interviews of candidates, administering typing exams and recruitment of GL staff;
• Conducts surveys of local cost of living, DSA rate and servicing staff, housing rental and collects information on the above-mentioned.
• Prepares travel authorization, ID cards and other personnel related documents for staff;
• Record vouchers in MSRP Finance and Supply Chain application, prepares monthly replenishments, maintains Petty Cash, enters Requisitions and Purchase Orders. Prepares monthly reports on accounts for submission, as needed. If required, assists in preparation of ABOD and submission along with Country Operation Plan;
• Prepares, updates, maintains inventory records of non-expendable equipment for submission to the main office. Orders and controls stationary supplies;
• Attends meetings and participates in discussions of new or revised procedures and practices on administration and finance matters; interprets and assesses the impact of changes and makes recommendations for follow-up action;
• Performs other duties as required.

Essential Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of secondary education with post-secondary certificate/training in Business Administration, Finance, Office Management, Human Resources or other related fields;
• Minimum 6 years of previous job experience relevant to the function;
• Computer skills (MS office and People soft applications)
• Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language (as applicable in the duty station).
• In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of UN working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

• Knowledge of UNHCR administrative and financial rules and procedures.
• Knowledge and working experience of MSRP Finance and EPM Budget applications.
• Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
• Knowledge of another relevant UN or local languages.

Application Closing Date
2nd April, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications following the procedures outlined below:

Internal Candidates
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should complete and attach a UN Personal History Form(P11) to their written application and send it via email ONLY to: niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the vacancy number and title of the position.

External Candidates
External candidates should submit their application/letter of motivation, resume as well as fully completed and signed UN Personal History Form (P11) and send via email ONLY to niglahr@unhcr.org quoting in the subject line the above vacancy notice number and title of the position.

Poland buys US Patriot anti-missile system for $4.8 bn

AFP /







Warsaw (AFP) - Poland signed on Wednesday a $4.75 billion (3.8-billion-euro) contract to purchase a US-made Patriot anti-missile system, a move that is likely to irk Russia as East-West tensions rise.


Poland buys US Patriot anti-missile system for $4.8 bn

"We are signing today a contract to deliver a modern system that has proven itself in numerous countries and thanks to which we are joining an elite group of states which have an efficient weapon that guarantees security," said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.

The first deliveries are expected in 2022.

The Patriot is a mobile air-defence system made by US defence firm Raytheon and designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft.

Moscow was reported to have deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles for exercises in its Kaliningrad exclave in 2016, rattling nearby NATO members.

Tensions with Moscow have been high since the Ukraine crisis and Kremlin's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the current diplomatic spat over the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain has done nothing to calm matters.

Russia has complained about the prospect of the deployment of Patriot anti-missile systems in Poland and Romania, which it says violates a 1987 arms treaty.

Kim held talks with Xi in Beijing: Xinhua

SOURCE: AFP
Kim held talks with Xi in Beijing: Xinhua

 
AFP / Jung Yeon-je Kim had not met Xi since the young North Korean leader took over after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il

North Korea's Kim Jong Un made his first-ever foreign trip as leader to meet China's president in Beijing, the official Xinhua news agency said Wednesday, ahead of proposed summits with Seoul and Washington that could unsettle nuclear-armed Pyongyang's sole ally.

During the visit from Sunday to Wednesday which came at the invitation of Xi Jinping, Kim held talks with the Chinese president who hosted a banquet to welcome the North Korean leader and his wife Ri Sol Ju, Xinhua said.

"I have had successful talks with General Secretary Xi Jinping on developing relations between the two parties and the two countries, our respective domestic situation, maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and other issues," Kim said at the banquet.

Relations between China and North Korea had soured as Beijing has backed tough United Nations sanctions to punish Pyongyang for its missile and nuclear tests.

Analysts had earlier suggested Beijing had been sidelined by Pyongyang's approaches to Seoul and Washington, but Kim's visit puts China firmly back at the centre of the diplomatic scrum.

"Both Comrade Chairman and I have personally experienced and witnessed the development of China-DPRK relationship," Xi said, using the initials for North Korea's official name.

"This is a strategic choice and the only right choice both sides have made based on history and reality.... This should not and will not change because of any single event at a particular time," Xi said.

Kim had not met Xi since the young North Korean leader took over after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011.

burs-amu/kaf

UK plans plastic bottle charge to tackle pollution

source: AFP
UK plans plastic bottle charge to tackle pollution

 
Getty/AFP/File / GEORGE FREY The British government will introduce a charge on plastic, glass and metal single use drinks containers sold in England, the environment ministry said

Britain on Wednesday announced plans for consumers to pay a deposit on plastic bottles as part of a broader push to tackle pollution.

The government will introduce a charge on plastic, glass and metal single use drinks containers sold in England, the environment ministry said.

The move is aimed at cutting the amount of waste produced in Britain -- including an estimated 13 billion plastic drinks bottles annually.

"It is absolutely vital we act now to tackle this threat and curb the millions of plastic bottles a day that go unrecycled," said environment minister Michael Gove.

"We want to take action on plastic bottles to help clean up our oceans," he added.

The deposit scheme to be introduced in Britain will be opened for consultation to determine how it will work.

The environment ministry pointed to similar schemes in Denmark, Sweden and Germany, where a charge of up to 22 pence (25 euro cents) is refunded once the empty bottle is deposited.

The measure follows the 2015 introduction of a 5 pence charge for carrier bags in most shops, which the government has said cut the number of plastic bags by 9 billion.

Britain is also due to put plastics pollution on the agenda at next month's Commonwealth summit, attended by more than 50 leaders, the prime minister's spokesman said.

Britain shared 'unprecedented' intelligence over spy attack

SOURCE: afp
Britain shared 'unprecedented' intelligence over spy attack

 
AFP / Ben STANSALL Johnson called the expulsions a "turning point" in the West's attitude to Russia

Britain shared "unprecedented levels" of intelligence about a spy poisoning it blamed on Moscow, which has led at least 25 countries to expel Russian diplomats, a senior UK government official said Tuesday.

This week's coordinated expulsions have echoed Britain's action in response to the March 4 attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury.

London has shared "unprecedented levels of intelligence with partners" since the attack, a senior government official said, culminating in the response from capitals around the world.

Nearly 150 suspected Russian spies have so far been expelled, including 23 dispatched by Britain.

"This will send a clear message to Russia that there are costs and consequences for their unacceptable pattern of behaviour," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said after the alliance announced seven Russian staff would be expelled and three more denied accreditation.

London and its allies have blamed Moscow, citing the use of a Soviet-designed nerve agent Novichok, Russia's record of targeting dissidents and its history of aggression in recent years, from Crimea to cyber-attacks.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the mass expulsions were "a blow from which Russian intelligence will need many years to recover".

It "could become a turning point", he wrote in The Times newspaper, adding: "The Western alliance took decisive action and Britain's partners came together against the Kremlin's reckless ambitions."

Skripal, a Russian military intelligence officer imprisoned by Moscow for passing on information about Russian agents in various European countries, came to Britain in a 2010 spy swap.

 
AFP / JIM WATSON US officials said that 48 "intelligence officers" attached to Russian diplomatic missions in the US would be expelled, along with 12 accredited to the United Nations in New York.


Moscow has fiercely denied any involvement in his attempted murder, instead pointing the finger at London.

It responded to Britain's expulsions with its own, and the closure of the British Council cultural organisation -- and on Tuesday promised it would hit back against the coordinated moves.

"We'll respond, have no doubt! No one wants to put up with such loutish behaviour and we won't," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on the sidelines of a conference in Uzbekistan.

Lavrov said the coordinated response was the result of "colossal pressure, colossal blackmail" from the United States.

- 'Full Cold War' -

Washington led the way in responding, ordering out 60 Russians in a new blow to US-Russia ties less than a week after President Donald Trump congratulated his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on his re-election.

 
AFP / NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA, Nicholas Kamm Washington led the way by ordering out 60 Russians in a new blow to US-Russia ties
Trump on Tuesday discussed the spy attack with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, the White House said, and expressed "support for the West's strong response."

Also on Tuesday, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said the poisoning was part of a Russian strategy of conducting operations and then denying responsibility for them that is designed to divide the West.

Australia, Canada, Ukraine and 18 European Union states followed with smaller-scale expulsions, most recently coming from Belgium which on Tuesday evening announced the dismissal of one Russian diplomat.

"Relations between Russia and the West are entering a period of full Cold War," foreign policy analyst Fyodor Lukyanov wrote in the Vedomosti daily.

The Izvestia daily dismissed the expulsions as a "russophobic flashmob".

But Western officials made it clear in announcing the expulsions that they share Britain's assessment that only the Kremlin could have been responsible.


AFP/File / Ben STANSALL The expulsions were a response to the poisoning in England of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia


White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Washington and its allies were acting "in response to Russia's use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom".

The Skripals remain in a critical state in hospital, and Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that "they may never fully recover".

- 'No one is fooled any more' -

Britain has emphasised that the attack took place in the context of "reckless behaviour" by Russian President Vladimir Putin, including the annexation of Crimea.

May's spokesman said Tuesday that the "unprecedented" actions by allies were in part because they "recognise the threat that these Russian networks posed to the security of their own countries".

British officials say Russia has sought to divert attention by putting out more than a dozen explanations for the attack, the first using a nerve agent in Europe since World War II.


AFP / John SAEKI Russian envoys expelled

"There was a time when this tactic of sowing doubt might have been effective, but no one is fooled any more," Johnson wrote, adding that the expulsions were "a moment when the cynicism of the propaganda machine was exposed for all to see".

Washington's expulsions represented the largest ever of Russian or Soviet agents and came after US President Donald Trump's predecessor Barack Obama expelled 35 in late 2016 over alleged election meddling.

The Russian embassy in Washington responded by asking its Twitter followers to vote on which US consulate should be closed, listing those in Vladivostok, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg as options.

burs-ar-rsc/kaf/amu

Latest World News: Antibiotics consumption soars, fueling fears over superbugs

source: AFP
Antibiotics consumption soars, fueling fears over superbugs

 
BELGA/AFP/File / JORGE DIRKX Researchers warn that overuse of antibiotics could cause resistance to spiral out of control, to an "unknown tipping point" when the drugs are no longer effective

Global consumption of antibiotics has soared since the year 2000, stoking calls for new policies to rein in usage -- and fueling fears that the worldwide threat posed by drug-resistant superbugs will spiral out of control, researchers say.

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) -- based on sales data for 76 countries -- shows that consumption of antibiotics increased 65 percent from 2000 to 2015, driven by users in low- and middle-income countries.

The research team headed by scientists from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy in the US capital said countries needed to invest in alternative treatments, sanitation and vaccination.

"With antibiotic consumption increasing worldwide, the challenge posed by antibiotic resistance is likely to get worse," said the authors of the study, which was published in Monday's edition of PNAS.

"Antibiotic resistance, driven by antibiotic consumption, is a growing global health threat," it said.

"As with climate change, there may be an unknown tipping point, and this could herald a future without effective antibiotics."

In the 76 countries studied, the number of so-called "defined daily doses" consumed rose from 21.2 billion in 2000 to 34.8 billion in 2015.

Eili Klein, a researcher at the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy and one of the study's authors, said the jump signifies "increased access to needed drugs in countries with lots of disease that can be effectively treated with antibiotics."

 
AFP / John SAEKI Drug resistance: the march of the superbugs


But, Klein warned: "As more and more countries gain access to these drugs, these rates will only increase and that will drive resistance rates higher."

One group of experts formed in the United Kingdom in 2014 estimates that in 2016, there were at least 700,000 deaths related to drug-resistant infections.

- Stop overuse -

Over the 16-year period studied, the increase in antibiotics consumption was marginal in the three countries with the highest usage -- the United States, France and Italy.

But it was a different story elsewhere: in Asia, consumption of antibiotics more than doubled in India, skyrocketed 79 percent in China and rose 65 percent in Pakistan.

The three countries are the biggest users of antibiotics among the countries deemed low and middle-income for the purposes of the study.

They are also countries that suffer in some areas from poor sanitation, irregular access to vaccines and a lack of cleaning drinking water -- all conditions that allow infectious diseases and drug-resistant infections to spread.

"Radical rethinking of policies to reduce consumption is necessary, including major investments in improved hygiene, sanitation, vaccination, and access to diagnostic tools both to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and to decrease the burden of infectious disease," the study says.

For Klein, eliminating overuse of antibiotics should be "a first step and a priority for every country" especially given the alarming projection that by 2030, consumption may have increased by another 200 percent.

"Estimates are that 30 percent of use in high income countries is inappropriate," Klein told AFP.

Saudi Arabia, Japan's SoftBank partner for massive solar deal

source: AFP
Saudi Arabia, Japan's SoftBank partner for massive solar deal

 
AFP/File / Bryan R. Smith The solar project deal was signed on the sidelines of a US visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia and Japan's SoftBank will partner to develop a massive, multi-billion-dollar solar project in the kingdom that could generate 200 gigawatts by 2030, SoftBank said Wednesday.

The deal was signed on the sidelines of a US visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has undertaken a whirlwind of economic and social reforms in recent months.

SoftBank will invest in the project through its $100-billion SoftBank Vision Fund, created in 2016 with money from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and others.

The project aims to generate "200 gigawatts by 2030 from various (solar) farms all over the country, with a first phase of 7.2 gigawatts," SoftBank spokesman Matthew Nicholson told AFP.

"Building will start this year," he added, with operations expected to start from 2019.

The entire project cost is expected to run to $200 billion, with the first phase costing $5 billion.

SoftBank's Vision Fund will provide $1 billion for the first phase, with the rest coming from project financing, Nicholson said.

Speaking to journalists in New York, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son described the solar plan as the "by far the largest solar project ever", according to video of the event distributed by Bloomberg.

He said the sale of electricity produced by the first phase of the project would help finance successor stages, and that while solar panels would initially be imported, a factory to produce them locally would be built in the kingdom in two or three years.

Last year, Saudi Arabia invited bids for a "utility-scale" 300-megawatt solar project, in a first for the world's top oil exporter.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies have been examining ways to cut their energy bills and diversify power sources away from oil, their main export commodity.

Riyadh has set a target of 9.5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2023.Virtually all of Saudi Arabia's power currently comes from oil or natural gas

BMW sued in US over diesel emissions

source: AFP
BMW sued in US over diesel emissions


 
AFP/File / CHRISTOF STACHE German automaker BMW is being sued in the United States over possible fraud in its emissions-monitoring software

German luxury carmaker BMW has been sued in the United States over "defeat devices" installed in tens of thousands of vehicles in order to cheat diesel emissions tests, lawyers for the plaintiffs said Tuesday.

The case, filed in federal court in New Jersey, will become a class-action suit once it is certified by a judge.

The suit singles out the BMW X5 and 335D model diesel cars sold between 2009 and 2013.

The attorneys at the Hagens Berman firm claim emissions from those cars were as much as 27 times higher than the standard allowed -- a fact masked by the "defeat devices" and their "manipulative software."

"At these levels, these cars aren't just dirty -- they don't meet standards to be legally driven on US streets and no one would have bought these cars if BMW had told the truth," said Steve Berman, the firm's managing partner.

"BMW blatantly chose to leave its loyal customers in the dark, forcing them to unknowingly fit the bill for its degradation of the environment."

BMW is the latest automaker to face legal action over emissions violations -- rival Volkswagen was found to have built "defeat devices" into more than 11 million cars worldwide in the so-called "dieselgate" scandal.

The attorneys are seeking reimbursement for their clients for their car purchases.

A week ago, German authorities raided BMW headquarters in Munich and another site in Austria in connection with a preliminary investigation into possible fraud relating to emissions cheat systems built into more than 11,000 cars.

BMW confirmed the raids and repeated the company's stance that "a correctly programmed software subroutine was mistakenly allocated to incompatible models."

In February, the German automaker admitted the software was present in some vehicles and said it would recall them for a software update as soon as one was approved by the KBA German vehicle licensing authority.

Volkswagen eventually was ordered to pay huge fines in the United States in connection with "dieselgate".

Since that scandal erupted, several automakers have been accused of using software to skirt emissions standards.

Australia send disgraced trio home, Warner loses IPL captaincy

Australia send disgraced trio home, Warner loses IPL captaincy



AFP / GULSHAN KHAN

Australia skipper Steve Smith heading home from South Africa in disgrace and his deputy David Warner lost the captaincy of his Indian Premier League side Wednesday after a cheating scandal left the team fractured amid mounting suspicion that the full story has not yet emerged.

Smith, Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, the player caught on camera attempting to doctor the ball with a piece of tape, have been banished for their role in a ball-tampering incident which has dragged Australian cricket's reputation through the mud, but coach Darren Lehmann is to remain in charge.

Warner stepped down Wednesday as captain of Indian Premier League side Sunrisers Hyderabad as reports emerged he had been ostracised by Australia's fast bowlers who feel he unfairly linked them to the row.

Smith had already been replaced as skipper of rival side Rajasthan Royals in the cash-rich Twenty20 competition due to start next month as the controversy rages on.

"In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad," Sunrisers chief executive K. Shanmugam said on the team's official Twitter page.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine will take over the captaincy for the fourth and final Test starting in Johannesburg Friday, with hosts South Africa leading a bad-tempered series 2-1 as Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns fly to South Africa to replace the exiled trio.

Lehmann was not punished but further sanctions on the three players are to be announced said Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland.

 
AFP / GULSHAN KHAN James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia, insisted coach Derren Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the ball-tampering plot


"I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans," Sutherland said of the controversy in the third Test in Cape Town last Saturday.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids."

- Lehmann had no 'prior knowledge' -
Smith had already been suspended for one Test and docked his entire match fee by the International Cricket Council, and Sutherland said further punishments "will reflect the gravity of the situation".

Cricket Australia also announced an independent review into "the conduct and culture" of the team, which the ACA said should examine the behaviour of administrators.

"Australia's core values of respect, integrity and fairness must be brought to bear on the game of cricket through such a process," it said.

Bancroft used a strip of yellow sticky tape to pick up dirt and illegally roughen one side of the ball to generate more swing for Australia's bowlers. He was filmed with the tape and trying to hide it down the front of his trousers.

Smith said after the Test that the Australia team's "leadership group" had been aware of the plan.

However, Sutherland insisted Lehmann was not involved.

/

"Prior knowledge of the ball tampering incident was limited to three players... No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position," said Sutherland.

- Divisive Warner under fire -

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke, the man Smith succeeded in 2015, believes there is more to the story that meets the eye.

"Too many reputations on the line for the full story not to come out. Cape Town change room is a very small place!" he tweeted.

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan was similarly unconvinced, tweeting "Only 3 people knew ... #MyArse."

 
AFP / GULSHAN KHAN Divisive figure: David Warner sits alone on the Australian team bus in Johannesburg before it was announced he is being sent back to Australia


Warner, a divisive figure in the world game, has become the focus of Australian media, who blame him for the scandal.

The Australian newspaper said there had been a "fierce feud" in the dressing room sparked by Warner's alleged testimony to Cricket Australia's integrity officers, with pace spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood reportedly livid at being implicated.

It said they felt he was willing to blame them to take the heat off himself, with emotions so raw that Warner may never be welcomed back.

Sponsors have voiced "deep concern" over reputational damage with electronics giant LG dropping Warner as brand ambassador on Wednesday, amid fears other could follow suit.

"LG's current sponsorship of David Warner is in the final weeks, and in light of recent events we have decided not to renew our partnership," said an LG Australia statement.

Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Alistair Nicholson said serious mistakes had been made by Smith and his co-accused, and they understood this.

"The players are remorseful for the mistakes they have made. And they regret how their actions have represented themselves, teammates, cricket and their country," he said.

Smith is reportedly distraught and support is being offered to help him cope. "Welfare of all players is a highly relevant consideration," said Nicholson.

WORLD NEWS: Trump says 'good chance' Kim will give up nukes

source: AFP
Trump says 'good chance' Kim will give up nukes

 
AFP/File / Brendan Smialowski US President Donald Trump, who has agreed to meet with Kim Jong Un, said there is a now a good chance the North Korean leader will give up his country's nuclear weapons

US President Donald Trump, who has agreed to meet with Kim Jong Un, said Wednesday there is a now a good chance the North Korean leader will give up his country's nuclear weapons.

"For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility," Trump wrote in an early morning tweet.

"Now there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity. Look forward to our meeting!," Trump added.

His comments came as Kim completed a secretive and unprecedented visit to Beijing on Wednesday as the two countries seek to repair frayed ties before Pyongyang's landmark summits with Washington and earlier with South Korea.

On his first trip abroad since taking power, Kim and his wife were greeted by an honor guard and a banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping, according to state media, which confirmed the three-day visit on Wednesday only after Kim had returned by train to North Korea.

The two men held talks at the Great Hall of the People and Kim pledged he was "committed to denuclearization" on the Korean peninsula, according to China's Xinhua news agency.

Kim also expressed willingness to hold the summits with Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, it said.

Analysts said Xi likely wanted to see Kim in order to ensure North Korea does not cut a deal with Trump that hurts Chinese interests during their summit, expected to be held in May.