Country
Mozambique is an independent Republic in southern Africa, and a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Commonwealth of Nations. Before independence in 1975 Mozambique, then known as Mozambique province, was a Portuguese colony.
It is an area of 799,300 square kilometres, and is surrounded by Tanzania in the north, South Africa and Swaziland in the South, Malawi, and Zambia and Zimbabwe in the west and the Indian Ocean to the east. The latest population census puts the population at about 10,000 million inhabitants.
Maputo is the capital city and is located near the eastern border with Mozambique Channel (Indian Ocean). It lies between latitude 10 27' North: 26 52' South and Longitude 20 12' East and 40 51' East.
Mozambique has an invigorating tropical climate. Within the four seasons of the year, Mozambique has two, namely Summer running from June to February and Winter from March to July. Summer is the rainiest season while Winter often brings cold weather. The temperatures vary from 12 degrees c or less in the winter to a maximum of 35 degrees c or higher in Summer.
The Country boasts an abundance of natural resources. There are many deposits of diamond, silver, iron, copper, granite, clay, sandstone rock, a few deposits of gold, etc. There is also water in abundance.
Mozambique faces major economic and social challenges following the devastation of civil war. 70% of the country's population live in absolute poverty in the rural areas and access to education and health is difficult. The rural literacy rate is an alarming 32%, dropping to 16% for women. As many as 45% of children are malnourished.
Region
Inhambane Province is
characterised by its extensive coconut palms and cashew trees. It suffers from periodic flooding. It has one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country; the Bazaruto archipelago with well known beaches such as Praia de Zavala, Zavora, Coconut Bay and Tofo Barra. The Provincial area is 68,615 sq km and borders Sofala and Manica in the north; Gaza to the west; and the Indian Ocean to the south and east. The main products are cashew, coconut and tangerines. The population density is 19 inhabitants/sq.km. with the Chope and Tsua (Tsonga) ethnic groups being most representative. The easiest way to reach Inhambane is by a good road from Maputo (469km) or it is possible to drive from Beira or Zimbabwe. LAM does not fly regularly to Inhambane but charter flights can be arranged.
Family farming is a large activity with cassava as the most common crop. Since Inhambane borders the Indian Ocean, fish from the sea is a prominent feature in the household cooking pot. Among sample households, the fruit trees owned are orange, mango, pawpaw, banana and pear.
Duties and Responsibilities
- To advise on the planning process and the carrying-out of activities.
- To advise on the concession of the development of the working methodology.
- To supervise urban and spatial development plans.
- To train partners.
Person Specification
Essential
- Professionally qualified Architect or Planner with the alternative experience
- 2 years minimum relevant experience
- Ability to and willingness to work as part of a team.
- Ability to be flexible to accommodate issues/situations that arise which are not specifically indicated in the job description e.g. cover for shortfall of skills.
- Must be willing to learn Portuguese.
- Experience in Environmental Management
Desirable
- Ability to work with people from different cultures, and to adapt work practice accordingly.
- Experience or willing to promote training for local partners.
- Experience of work in a developing country.
Placement Information
Accountability:
Head of Department
Terms and Conditions:
39.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
7.30am - 12.30pm 14.00 - 05.30pm Mon - Thurs, to 5.00pm Friday.
30 days pa holiday entitlement, plus national holidays and other days declared non-working days.
Environment:
The office is structurally sound. There is a good working environment with Mozambican colleagues in a more or less spacious office, with fans for hot summer days. The DW will take part in fortnightly meetings for information on work-related subjects. There are links with professionals from other related institutions. The DW is advised to take his/her own drawing board and integrated T ruler. A shared vehicle is available for work activities. There are plans to purchase further items of equipment but this takes time.
Other Information
A government house will be provided upon arrival, sufficient to hold a family if required.
A part of the monthly allowance will be paid directly by the Government and the balance met by Skillshare to make it equal to the standard DW allowance.
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