School Principal at Bradfield Consulting Limited

Bradfield Consulting Limited - Our client, is a leading private Educational institution with a Group of Schools with a reputation of delivering highest standard in education in Nigeria and Africa through quality all-round education, from kindergarten to tertiary level.

They are recruitng to fill the position below:

Job Title: School Principal

Location: Lagos

Job Description

• The Principal is the chief administrative officer of the school and he/she is charged with the responsibility for the operation of the school
• He/she is directly responsible to and shall operate the school according to the By-laws, Policies and Procedures, and philosophy formulated by the School Board.

Responsibilities
Leadership:

• Demonstrate clear vision, motivation and leadership to the academic teams.
• Ensure that the objectives and ethos of the school are met by all staff.
• Inspire and motivate staff to promote the holistic development of the pupils.
• Promote effective relationships with supporting bodies outside of the school including local education authorities and social services.
• Promote services and oversee an efficient admissions and assessment process to maximise appropriate referrals and placements for the school
• Treat people fairly, equitably, with dignity and respect to create and maintain a positive school culture.

Strategic Direction:

• Ensure that improving standards of learning and care remain at the centre of planning and resource management for the School.
• Develop and enhance the strategic plan for the School and the Centre whilst ensuring that services remain operationally effective, financially viable and responsive to changing needs over time.

Leading, Learning and Teaching:

• Ensure a culture and ethos of challenge and support where all pupils become engaged in their own learning and development, realise their potential and live life to the full.
• Use data as benchmarks to monitor student progress within the waking day curriculum.
• Determine, organise and implement a diverse flexible curriculum and implement an effective assessment framework
• Monitor, review and evaluate the impact of classroom practice and promote improvement strategies.
• Ensure pupil behaviours are pro-actively and effectively managed to minimise potential barriers to learning and personal development.
• Demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set stretching targets for the whole school community.
• Challenge under performance at all levels and ensure effective corrective action and follow up.
• Celebrate achievements and maximise internal and external opportunities for recognition through accreditation.

Staff Management and Team Building:

• Ensure an effective organizational structure is in place to deliver the waking day curriculum and organisational objectives.
• Ensure that staffs are motivated, skilled and that their professional development needs are met in order to continue to meet and anticipate the needs of the pupils.
• Ensure that professional duties are fulfilled as specified in the job descriptions, terms of conditions of service for teachers, care and other staff.
• Deploy staff effectively in order to improve and maintain a high quality of education and care within the resources available.
• Maintain effective line management, staff supervision, appraisal, training and development practices to meet organisational objectives and accountabilities.
• Establish an effective method of team working and communication in order to share knowledge and develop the service provided.
• Ensure that staff are aware of the aims and priorities of the School, motivated and empowered to achieve objectives and targets and promote the educational and life skills development of each pupil.
• Identify and take appropriate remedial action whenever performance of staff is unsatisfactory.
• Promote and manage the health and safety of staff and students ensuring that risk assessments and staff training are of a sufficiently high standard to protect the welfare and health and safety of pupils and staff.

Managing Finance and Resources:

• In conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance agree appropriate priorities for expenditure ensuring that expenditure is effective, well targeted, managed and monitored.
• Manage the school’s human resources effectively and efficiently within legal frameworks in order to achieve organisational objectives.
• Manage the accommodation efficiently to ensure that all school accommodation is utilized successfully for the benefit of the pupils.
• Effectively market and promote the school to maintain target pupil numbers and ensure the continuing long term viability of the service.

Accountability:

• Report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work with the Governing Body, parents and other stakeholders to provide a high quality service.
• Advice and support the Governing Body, providing such reports as necessary, to help ensure it continues to meet its responsibilities.
• Inform parents of the direction and priorities of the curriculum and pupils’ attainment and progress.
• Ensure individual staff accountabilities are clearly defined, understood and agreed and are subject to timely and effective review and evaluation.
• Ensure timely compliance with policies, procedures, plans and objectives as agreed for the School and/or the Centre as appropriate.
• Liaise and co-operate with officers of local authorities, reporting in connection with discharge of the School Principal functions as they may properly require.
• Present accurate and comprehensible accounts of the school’s performance in forms appropriate to a range of audiences.

Education and Experience

• A First Degree in Education
• A Masters or PhD in Education would be an added advantage and must have registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
• Candidates without a Master degree should have a minimum of 10-15 years teaching experience with some of this experience in school leadership position.
• At least 10 years work experience in similar role
• Well developed organisational and management/leadership skills
• Ability to communicate very effectively and persuasively at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Assimilate and analyse complex information to enable timely decision making
• Ability to set “smart” goals/targets and lead change if necessary to achieve them.

Skills and Competencies
The prospect must demonstrate:

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Proven manager in special education with team leadership experience
• Developing and managing positive behaviour programmes in a school setting
• Budget and Resource Management
• Proven track record of positive career progression within education sector
• Management of various relevant curriculum programmes
• Principles of designing, managing and delivering an effective curriculum

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Job Vacancy For Network Engineer at KPMG Nigeria 2018

KPMG Nigeria - Our client is a leading broadband communications solutions and data management company. In line with its desire to ensure that strategic roles are filled by best-in-class talent with the requisite experience and desired attributes, our client seeks to recruit an experienced and motivated individual to fill the role below:

Job Title: Network Engineer

Location: FCT Abuja

Detailed Job Description

• The Network Engineer is expected to install, configure and support network systems of the organization.
• He/she is called in whenever any policies, strategies or technologies need to be put in use.
• Their expertise is needed to handle complex issues and advanced needs of the network system.
• He/she is expected to supervise a technical team as well. Sound ability in troubleshooting complex problems, analyzing and resolving complex issues, and implementing software, hardware, and networks needs are the key role of this job title.
• Design IP and plan for various network elements
• Assigning IP and remote access for various Network Elements
• Designing, implementing and providing operational support in areas of complex networking environment like routing/switching protocols
• Supporting project manager in implementing network infrastructure
• Configuring and testing network connectivity like firewalls, Cisco switches and Cisco routers and any other Router device used by network such as Ruckus
• Installing and handling Company’s Network equipment
• Providing guidance to less experienced engineers in installing network elements with IP, pin-outs and IP's verification
• Implementing and troubleshooting network implementation issues
• Prepare recommendations for network configurations and connectivity
• Analyze and design solution specific to client needs
• Analyze and interprete utilization and traffic services on network connections
• Perform responsibilities of scheduling and maintaining window servers
• Assist senior engineers in testing of pre-production, disaster recovery and troubleshooting complex networking issues
• Coordinate with technical resource, network vendors and equipment suppliers in performing initial network implementation stages
• Supported team in areas of capacity planning, IT operations and capacity planning

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's/HND in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Physics/Telecommunications
• Minimum CCNA qualification with proven track record in deployment of IP networks such as IP MPLS
• Minimum of 3 years’ hands on work experience
• Experience working in a structured organization
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies, an advantage
• Ability to attract, develop and motivate our resource thereby giving the opportunity to improve the dedicated manpower always 
• To possess a high level of integrity and confidentiality
• Comprehensive knowledge of designing, implementing and providing operational support in complex network environments
• In-depth knowledge of firewall applications, network testing
• Comprehensive knowledge of developing and implementing architecture and design of networks and network drawings
• Ability to facilitate projects and make sound technical decisions
• Possess strong communication skills and has the ability to convey technical concepts and ideas in a clear and concise manner
• Strong leadership, project implementation and management skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Job Vacancy For Network Solutions Architect at KPMG Nigeria 2018

KPMG Nigeria - Our client is a leading broadband communications solutions and data management company. In line with its desire to ensure that strategic roles are filled by best-in-class talent with the requisite experience and desired attributes, our Client seeks to recruit an experienced and motivated individual to fill the position below:

Job Title: Network Solutions Architect

Location: FCT Abuja

Detailed Job Description

• The Solution Architect is the primary technical solution crafter for clients. He has a broad product knowledge integrated with strong technology understanding. He will be responsible for solution design, input into bids and proposals and opportunity realization.
• Consultative pre-sales technical support to the sales team through assessment of client requirements and analysis of available capabilities and resources.
• Preparing the executive summary that outlines the information gathered from the clients in regards to their needs
• Concept development, Solution architecture design and solution testing.
• Documenting the proposed technology solution and statement of work along with labour requirement
• Engaging all technical resources required for an accurate solution design
• Assisting in the final presentation of the proposed solution
• Developing a proof of concept as may be required
• Assisting in feature definition, product positioning and pricing efforts of new products
• Analyzing the customer needs for the suggestion of future product enhancements / developments
• The individual is expected to manage client proof of concept (POC) initiatives, which will require the involvement of the appropriate resources, and setup and delivery of the POC
• Obtaining a working client solution the individual acts as a bridge between the client, Engineers and Project Management team.
• Remaining up-to-date with relevant products knowledge and trends within the industry.
• Providing training and transfer of product knowledge to the sales team
• Liaises with the various teams - Product, Project and Engineering teams to ensure that what is delivered is as promised in the sales contract

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A university degree in information systems or engineering,
• An additional degree in financial, business management and/or marketing is a plus.
• Cisco certified qualifications are an added advantage
• Minimum of 4 years experience within the telecom/data services/ISP environment.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Proficiency in word processing, spread sheet, database and email.
• Positive attitude with a customer centric focus.
• Strong presentation skill and a confident demeanour is required
• Experience in a product development and/or product management capacity
• Knowledge of various VPN and MPLS technologies.
• Knowledge of security technologies, such as firewall, intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, content filtering, and personal firewall.
• Strong working knowledge of networking and familiarity with Cisco and other networking technologies.
• Familiarity with cloud based solution design is a plus.
• To possess a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to attract, develop and motivate our resource thereby giving the opportunity to improve the dedicated manpower always

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Job Vacancy For Managing Director at KPMG Nigeria 2018

KPMG Nigeria - Our client is a foreign own conglomerate in Nigeria. In line with its desire to ensure that key roles are filled by the best talent with the requisite skills and experience, our client seeks to recruit an experienced individual to fill the role of:

Job Title: Managing Director

Location: Lagos

Overview

• He/She will have full responsibility of the operations and all aspects of the business, including sales and marketing, finance, operations (supply chain, business units.) and human resources.
• Responsibility will include developing appropriate short, medium and long term strategies to not only protect market share, but to grow the business through the development of new products and business diversification. Deliver budgeted growth in revenue and profitability.
• Assuming full accountability to the EVC/CEO for all company operations.

Detailed Job Description/Accountabilities

• Overall responsibility of operations & financial performance of the Company
• Coordinate operations of various business units in order to achieve consistent growth & profitability
• Direct & coordinate the development and achievement of monthly, annual and long term strategic plans, as well as operational/lean improvement initiatives related to the cost, efficiency, waste, safety, quality, and environmental management
• Manage assets, facilities, and capital to ensure long term profitability and viability
• Ensure that the operating objectives and standards of performance are not only understood but owned by the management and other employees
• Closely monitoring the operating and financial results against plans and budgets
• Identify opportunities, integrating & implementing comprehensive business plans across the group
• Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities
• Communicate and maintain trust relationships with employees, business partners and authorities
• Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of executives providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance
• Develop and execute established profitable growth strategy
• Control of all operational aspects including; revenue growth, profit, operations & production, quality, product development, health & safety, financial reporting and compliance across all environmental & legal requirement
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the market, trends and commercial opportunities that the business could exploit
• Drive operational performance, ensuring the assets are utilised in a cost efficient manner
• Maintain and develop a consistent product development pipeline with automotive OEM's supported by quality and efficiency throughout the operations
• Build a strong team of motivated professionals
• Provide the company and employees with a clear vision for future achievements
• Build the company public profile through networking, conferences, and speaking engagements
• Maintain relationship with the Board of Directors and external stakeholders with high credibility and integrity
• Ensure prudent management of resources by presenting transparent financial results to
• EVC/CEO on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis
• Safeguard and ensure the integrity of all assets of the organization
• Lead multiple teams through cultural transformation, business reengineering process efforts of varying size and complexity
• Promote a culture of high standards, expectations and continuous improvement that values and empowers staff
• Encourage team members to maximise their potential through continuous learning whilst challenging and dealing with under performance
• Develop and nurture a dynamic and competent workforce through a robust performance driven culture
• Implement Board decisions efficiently and effectively and keep the Board informed of all strategic aspects of business

Person Specification

• Preferably B.Sc in Commercial, Technical or Accounting discipline and MBA
• Appropriate experience for at least 10 years managing a reputable large sized conglomerate or FMCG business with full responsibility for all functions of the business
• Board experience
• Possesses a broad breadth of business acumen and seasoning that enables good business judgment and risk assessment
• Strong leader, agent of change, and outstanding business thinker with a demonstrated record of understanding the controls, process, costs, margins, cash flow and profit structures required to lead and manage a growing business in a dynamic industry
• Ability to establish self as Managing Director without alienation of existing staff and rapidly assume control of the general management function
• Proven experience in management turnaround
• Hands-on to personally drive and grow the revenue aggressively
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Number driven, and track records in turnaround and growing the business in a challenging economic environment
• Must be client and customer focus.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Job Vacancy For Graduate Executive Sourcing Officer at KPMG Nigeria 2018

KPMG Professional Services is the KPMG member firm in Nigeria. The partners and people have been operating in Nigeria since 1978, providing multidisciplinary professional services to both local and international organizations within the Nigerian business community. Our vision is to build and sustain our reputation as the best firm to work with by ensuring our people, clients and communities achieve their full potential. At KPMG, we are committed to working with our clients to cut through complexities of the business world – finding solutions and adding value. 

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Executive Sourcing Officer

Ref No: 125869BR
Location: Lagos
Engagement Type: Graduate Hire

Job Description

• We are seeking temps for our executive sourcing function.
• The temps will be involved in key recruitment activities covering development of job descriptions, development of job adverts, sourcing/ headhunting, as well as coordination of screening and selection activities.

Requirements
The ideal candidate will be expected to have the following qualifications/ competencies amongst others:

• First degree in any field
• Minimum of one (1) year relevant work experience preferably in recruitment function.
• Should be familiar with developing and/or analyzing job descriptions of various roles, and able to apply the understanding in sourcing for candidates that meet the requirements
• Should understand how to leverage various relevant platforms including LinkedIn, job portals etc., for candidates’ sourcing/ head-hunting
• Should have prior knowledge/ experience in writing reports
• Should be a fast learner with strong oral and written communication skills, organizational skills and problem-solving skills
• Should have excellent interpersonal and networking skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Job Vacancy For Executive Sourcing Senior at KPMG Nigeria

KPMG Professional Services and KPMG Advisory Services are the KPMG member firm in Nigeria. The partners and people have been operating in Nigeria since 1978, providing multidisciplinary professional services to both local and international organisations within the Nigerian business community.

As one of the leading providers of professional services, KPMG knows that the success and growth of the firm also depends on the success and growth of the Nigerian economy. Hence, it champions progressive change and makes the future happen for its clients, people and the community, thereby enabling Nigeria’s success.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Executive Sourcing Senior

Location: Lagos
Engagement Type: Graduate Hire

Job Description

• We are seeking temps for our executive sourcing function. The temps will be involved in supervising key recruitment activities covering development of job descriptions, development of job adverts, sourcing/ headhunting, as well as coordination of screening and selection activities.

Qualifications/Competencies
The ideal candidate will be expected to have the following qualifications/competencies amongst others:

• First Degree in any field
• 4-5 years relevant work experience preferably in a supervisory recruitment function.
• Should be familiar with developing and/or analyzing job descriptions of various roles, and able to apply the understanding in sourcing for candidates that meet the requirements
• Should understand how to leverage various relevant platforms including LinkedIn, job portals etc., for candidates’ sourcing/ head-hunting
• Should have prior knowledge/ experience in writing reports
• Should be a fast learner with strong oral and written communication skills, organizational skills and problem-solving skills
• Should have excellent interpersonal and networking skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Job Vacancy For Unit Head - Inspection & Examiniation at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets. The Exchange offers listing and trading services, licensing services, market data solutions, ancillary technology services, and more. It is an open, professional and vibrant exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Unit Head - Inspection & Examination

Location: Lagos
Report to: Head, Broker Dealer Regulation
Division: Regulation
Department: Broker Dealers Regulation Department
Grade: Unit Head - I & E
Estimated Date Of Resumption: Monday, September 3, 2018

Job Summary

• The individual would be required to have a thorough understanding of the Nigerian capital market rules and regulations, broad inspections and examinations or audit experience, as well as a strong analytical background, including stellar academic credentials.
• Identify and implement effective controls to mitigate risk in function specific areas.
• Provide quality service, efficient and effective decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Off- site and On-site inspections and examinations of Dealing Member Firms in line with The Exchange’s risk based supervision framework and preparing inspection reports within the stipulated timelines
• Manage the implementation of the inspections and examinations programme
• Develop KPI’s for team members and provide the required leadership to drive an effective inspections programme
• Conduct pre- trade inspections of newly licensed firms to confirm that all requirements are met before clearance to commence trading can be granted
• Conduct pre-branch opening inspections to ensure that Branch and Representative Offices of Dealing Members meet the standards set by The Exchange
• Conduct Spot checks and other ad-hoc inspections where necessary
• Conduct off site reviews / financial analysis of audited accounts/ returns
• Provide assurance on the integrity of the inspections and examinations processes
• Liaise with relevant departments and units within the Exchange in the course of inspection and examination related activities
• Review of inspection reports prepared by other members of the inspection team
• Assessment of Dealing Member Firms to ensure that they maintain the requirements of their membership status
• Review Dealing Members financial performance
• Review Dealing Members compliance profile with the NSE market rules
• Track recommendations in inspection reports and liaise with the Monitoring and Enforcement unit to implement enforcement actions as appropriate
• Initiation of disciplinary procedures against defaulting market participants on completion of on-site inspections
• Maintain a schedule of on-site and ad-hoc inspections
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Head of the Department

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 7 years of overall professional auditing and financial management experience; practical capital market operations or financial services experience in a similar environment.

Functional Competencies:

• Data Gathering and Analysis
• Project Management
• Research and Analysis
• Microsoft Office Packages.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Collaboration
• Inter-Personal Relations.

Application Closing Date
7th August, 2018.

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

Job Vacancy For Team Member, Capital Market Matters at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets. The Exchange offers listing and trading services, licensing services, market data solutions, ancillary technology services, and more. It is an open, professional and vibrant exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Team Member, Capital Market Matters

Location: Nigeria
Report to: Head, Legal Department
Division: Shared Services Division
Department: Legal Department
Grade: TM, Cap Mkt Matters-Legal
Estimated Date Of Resumption: Monday, September 3rd, 2018

Job Summary

• The Legal Services Department is within the Shared Services Division of The Exchange. The Exchange needs a consummate legal professional with a strong personality, good people management skills, and the ability to work as a team player to support the Capital Market Matters Unit of the Legal Services Department in order to provide advisory support services and manage and mitigate risk.
• The individual would be required to have a thorough understanding of the Exchange’s policies, overall mission and strategy, as well as a strong legal background, including stellar academic credentials.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and advising in a qualitative manner legal documentation of all types, including simple and very complex contracts within agreed timeframes related to capital market issues and transactions
• Providing enterprise wide legal support on a myriad of capital market issues in a timely and qualitative manner
• Providing legal opinions and advice as requested by other employees of The Exchange and the Council of The Exchange in respect of capital market related issues
• Providing legal advisory services regarding capital market related issues to the Council, Council Committees, and subsidiaries of The Exchange
• Working with other business departments on legal issues involving capital market related matters
• Resolving the legal capital market issues in line with the law, best practice and international standards
• Attending meetings with third parties and stakeholders regarding legal issues involving the above stated matters
• Minimizing the exposure of The Exchange and its subsidiaries to legal liabilities

Reference Information:

• Ensuring compliance of the enterprise with all applicable laws, and providing sound legal advice on legal obligations and implications on the enterprise’s business conduct, transactions and policies
• Drafting documents
• Participating as representative of the legal function in Committees and Projects across the enterprise related to Capital Market matters
• Supporting the business in finding creative ways to meet organizational objectives
• Relating as one of the representatives of The Exchange with various Government agencies
• Ensuring KPIs are met
• Ensuring cost effective service provision for all services provided by the Capital Market Matters Unitin accordance with SLAs
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of the Capital Market Matters Unit or the Head of the Department.

Functional Competencies

• Capital Mkt Knowledge
• Analytical Thinking

Behavioural Competencies

• Professionalism
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Inter-Personal Relations

Qualification and Experience

• A Law Degree with 3 - 8 years’ experience
• Proven track record of strong performance managing against deliverables
• Top tier law firm experience: transactional
• Experience within the legal function of a listed company, top tier capital market or financial industry operator is a plus.

Application Closing Date
13th August, 2018.

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

Job Vacancy For Legal Manager - Intellectual Property & Technology at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets. The Exchange offers listing and trading services, licensing services, market data solutions, ancillary technology services, and more. It is an open, professional and vibrant exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Legal Manager - Intellectual Property & Technology

Location: Nigeria
Report to: Head, Legal Department
Division: Shared Services Division
Department: Legal Department
Grade: Legal Manager IPT
Estimated Date Of Resumption: Monday, September 24, 2018

Job Summary

• The Nigerian Stock Exchange services the largest economy in Africa, and is championing the development of Africa’s financial markets.
• The Exchange offers listing and trading services, licensing services, market data solutions, ancillary technology services, and more. It is an open, professional and vibrant exchange, connecting Nigeria, Africa and the world.
• The Exchange needs a consummate legal professional with a strong personality, good people management skills, and the ability to work as a team player to support the Division and assist it to manage its legal risk.
• The individual would be required to have a thorough understanding of The Exchange’s policies, overall mission and strategy, as well as a strong legal background, including stellar academic credentials.
• The Legal Department is within the Legal and Regulation Division of The Exchange.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and advising in a qualitative manner legal documentation of all types, including simple and very complex contracts within agreed timeframes in respect of IP and Technology related agreements
• Providing enterprise wide legal support on a myriad of issues in a timely and qualitative manner especially as it relates to legal issues regarding Intellectual Property (“IP”) and Technology
• Providing legal opinions and advice as requested by other employees of The Exchange and the Council of The Exchange as it relates to legal issues regarding IP and Technology. Providing legal advisory services to the Council, Council Committees, and subsidiaries of The Exchange as it relates to legal issues regarding IP and Technology
• Managing the IP portfolio of The Exchange to be in line with best practice and International Standards
• Managing the technology Agreements of The Exchange and shaping the direction of The Exchange’s technology Agreements to be in Line with best practice and international standards. Attending meetings with third parties and stakeholders regarding the IP portfolio and technology agreements of The Exchange
• Minimizing the exposure of The Exchange and its subsidiaries to legal liabilities as it relates to IP and Technology. Ensuring compliance of the enterprise with all applicable laws, and providing sound legal advice on legal obligations and implications on the enterprise’s business conduct, transactions and policies as it relates to IP and Technology
• Drafting documents as it relates to legal issues regarding IP and Technology
• Supervising and training junior attorneys who work with you
• Participating as representative of the legal function in Committees and Projects across the enterprise as they relate to legal issues regarding IP and Technology
• Supporting the business in finding creative ways to meet organizational objectives
• Relating as one of the representatives of The Exchange with various Government agencies, including The Exchange’s regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria
• Ensuring KPIs are met
• Ensuring cost effective service provision for all services provided by the Legal Department in accordance with SLAs

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 2:1 in University
• A law degree with 7-10 years’ experience and at least 1 year of managerial experience
• Strong understanding of securities laws and a good understanding of laws affecting the capital markets, NSE rules and CAMA
• Masters’ Degree in Law.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, and technology related agreements.

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Application of Legal Expertise
• Relationship Management
• Project Management
• Knowledge of Employment Laws
• Legal Drafting and Interpretation
• Legal Advisory
• Information Technology Policy and Planning.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Attention to Detail
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Effective Communication Skills (Written & Oral).

Application Closing Date
14th August, 2018.

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

Management Trainee Programme (Special Stream) Nigerian Bottling Company 2018 Limited

Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) - anchor bottler for Coca-Cola with the franchise to bottle Coca-Cola products in 28 countries. We bottle Coca-Cola products in Nigeria, offering iconic non-alcoholic beverages such as: Coca-Cola, Fanta , Sprite, Schweppes and Limca in the sparkling beverage category; and 5 Alive and Eva in the still beverage category. Our vision is to become the undisputed leader in every market in which we compete.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Management Trainee Programme (Special Stream)

Location: Lagos

About The Management Trainee Programme

• Designed for high achieving post graduates to challenge them to grow into Coca-Cola HBC's next generation of leaders.
• Blends your unique skills with a fast-paced environment, top leader mentoring, an international community, and exposure to top-level responsibility early in your career. All to unleash your full potential.
• Fast tracks you through learning our business and industry, providing you: opportunities to lead important and impactful projects, understand all different sides of the business through rotational assignments or projects.
• Gives unique value of being part of an international community of Management Trainees across Coca-Cola HBC: to share and learn from.
• A 2-year programme, after which you'll have opportunity to continue developing yourself and your career through leadership roles in the function you're selected for.
• Special stream introduces additional requirements with the aim being to identify and develop high achievers into senior leaders within a 2-4 year horizon.

Your Key Roles As Management Trainee

• Actively participate in the programme (on-the-job tasks, peer learning, mentoring and training assigned).
• Work on assignments related to the role in a function.
• Participate or lead departmental and crossfunctional business projects (on project basis or as full rotation to other departments).
• Take full responsibility with planning and organizing activities related to your assignment, as well as delivery of assigned objectives, projects and results.
• Collaborate, develop and maintain relationships with colleagues from own team, other departments, mentors, project sponsors - while proactively seeking feedback.
• Actively propose process and business improvements.
• Take full ownership and charge over your development: leverage on each opportunity and feedback.

Eligibility

• Passion and potential are key requirement!
• Strong drive to make an impact.
• Minimum of Second Class Honours (Upper Division) at first degree and Post Graduate certificate in any of the following disciplines: Engineering (Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, Industrial Production), Social Sciences (Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Finance), Supply Chain Management and Human Resources Management.
• NYSC discharge certificate not earlier than 2013 with maximum of 3 years working experience.

Application Closing Date
7th August, 2018.

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

THE LATEST CKGSB Full-Tuition Philanthropy MBA Scholarships in China, 2018

CKGSB Full-Tuition Philanthropy MBA Scholarships in China, 2018

The new Full-Tuition Philanthropy Scholarship is now available on offer to pursue MBA programme at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. The Philanthropy Scholarship is funded by CKGSB, and will be assessed and assigned by the Assessment Committee formed by the CKGSB MBA Program, the CKGSB Alumni Council and the CKGSB Philanthropy Committee.
Course Level: Scholarship is available to pursue Master degree programme.
Eligible Countries: International students are eligible to apply for this scholarship programme.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Applicants should work in aninfluential Non-Profit Organization (NPO), including government-approved organizations for philanthropy, cultural exchange, public welfare,
2. Applicants should have the commitmentto be devoted in philanthropic ventures or organizations for public welfare such as NPOs.
3. Applicants should fulfill the basic requirements of the CKGSB MBA Program.

Method of Application: 

1. Submit online application
2. Preliminary screening and reference check
3. Written exam and admission interview
4. Review & decision
5. Offer confirmation& scholarship assessment

Application Documents

1. Online application form with uploaded supporting documents
2. An essay (of approximately 100 words) outlining your contribution to social responsibility and public welfare or your plan for such an undertaking in the future.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: August 31, 2018

THE LATEST Family Scholarships at University of Adelaide in Australia, 2019

Family Scholarships at University of Adelaide in Australia, 2019

The University of Adelaide is currently accepting applications for Family Scholarship to commencing international undergraduate and postgraduate students study in Australia.
The University of Adelaide aims to create and engender a university culture that values health, safety y, and well-being as fundamental components of the work environment, supported by safe systems of work, appropriate governance, training, management structures and operational strategies.
Course Level: Scholarship is available to pursue undergraduate as well as postgraduate programme.
Eligible Countries: This scholarship is open to citizens of any country (except Australia and New Zealand).
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• Have a University of Adelaide offers of admission (full offer or conditional offer) as a full-fee-paying international student;
• Complete the acceptance process as outlined in your offer of admission.

Note: Scholarship applicants who are eligible for more than one scholarship offered by the University of Adelaide will only be entitled to receive one scholarship (the highest value scholarship award that they are eligible for).
Exclusions
The following applicants are not eligible to receive these scholarships:

• Current University of Adelaide students who are transferring from one program to another prior to successful completion of their program of study (internal transfers);
• Students who are recipients of a scholarship covering tuition fees awarded by a recognised scholarship awarding bodies such as a government ministry or department;
• Applicants for Masters by Research or PhD programs
• Applicants for certain programs; see the scholarship terms and conditions (pdf file) for a list of excluded degree programs.

Method of Application: How to apply for the scholarship

• Applicants may apply online for a scholarship at any time
• Applicants must have received an offer of admission from the University before lodging their scholarship application (applicants with a conditional offer may apply, but will need to accept and meet the conditions of their offer before a scholarship can be confirmed)

Note: Scholarship applicants who submit incomplete and/or inaccurate scholarship applications will not be eligible to receive a scholarship.

Online Application

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: Scholarships are open throughout the year but applicants are encouraged to finalise their admissions process and scholarship application as early as possible to allow enough time for them to apply for a visa and prepare for their studies.

THE LATEST Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships at Western Sydney University, 2019

Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships at Western Sydney University, 2019

The Western Sydney University is proud to announce Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships commencing in 2019. These scholarships are available for international students.
Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue undergraduate programme.
Eligible Countries: Scholarship is available for international students.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants must:

• Be international students with a Higher Education Sector Visa. (Subclass 500)
• Commence a new course of study in 2019.
• Have received an offer of admission to Western Sydney University.
• Have met all admission requirements and accepted admission offer by acceptance deadline.
• Has met the academic requirement for scholarship as listed below.
• Had achieved a minimum ATAR of 90 or equivalent in higher secondary studies.
• Not be granted more than 80 credit points advanced standing.

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, or hold permanent residency in Australia.
• Are a study abroad or an exchange student coming to the University.
• Are currently enrolled at Western Sydney University and apply for a scholarship for their existing course of study.
• Do not accept the scholarship by the closing date.
• Are applying to study a program located at Sydney City campus.
• Have been awarded another scholarship by the University or another organisation that covers the cost of the tuition fees (fully or partially) to study at Western Sydney University.

Method of Application: No application is necessary. All new applications will be automatically considered for a scholarship. Short-listing will be carried out by a panel of officers from the University. Applicants will be ranked based on the selection criteria and the panel’s review. No separate scholarship application will be required.
Finalists will be notified via email by the University and will be requested to provide a statement in support of their application indicating how they believe the scholarship will assist them with their studies and in their future career.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: October 30, 2018

THE NEWS: AJ Parker Memorial Scholarship at Murdoch University of Australia, 2018

AJ Parker Memorial Scholarship at Murdoch University of Australia, 2018

The Murdoch University is currently accepting applications for AJ Parker Memorial Scholarship to commencing undergraduate students to study in Australia. This scholarship is available to Australian citizens only.
Course Level: Scholarship is available to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Eligible Countries: This scholarship is available for Australian citizen or permanent resident residing in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be intending to enrol, or are you a first-year student enrolled full-time in the Bachelor degree program of Chemistry and/or Mineral Science;* and
• Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Method of Application:

• Download and complete the application form.
• Email the following documents to scholarships@murdoch.edu.au
• Completed application form
• Copies of school reports for Years 11 and 12
• ATAR ranking
• Centre link Income Statement
• Evidence of Acceptance into Murdoch University
• A Personal Income Statement
• A personal statement of no more than 500 words describing why you should be considered for this scholarship

Online Application

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: August 06, 2018

THE LATEST MSc Scholarship for International Students at ANU in Australia, 2018

MSc Scholarship for International Students at ANU in Australia, 2018

The new ANU Master of Philosophy Scholarship is now available for all new Domestic and International students to study on a full-time basis.
ANU is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital. Our focus is on research as an asset and an approach to education.
Course Level: Scholarship is available to pursue Master degree programme.
Eligible Countries: This scholarship is available for domestic or international students.
Eligibility Criteria: The scholarships are available to potential and current students who:

• Are domestic or international students; and
• Have applied for admission to a Master of Philosophy Research program at the ANU; and
• Have a Bachelor degree with first-class Honours (some Colleges may consider applicants with upper second-class Honours), or a Master degree with a research component from a recognised University.

Method of Application: No application is necessary as all eligible students will be considered.

Scholarship Link

Scholarship Application Deadline: In order to be considered for this scholarship in the main round of scholarship offers International students are required to apply for admission by 31 August. Domestic students are required to apply for admission by 31 October. Colleges may consider offering these scholarships at any time of the year.

THE NEWS: Texan behind 3D-printed gun designs vows to fight US court ban

Texan behind 3D-printed gun designs vows to fight US court ban
source: AFP

AFP/File / Robert MACPHERSON Eight US states and the District of Columbia have argued in court that the blueprints available online to make untraceable, undetectable plastic weapons like this single-shot "Liberator" handgun could fall into the wrong hands

A US gun rights advocate is vowing to take his fight to publish online blueprints for 3D-printed firearms to the Supreme Court if necessary, after a federal judge temporarily blocked the controversial venture.

Cody Wilson, founder of the company Defense Distributed, had briefly made the blueprints available online Tuesday after a much-questioned settlement with the federal government.

But a judge in Seattle granted an injunction after eight US states and the District of Columbia argued that the blueprints could allow anyone -- from a teen to a 'lone wolf' gunman -- to make untraceable, undetectable plastic weapons.

Wilson told CBS News he believes "access to firearms is a fundamental human dignity. It's a fundamental human right."

"What I'm doing is legally protected," he said in an interview hours before the injunction was handed down by US District Judge Robert Lasnik.

"I will go to the appellate level. I will go to the Supreme Court. I will waste all my time," Wilson said.

- 'The debate is over' -

The states had acted to block publication of the blueprints after the Trump administration settled a five-year legal fight by permitting the company to publish the plans on its website Defcad.

The website was shut down by Wednesday, but blueprints that had been posted online before the court order took effect had already been downloaded thousands of times.

"The debate is over. The guns are downloadable. The files are in the public domain -- you cannot take them back," Wilson told CBS.

But gun control groups applauded the judge's decision, with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence calling 3D-printed firearms "nothing short of a menace to society."

"There is simply no way of telling how much damage has already been done by Cody Wilson's dangerous and reckless actions," Brady Campaign co-president Kris Brown said in a statement.

"This is a strong step and a clear victory for the entire gun safety movement, but we simply can't let up."

- Action on the Hill -

Late Tuesday, dozens of Democratic senators introduced legislation designed to block the publication of 3D-printable firearm blueprints, a move gun control groups also applauded.

But the National Rifle Association, the nation's most politically influential gun rights group, claimed undetectable plastic weapons were already illegal under a 1988 law and therefore the issue was moot.

"Regardless of what a person may be able to publish on the Internet, undetectable plastic guns have been illegal for 30 years," the NRA said in a statement.

A White House spokesman made a similar case Tuesday, even as the president tweeted earlier in the day that the idea of "3D plastic guns" being available to the public "doesn't seem to make much sense."

But Wilson has gotten around the legal prohibition against plastic guns by providing instructions with the digital files for 3D printing his "Liberator" plastic gun that call for an approximately six-ounce block of steel to be affixed to the weapon.

Should those who print the gun follow those instructions, metal detectors would pick up the weapons, thus complying with the law.

But while users can build the gun, there is no way to ensure they affix metal to it.

Prior to the Trump administration granting Defcad permission to publish, Wilson had actually been losing his drawn-out legal battle, after both a federal district court and an appellate court ruled against him.

The US Supreme Court had declined to take up his case.

But in a sign of his determination to continue the legal fight, a message on the Defense Distributed website made a public appeal for financial support "to uncensor the site."

THE NEWS: Amnesty accuses Turkey of tolerating Syrian rebel abuses in Afrin

Amnesty accuses Turkey of tolerating Syrian rebel abuses in Afrin
source: AFP

 AFP/File / DELIL SOULEIMAN Turkey and allied Syrian rebels seized control of Afrin (pictured April 2018) in early 2018 after a military operation which ousted a US-allied Kurdish militia that Ankara considers a terror group

Amnesty International on Thursday accused Turkish forces of allowing Syrian armed groups to commit major rights abuses in the northern region of Afrin, urging Ankara to immediately end the violations.

Turkey and allied Syrian rebels seized control of Afrin earlier this year after a military operation which ousted a Kurdish militia that is an ally of the United States but Ankara regards as a terror group.

Amnesty said that, since the takeover, residents in Afrin had been "enduring a wide range of violations" which Turkish armed forces "turned a blind eye" to.

"These violations include arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and confiscation of property and looting to which Turkey's armed forces have turned a blind eye," Amnesty said.

Some of the Syrian groups as well as Turkish armed forces have taken over schools, Amnesty claimed, which it said disrupted education for thousands of children.

Amnesty said residents told them that Afrin University was "completely shut down after it was destroyed and looted", adding only one school in Afrin city was accessible.

The rights group said that when contacted for comment, the Turkish government questioned its impartiality for using the terminology of Kurdish-dominated forces to describe regions.

Turkey says the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia it ousted from Afrin is an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which has waged an insurgency in Turkey since 1984.

The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

In the case of one woman, her uncle has been missing since an armed group escorted him to his house after he returned to his village three months earlier.

"They wouldn't tell his wife where they took him," the unnamed woman told Amnesty, denying the man, head of a local committee, had any links to the YPG.

Amnesty said some homes have been "occupied" by displaced families from the central Homs province and the southern area of Eastern Ghouta which was recently recaptured by the Syrian regime.

Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty's Middle East research director, said the Syrian armed groups continued to "wreak havoc on civilians, unchecked by Turkish forces".

She argued Turkey was responsible for the welfare of civilians as well as maintaining law and order since it was the "occupying power" in Afrin.

"Without further delay, Turkey must end violations by pro-Turkish armed groups, hold perpetrators accountable, and commit to helping Afrin residents rebuild their lives," she added.

Turkish officials insist that the takeover has proved popular, with Afrin residents tired of YPG rule and Turkey able to improve utilities services after similar operations in towns like Jarabulus and Al-Bab east of Afrin.

THE NEWS: Army on streets as Zimbabwe awaits election results

Army on streets as Zimbabwe awaits election results
source: AFP

AFP / Zinyange AUNTONY Soldiers fired live ammunition during opposition MDC party protests in downtown Harare, AFP witnesses saw, with one man shot dead in the stomach

Zimbabwe soldiers and police were on the streets of Harare Thursday as authorities came under increasing pressure to release results of the presidential election after a deadly crackdown on protesters.

The country's landmark election -- the first since veteran autocrat Robert Mugabe was ousted last year -- turned bloody Wednesday when troops opened fire on demonstrations against alleged electoral fraud, leaving three people dead.

The government blamed the MDC opposition party for inciting the unrest and vowed to enforce a security crackdown.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday said he wanted an independent investigation into the killings, and that he is seeking settle differences "peacefully".

The United Nations and former colonial power Britain expressed concern over the violence, and called for "restraint".

On Thursday, soldiers were on guard outside the headquarters of the ruling ZANU-PF party, while armoured personnel carriers, water cannon trucks and police anti-riot vans drove through Harare sporadically pausing outside the MDC headquarters.

Downtown Harare, where protesters were killed, was quiet in the morning.

"I wasn't sure whether it's safe to come to work. We had to consult among ourselves whether it would be safe," said one worker who declined to give his name.

Elsewhere markets were open and queues formed outside banks -- a common sight in Zimbabwe due to the country's chronic shortage of banknotes.

In a late-night press conference on Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu said further protests would not be tolerated.


AFP / Luis TATO MDC supporters, who say their leader Nelson Chamisa won the vote, burnt tyres and pulled down street signs as protests spread from the party headquarters in Harare


"The opposition... have perhaps interpreted our understanding to be weak, and I think they are testing our resolve and I think they are making a big mistake," he said.

The MDC said the army had opened fire "for no apparent reason," killing unarmed civilians.

The presidential election race pits Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former ally in ZANU-PF, against opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change).

- A rigged count? -

In official results from the parliamentary election, also held on Monday, ZANU-PF won easily -- suggesting Mnangagwa, 75, would be on course to retain the presidency.

But the MDC has said it won the elections outright and accused the government and Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) of rigging the count.

ZEC said the final results of the presidential race may not be known until Saturday.

Monday's polls had been meant to turn the page on years of violence-marred elections and brutal repression of dissent after Mugabe's 37-year rule was ended by a brief military takeover in November.

But the mood quickly descended into anger as MDC supporters rallied in the city, chanting against the government and burning tyres in the streets.

Mnangagwa had promised a free and fair vote after the military ushered him to power when Mugabe was forced to resign.

A credible and peaceful vote was meant to end Zimbabwe's international isolation and draw in foreign investment to revive the shattered economy.

European Union observers declared they found an "un-level playing field and lack of trust" in the election process. It called for transparency in the release of results.

"On many occasions -- preparation, financing, media and hopefully not in the counting -- it was advantageous for the ruling party," EU chief observer Elmar Brok told AFP.

- History of election violence -


 AFP/File / Zinyange AUNTONY "We won the popular vote and will defend it!" opposition leader Nelson Chamisa tweeted

Britain called for "calm and restraint", urging "political leaders to take responsibility... at this critical moment", while Amnesty International said the "people must be guaranteed their right to protest."

Under Mugabe, elections were often marred by fraud and deadly violence.

Of 210 parliamentary seats, 207 have been counted with ZANU-PF winning 144 and the MDC Alliance just 61.

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, 40, has said the results were fraudulent.

"We have won this one together. No amount of results manipulation will alter your will," he tweeted before the army was deployed on Wednesday.


AFP / Luis TATO Several hundred opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters gathered outside the party headquarters in Harare, chanting and shouting that they had won the elections


ZEC chairwoman Priscilla Chigumba, a high court judge, has flatly denied allegations of bias and rejected accusations of rigging.

Mugabe, 94, voted in Harare on Monday alongside his wife Grace after he stunned observers by calling for voters to reject ZANU-PF, his former party.

His attempts to position Grace as his successor are widely thought to have driven the military to intervene and install their favoured candidate, Mnangagwa, in power.

Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former right-hand man, was the clear election front-runner, benefitting from tacit military support and control of state resources.

But Chamisa, a lawyer and pastor, sought to tap into the youth and urban vote.

Mnangagwa was allegedly involved in violence and intimidation during the 2008 elections when then opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of the run-off after attacks claimed the lives of at least 200 of his supporters.

If no presidential candidate wins at least 50 percent of the ballots cast in the first round, a run-off vote is scheduled for September 8.

THE NEWS: Google developing censor-friendly search engine for China: source

Google developing censor-friendly search engine for China: source
source: AFP

AFP/File / Lionel BONAVENTURE News of a censor-friendly version of Google's search engine for China has caused anxiety within the company, an employee said

Google is crafting a search engine that would meet China's draconian censorship rules, a company employee told AFP on Thursday, in a move decried by human rights activists.

Google withdrew its search engine from China eight years ago due to censorship and hacking but it is now working on a project for the country codenamed "Dragonfly", the employee said on condition of anonymity.

The search project -- which works like a filter that sorts out certain topics -- can be tested within the company's internal networks, the source said.

The news has caused anxiety within the company since it first emerged in US media reports on Wednesday, the employee said.

The tech giant had already come under fire this year from thousands of employees who signed a petition against a $10-million contract with the US military, which was not renewed.

"There's a lot of angst internally. Some people are very mad we're doing it," the source said.

A Google spokesman declined to confirm or deny the existence of the project.

"We provide a number of mobile apps in China, such as Google Translate and Files Go, help Chinese developers, and have made significant investments in Chinese companies like JD.com," spokesman Taj Meadows told AFP.

"But we don't comment on speculation about future plans."

- Rights, democracy filtered out -

News website The Intercept first reported the story, saying the search app was being tailored for the Google-backed Android operating system for mobile devices.

Terms about human rights, democracy, religion and peaceful protests would be blacklisted, according to The Intercept. The app will automatically identify and filter websites blocked by China's Great Firewall, the news outlet said.

The New York Times, citing two people with knowledge of the plans, said that while the company has demonstrated the service to Chinese government officials, the existence of the project did not mean that Google's return to China was imminent.

Citing "relevant authorities", the state-owned China Securities Daily said reports suggesting that Google was returning to the Chinese market "do not conform to reality".

Amnesty International urged Google to "change course".

"It will be a dark day for internet freedom if Google has acquiesced to China's extreme censorship rules to gain market access," Patrick Poon, a China researcher for Amnesty, said in a statement.

"In putting profits before human rights, Google would be setting a chilling precedent and handing the Chinese government a victory."

US internet titans have long struggled with doing business in China, home of a "Great Firewall" that blocks politically sensitive content, such as the 1989 Tiananmen massacre.

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and The New York Times website are blocked in China, but Microsoft's Bing search engine operates in China.

In early 2010, Google shut down its search engine in mainland China after rows over censorship and hacking.

Google had cried foul over what it said were cyber attacks aimed at its source code and the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists.

But the company still employs 700 people in three offices in China working on other projects.

In December, Google announced it would open a new artificial intelligence research centre in Beijing. Earlier last year, Chinese internet regulators authorised the Google Translate app for smartphones.

The search engine project comes amid a US-China trade war, with both sides imposing tit-for-tat tariffs and President Donald Trump accusing Beijing of stealing US technological know-how.

THE NEWS: Murray outfights Edmund, Zverevs to meet at ATP/WTA Washington

Murray outfights Edmund, Zverevs to meet at ATP/WTA Washington
source: AFP

GETTY/AFP / Mitchell Layton Andy Murray of Britain returns a shot to compatriot Kyle Edmund on day five of the Citi Open, at the Rock Creek Tennis Center in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2018

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray collected the biggest victory of his injury comeback on Wednesday at the ATP and WTA Washington Open while defending champion Alexander Zverev booked a matchup with his older brother.

Murray, sidelined by a right hip injury for 11 months until returning in June, ousted fourth seed Kyle Edmund 7-6 (7/4), 1-6, 6-4 in an all-British matchup to reach the third round of the hardcourt tuneup for the US Open.

"That has been my best win since I started playing again," Murray said. "It's a great win for me. It'll give me more confidence going forward."

World number three Zverev defeated Tunisia's Malek Jaziri 6-2, 6-1, to send the 21-year-old German top seed into his first ATP match against 30-year-old Mischa Zverev, the 15th seed who beat American Tim Smyczek 6-2, 7-6 (9/7).

"We played the final of Wimbledon a lot of times in our backyard," Alex Zverev said. "I was 12. He was 22. I don't think I ever won. But this is on hardcourt."


 GETTY/AFP / Mitchell Layton Kei Nishikori of Japen returns a shot to Donald Young of the US on day five of the Citi Open, at the Rock Creek Tennis Center in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2018


On a day when reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens was ousted by Germany's Andrea Petkovic and Australian Nick Kyrgios withdrew with a sore left hip, Murray stole the show with an impressive victory.

"Hopefully my body will adapt to the matches and get back to what it's supposed to be doing," Murray said.

"As the weeks progress, I hope to have more days like today where the pressure and the expectations all grow."

Former world number one Murray, now ranked 832nd, outlasted his 18th-ranked rival, breaking on a forehand return winner to advance after two hours and 32 minutes.

"Now I have to get my body to play that way consistently and work on getting better with every match," Murray said.

The 31-year-old Scotsman, who unleashed a primal scream and flurry of fist pumps after winning his opener, wiped away sweat this time before eventually pointing to the heavens, punching the air with his right fist and pumping his fist with satisfaction.

"Much better in terms of the way I played," Murray said. "Got a lot more points off my forehand. I was able to be more aggressive. I wanted to dictate more points and be inside the baseline, especially on the main points and particularly in the third set.

"I was less nervous. I increased my intensity at the end of the second set. I thought I did that well."

Romania's 93rd-ranked Marius Copil, who ousted French 14th seed Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4, will face Murray on Thursday for a quarter-final berth.

- No. 3 Stephens stumbles -

Third-ranked Stephens lost to 91st-rated Andrea Petkovic 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Stephens, who won the Miami Open in March, made a run to the French Open semi-finals but stumbled early in her first hardcourt stop before defending her first Grand Slam title.

"Hopefully some things will connect in the next few weeks coming into the US Open," Stephens said.

Petkovic, down a set and a break, rallied and won the final four games to reach the quarter-finals, her first victory over a top-10 foe since beating then-number five Garbine Muguruza at Doha in 2016.

"It's definitely a confidence boost," Petkovic said.

Japanese third seed Naomi Osaka, ranked 17th, is the only top-45 player remaining in the women's draw.

- Injured Kyrgios 'gutted' -

Kyrgios, ranked 17th, tweeted he was "gutted" to withdraw over the same injury that caused him to retire from an Atlanta Open quarter-final last week.

"I haven't had enough time to be ready," Kyrgios said. "The physio recommended a couple of days of rest, rehab and treatment. I've got ample time for it to settle down before Toronto.

"It's disappointing. But at this stage I can't risk aggravating the injury. Last year I wasn't healthy at the US Open so I want to be right for that."

Japanese seventh seed Kei Nishikori beat US qualifier Donald Young 6-3, 6-4 just before rain washed out the night's final five matches, including US second seed John Isner's second-rounder against compatriot Noah Rubin.

THE NEWS: Juventus top MLS All-Stars on penalties

Juventus top MLS All-Stars on penalties
source: AFP

GETTY/AFP / Kevin C. Cox Goalkeeper Zack Steffen of the MLS All-Stars fails to block a penalty shot by Mattia De Sciglio of Juventus during their 2018 MLS All-Star Game, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 1

Serie A champions Juventus got the best of Major League Soccer's All-Stars in a penalty shootout on Wednesday after an entertaining 1-1 draw in the North American league's mid-season exhibition.

Before a crowd of 72,317 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- home of MLS's Atlanta United -- Juventus prevailed 5-3 in the shoot-out after New York Red Bulls forward Bradley Wright-Phillips missed his penalty attempt.

After Wright-Phillips' effort bounced off the post to leave Juventus up 4-3 -- Mattia De Sciglio fired into the upper left corner past Columbus goalkeeper Zack Steffen to settle it.

Andrea Favilli had put Juventus ahead in the 21st minute, heading in a curling cross by Matheus Pereira.

The MLS All-Stars, selected from around the league through fan voting, pulled level in the 26th minute through Atlanta United's Josef Martinez -- the Venezuela star and former Torino forward who leads MLS with 24 goals in 23 matches.

Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny saved an initial effort, but after a scramble in the area, Martinez bundled the ball in to score in front of his home crowd.


GETTY/AFP / Kevin C. Cox Diego Valeri of the MLS All-Stars scores the third penality kick against Juventus during their 2018 MLS All-Star Game, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 1


"It's been a moving week here," Martinez said. "I have to thank all the fans in Atlanta for the way they support us all the time and the wonderful experience in this game."

He added, however, that there was "a lot of pressure" on the All-Star team.

"Beyond the fact that we had a very good opponent, it was an important game, especially a team of this caliber. We had never played together before. We only had three days to meet, but I think we looked good despite that."

It marked the second straight year that the All-Star Game ended in a 1-1 draw to go to a shoot-out. Last year, Real Madrid beat the All-Stars 4-2 on penalties at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The crowd was the largest ever for the MLS All-Star game, surpassing the 70,728 for the 2010 edition in Houston.

The game was one of four matches for Juventus on their North American tour, but they haven't brought off-season acquisition Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner whose 100 million-euro ($117 million) move from European champions Real Madrid was announced in July.

With three wins from three matches, Juventus will look to make it a clean sweep of the tour on Saturday night against Real Madrid at FedEx Field in Washington, DC.

"It was really a wonderful game, and it was a good preparation for us," said Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who said he was "very pleasantly surprised" by the atmosphere in Atlanta.

"You know it's not easy to put 70,000 people in a stadium like today," he said.

The All-Stars were without Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was voted into the contest against his former club by fans but would have been playing in his third game in seven days.

THE NEWS: Tokyo med school altered test scores to keep women out: report

Tokyo med school altered test scores to keep women out: report
source: AFP

AFP/File / KAZUHIRO NOGI Japanese women are highly educated in general but the country's notoriously long work hours force many out of the workplace when they start families

A Tokyo medical school for years altered the admission test results of female applicants to keep the number of women in the student body low, a Japanese newspaper reported Thursday.

The Yomiuri Shimbun daily said the manipulation came to light while prosecutors were investigating a separate scandal in which the Tokyo Medical University is accused of illicitly admitting the son of an education ministry bureaucrat.

"Following the report this morning, we asked a law firm to launch an internal investigation into the reported issue," Fumio Azuma, a spokesman for the university told AFP, adding that it hopes to announce the result of the probe later this month.

The law firm that will investigate the report already has an advisory contract with the university but its usual consulting lawyer will not be part of the investigating team, Azuma said.

The Yomiuri, citing unnamed sources, said the university began lowering the admission test scores of female applicants to its medical school in 2011, after the 2010 results showed an increasing number of women were winning places.

In 2010, around 40 percent of successful applicants were women, double the previous year.

After that, the university began trying to keep the percentage of women admitted each year to around 30 percent of the incoming class.

"Women often quit after graduating and becoming a doctor, when they get married and have a child," one source told the Yomiuri, in justifying the blanket alterations of admission scores.

"There is a consensus inside the university that male doctors support the university hospital," which often requires emergency duties and long shifts, the source told the daily.

The newspaper said the test scores of female applicants had been lowered across the board by administrators who applied a fixed coefficient to women's results.

In 2018, the ratio of women accepted after the first round of tests was 14.5 percent, compared with 18.9 percent for men.

In the second and final test stage, just 2.9 percent of female applicants were admitted, compared with 8.8 percent of male applicants.

The newspaper did not give figures for the current gender breakdown of the school's student body.

The university was reportedly already under investigation by the Tokyo District Prosecutor's Office over claims the privately-run school wrongly admitted the son of an education ministry official.

Japanese women are highly educated in general but the country's notoriously long work hours force many out of the workplace when they start families.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made "womenomics" -- or boosting women's participation in the workplace and promoting women to senior positions -- a priority, but the pace of progress has been slow.

THE NEWS: Trump tells attorney general to end Russia probe

Trump tells attorney general to end Russia probe
source: AFP

 AFP/File / SAUL LOEB, NICHOLAS KAMM US President Donald Trump (L) calls on Attorney General Jeff Sessions (R) to stop the probe into Russia's election interference

Donald Trump on Wednesday told his attorney general to end the high-profile investigation into Russian election meddling that has ensnared key members of his presidential campaign and cast a long shadow over his White House.

In a series of tweets that quickly sparked accusations that Trump was publicly trying to pervert justice, the president decried the investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller as "a disgrace."

"This is a terrible situation and Attorney General Jeff Sessions should stop this Rigged Witch Hunt right now, before it continues to stain our country any further," Trump said.

Aides rushed to limit the damage, insisting he was not issuing an order as Session's boss.

"It's not an order, it's the president's opinion," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters, adding that Trump wants the probe to "come to an end."

His lawyer Rudy Giuliani added: "He used a medium he uses for opinions, Twitter. One of the good things about using that, he's established a clear sort of practice now that he expresses his opinions on Twitter.

"He used the word 'should,' he didn't use the word 'must.'"

The president -- along with allies in conservative media -- has launched a long PR campaign against the Mueller probe, which he claims is biased and pursuing erroneous claims of collusion between his campaign team and Moscow.

"Russian Collusion with the Trump Campaign, one of the most successful in history, is a TOTAL HOAX," the president said Wednesday.

Mueller -- a respected former FBI director -- is investigating whether the Trump campaign aided or abetted an attempt by Russia to sway the 2016 presidential election, or tried to cover up the conspiracy.

He has so far lodged dozens of indictments, including those of suspected Russian hackers, and secured guilty pleas from at least three Trump aides charged with conspiracy and lying to investigators.

This was Trump's most direct demand yet that Sessions, who infuriated the president by recusing himself from the investigation, intervene to end the probe.

"The President of the United States just called on his Attorney General to put an end to an investigation in which the President, his family and campaign may be implicated," said Democratic congressman Adam Schiff.

"This is an attempt to obstruct justice hiding in plain sight. America must never accept it."

Even Trump's allies questioned the demand.

"I've said all along I see no evidence of collusion. But if anyone helped Russia to hack/steal they deserve justice," said Republican operative Ari Fleischer.

"Let Mueller finish his job. Neither POTUS nor Sessions should interfere. After all, nothing will help Trump more than Mueller concluding there is no crime."

Amid the criticism from both sides of the political aisle, Trump's personal attorneys also sought to walk back the comment, insisting the president was not ordering Sessions to do anything.

"The president has issued no order or direction to the Department of Justice on this," lawyer Jay Sekulow told The Washington Post.

Giuliani added the president may be within his legal rights to obstruct justice if he wishes.

"Under our conclusion if the president is acting within his capacity as president and he fires someone, that can't be questioned," he said.

Giuliani also told reporters the president's legal team was in the middle of ongoing negotiations with Mueller, as a report in The Washington Post said the special counsel had offered to reduce the number of questions in exchange for a sit-down interview.

- In the courtroom -

Trump's latest Twitter tirade came on the second day of the trial of former campaign chairman Paul Manafort on bank and tax fraud charges, which stemmed from the probe but were not directly related to his time on the campaign.


AFP/File / Brendan SMIALOWSKI Manafort is the first defendant to go to court to fight charges stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election


Trump tweeted on Wednesday that Manafort "worked for me for a very short period of time" but sought to defend his former aide's bona fides.

"Paul Manafort worked for Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and many other highly prominent and respected political leaders," he said.

Manafort served as Trump's campaign chief from May to August 2016 and the president asked Wednesday: "why didn't government tell me that he was under investigation."

"These old charges have nothing to do with Collusion - a Hoax!" he said.

Manafort's trial opened Tuesday with prosecutors accusing him of hiding from US tax authorities millions of dollars from past lobbying work for the pro-Russia president of Ukraine, and failing to report his foreign bank accounts.

In a further tweet, Trump suggested Manafort has been harshly mistreated.

"Looking back on history, who was treated worse, Alfonse Capone, legendary mob boss, killer and 'Public Enemy Number One,' or Paul Manafort," he wrote.

Manafort is scheduled to go on trial in September on separate charges brought by Mueller of conspiracy, money laundering and failing to register as an agent of a foreign government.

THE NEWS: US Korean War dead heading home at last

US Korean War dead heading home at last
source: AFP

POOL/AFP / Jung Yeon-je Cases of remains of American soldiers from the Korean War, each draped with a white and blue UN flag, were lined up in rows

Sixty-five years after the Korean War ended, the remains of dozens of American soldiers killed during the brutal conflict are finally coming home.

Wednesday's repatriation marks an important step after US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a summit, during which Kim agreed to send home the war dead.

Trump, who has faced criticism over the pace of progress since the June meeting, praised Kim for "keeping his word," and Vice President Mike Pence met families when the remains arrived back in the US at a ceremony in Hawaii.

Caskets carrying the 55 sets of remains were draped in the blue-and-white flag of the United Nations. Many nations fought in the Korean War, but most of the cases are thought to contain US troops.

More than 35,000 Americans were killed on the Korean peninsula during the 1950-1953 war, with 7,700 of these US troops still listed as missing in action -- most of them in North Korea.

"Some have called the Korean War the forgotten war. But today, we prove these heroes were never forgotten. Today our boys are coming home," an emotional Pence said.

"My dad, lieutenant Ed Pence fought in combat in the Korean War. He came back with a medal on his chest. But my dad, gone now 30 years, always told us the real heroes ...were the ones that didn't get to come home," the US vice president said.

It could take scientists and historians years to make final identifications.

John Byrd, director of scientific analysis at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), which has a large laboratory in Pearl Harbor, said preliminary findings suggest the remains are likely American.

They "are consistent with remains we have recovered in North Korea... in the past," Byrd told reporters at Osan US Air Base in South Korea.

The cases had been kept there since Friday, awaiting their repatriation to Hawaii for further forensic analysis.

"There's no reason at this point to doubt that they do relate to Korean War losses," Byrd added.

- 'Solemn reminder' -

Around 500 officials from the United Nations Command (UNC), the United States and South Korea attended a formal repatriation ceremony at Osan earlier Wednesday.


POOL/AFP / Jung Yeon-je US soldiers salute during the repatriation ceremony at Osan Air Base in South Korea


"This is a solemn reminder that our work is not complete until all have been accounted for, no matter how long it takes to do so," said General Vincent Brooks, commander of the UNC and United States Forces Korea.

After the ceremony, uniformed soldiers carefully loaded each case into two C-17 cargo planes, which later took off for Hawaii.

Byrd told reporters that "there was a single dog tag (US soldier's identity tag) provided with the remains."

"The family of that individual has been notified," he said, though he cautioned that the tag is not necessarily associated with the remains in the box.

The returned material also included military hardware and uniforms, including helmets, water bottles and boots.

- DNA, bones, dental records -

Former DPAA official Jeong Yang-seung, who previously worked on identifying US remains from the North, said it was unusual to locate dog tags during the search and recovery process.

"It's once in a blue moon that dog tags are recovered," Jeong, now professor of forensic anthropology at the Middle Tennessee State University, told AFP.

"I don't think North Korea is refusing to give dog tags when it has more but it probably doesn't have dog tags lying around," he said.


POOL/AFP / Jung Yeon-je John Byrd, right, director of scientific analysis at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), said preliminary findings suggested that "they are likely to be American remains"

"So when... only one dog tag was provided, it's probably not to tease the US but rather that it was sent because it could offer clues to the remains."

DNA analysis, skeletal studies of bones, dental records and details of where the remains were found play a key role in such investigations.

"If it's identified quickly, it would be around five to six months, but if not, it could take decades," he said.

Between 1990 and 2005, North Korea allowed 229 sets of remains to be repatriated, but those operations were suspended when ties worsened over Pyongyang's banned nuclear weapons program.

Following the June summit, Trump had declared that Pyongyang was "no longer a Nuclear Threat," but Kim did not publicly promise to end work at the country's nuclear and missile facilities.

Instead, he spoke of committing to "work toward" eventual denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He did not make any commitment to unilaterally disarm.

Still, experts see North Korea's return of the remains as an important gesture.

"It's a sign that they want to improve relations with us... and certainly for the families it's significant," Joel Wit, founder of the respected 38 North organization that monitors North Korea, told AFP.

Additionally, new satellite imagery from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station on North Korea's west coast suggests workers are dismantling an engine test stand, in line with a promise made to Trump.

Abraham Denmark, director of the Asia Program at the Wilson Center, cautioned not to read too much into the repatriation.

"It is not a signal about Pyongyang's willingness to denuclearize or even reform its ways, and policymakers should not be fooled or distracted from the primary source of tension -– North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles," he said.