NOTE: THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MANDATE HOLDER WILL BE MADE PROVIDED
THE MANDATE ITSELF IS EXTENDED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 17 OCTOBER 2019 AT 12:00 noon GREENWICH MEAN TIME

The application process consists of two compulsory parts:
(1) online survey (https://ohchr-survey.unog.ch/index.php/283689)

and
(2) application form in Word format (to be downloaded from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/SP/Pages/HRC43.aspx)

Once fully completed, the Word application form should be submitted by email to hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org

A maximum of up to three optional reference letters may be attached to the email (in Word or pdf format).

No additional documents (e.g. CVs, resumes or supplementary reference letters) will be accepted.

Applicants will receive an acknowledgment email when both parts of the application process, i.e. the data submitted through the online survey and the Word application form, have been received by the Secretariat. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at a later stage.

Please note that an application will only be considered if both parts and all sections of the Word application form have been completed and received by the Secretariat before the expiration of the deadline. No incomplete or late applications will be accepted.

General description of the selection process and answers to frequently asked questions are available at https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/SP/Pages/Nominations.aspx and https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/SP/Pages/BasicInformationSelectionIndependentExperts.aspx

In case of technical difficulties or problems with accessing or completing the forms, you may contact the Secretariat by email (hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org) or fax (+41 22 917 9008).

I. PERSONAL DATA

1. Family (last) name: Chifamba	5. Year of birth: 1983
2. First (given) name: Ekenia	6. Place of birth: Chitungwiza
3. Other name, if any: Tapiwa	7. Nationality (please indicate the nationality that will appear on the public list of candidates): Zimbabwean
4. Gender: Female	8. Any other nationality: N/A

II. MANDATE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCE / QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE

NOTE: Please describe why the candidate’s competence / qualifications / knowledge is relevant in relation to the specific mandate:

QUALIFICATIONS (200 words)

Relevant educational qualifications or equivalent professional experience in the field of human rights; good communication skills (i.e. orally and in writing) in one of the six official languages of the United Nations (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish.)

On the academic side, Ekenia is an apt candidate for the Mandates for the Human Rights Council as she holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources with Zimbabwe Open University, a Higher National Diploma in Information Technology with DEXPAC Academy Southern Africa, a National Diploma in Human Resources management with Harare Polytechnic and a Diploma in Institute of Bankers of Zimbabwe. She also acquired a Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender Equality with special focus on Girls Rights and Sex Trade with the World’s Children’s Prize Foundation in Sweden in 2015 and a Diploma in NGO Management 1 with Meridian International. She was also awarded a Diploma in Social Work by ARLT Foundation and she holds several certificates in Advocacy, Leadership Governance, Fundraising and Counselling. Ekenia also has excellent interpersoal skills, fluent in English (both spoken and written).

RELEVANT EXPERTISE (200 words)

Knowledge of international human rights instruments, norms and principles. (Please state how this was acquired.)

Knowledge of institutional mandates related to the United Nations or other international or regional organizations’ work in the area of human rights. (Please state how this was acquired.)

Proven work experience in the field of human rights. (Please state years of experience.)

The applicant is the Focal Point for Zimbabwe for the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child Program - which is a global education program on the rights of children, Since children's rights are part of the overall human rights, her work has demonstrated her capacity in knowing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), she is also part of the Girls Not Brides movement which rallies against negative social norms that promote child marriages. Ekenia is also privy of the the principles of Safeguarding, Do No Harm and others that promote the dignity and protection of children particularly the girl child. She also has managed projects from interational organisation's such as Amnesty International on ending child marriages, World Children's Prize Foundation against child sexual exploitation and sex trade as well as Action Aid's Safe Cities for Women and Girls to protect women and girls against public gender based violence. This is also cemented by over 10 years experience in the children's rights sector.

ESTABLISHED COMPETENCE (200 words)

Nationally, regionally or internationally recognized competence related to human rights. (Please explain how such competence was acquired.)

Locally, as part of her other voluntary work, she is the GBV cluster lead for the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, Chairperson of the Child Rights Sector at National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) Zimbabwe Northern Region, member of the Steering Committee of Girls Not Brides Zimbabwe as well as Secretary of the Child Rights Coalition convened by Zimbabwe National Council on the Welfare of the Child (ZNCWC). On a global scale, she was invited to facilitate a workshop at the 2nd World Conference on Women`s Shelters, a platform meant to end violence against women and girls worldwide, held in the United States of America, Washington DC in February 2012. Three years later, she was also invited as speaker at the 3rd World Conference on Women’s Shelters held in Netherlands, The Hague in November 2015 and spoke on Sexual Violence. All these engagements have made an impact as lessons learnt are now in use across the globe.

In light of this, her efforts have been recognized locally and internationally through the awards that she was given to buttress her scope of work.

PUBLICATIONS OR PUBLIC STATEMENTS

Please list significant and relevant published books, articles, journals and reports that you have written or public statements, or pronouncements that you have made or events that you may have participated in relation to the mandate.

Enter three publications in relation to the mandate for which you are applying in the order of relevance:

1. Title of publication: N/A

Journal/Publisher:

Date of publication:

Web link, if available:

2. Title of publication:

Journal/Publisher:

Date of publication:

Web link, if available:

3. Title of publication:

Journal/Publisher:

Date of publication:

Web link, if available:

If more than three publications, kindly summarize (200 words):

Enter three public statements or pronouncements made or events that you may have participated in relation to the mandate for which you are applying in the order of relevance:

1. Platform/occasion/event on which public statement/pronouncement made:

Event organizer:

Date on which public statement/pronouncement made:

Web link, if available:

2. Platform/occasion/event on which public statement/pronouncement made:

Event organizer:

Date on which public statement/pronouncement made:

Web link, if available:

3. Platform/occasion/event on which public statement/pronouncement made:

Event organizer:

Date on which public statement/pronouncement made:

Web link, if available:

If more than three, kindly summarize (200 words): Partnership with Amnesty International Zimbabwe project to eradicate child marriages using theatre for development which had the buy-in of the Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe were some of the platforms she declared war against child abuse and sexual exploitation . She has also been vocal about issues of sexual exploitation during event for the movements that include the Child Rights Coalition of Zimbabwe led by the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of the Child (ZNCWC) where she is the Secretary for Mashonaland Region, Women's Coalition of Zimbabwe where she occupies the Vice Chairperson of the GBV Cluster, Girls Not Brides Zimbabwe and CSO Reference Group under United Nations Spotlight Initiative in Zimbabwe. It is no mean feat to be carrying out work which champions girls rights and also occupy such positions - thus it is clear evidence that her work is a perfect fit of the global human rights movements. Her work also resulted in her being nominated into the Civicus Alliance board and her organisation actively participates in the following coalitions: GBV Prevention Network, Global Network of Women’s Shelters, Girls Not Brides International, Adolescents Coalition, International Coalition on Health, End Violence against Children, Sex Rights Africa among others.

flexibility/readiness and AVAILABILITY of time (200 words)

to perform effectively the functions of the mandate and to respond to its requirements, including participating in Human Rights Council (HRC) sessions in Geneva and General Assembly sessions in New York, travelling on special procedures visits, drafting reports and engaging with a variety of stakeholders. Kindly indicate whether the candidate can dedicate an estimated total of approximately three months per year to the work of a mandate.

Please note that the work of mandate holders is unpaid. Those appointed as mandate holders serve in their personal capacities. They are not United Nations staff members, they are not based in United Nations offices in Geneva or at another United Nations location, and they do not receive salary or other financial compensation, except for travel expenses and daily subsistence allowance of “experts on mission”.

Ekenia is flexile to voluntarily partake in the Mandates work despite her busy schedule. She can dedicate 3 or more months to the UN Human Rights Council Mandates work. She has no problems in carrying out unpaid work. Therefore, she is willing and able to partake fully.

III. Motivation Letter
(600 word limit, must be included below and not in a separate email or as an attachment)

Ekenia T. Chifamba is a multiple award-winning girls’ rights activist, Anti-Domestic Violence Council Member, Spotlight Initiative Civil Society Reference Group member, Civicus Alliance Membership Advisory Group Member, Motivational Speaker, World`s Children`s Prize Foundation Focal Point in Zimbabwe, Fredrica Nauman Fellow, IVLP Fellow, Philanthropist and also the Founding Director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana. The heart of the organisation is to address the concerns of the girl child and protect her from all issues that have the potential to destroy her dreams hopes and full development. It provides a holistic approach to empowerment and emancipation of the girl child. At her own organisation during inception of its activities in 2014, volunteerism became a cornerstone of her work and she cultivated it into the staff as well as community level coordinators. This, blended with the passion to be the change that she wished to see in the elevation of girls lives in Zimbabwe, enabled her to yield desired outcomes and today SYS is one of the sought after organisations in girl child empowerment. In this regard, it would be prudent to have such a prolific individual as part and parcel of any program that seeks to go yonder – thus this application is no exception.

It is undeniable, therefore, that she is a result driven non-profit making organisation Director with vast experience in developing innovative programmes, who is deeply committed to improving the lives of girls and women with proven ability to provide team leadership, driving performance, programme improvement and quality initiatives. She has worked for several years as a girl child advocate steering girl child empowerment programmes at a well renowned Girls Rights organisation. Apart from being a champion of girls and women’s rights, she is a qualified and experienced administrator and banker who worked for several years at ZB Bank. This will also bolster her participation at the United Nations as she is emanating from a diverse yet relevant background.

IV. LANGUAGES (READ / WRITTEN / SPOKEN)

Please indicate all language skills below.

1. Mother tongue: Shona

2. Knowledge of the official languages of the United Nations:

Arabic: Yes or no: No If yes,

Read: Easily or Not easily:
Write: Easily or Not easily:
Speak: Easily or Not easily:

Chinese: Yes or no: No If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:

English: Yes or no: Yes If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily: Easily
Write: Easily or not easily: Easily
Speak: Easily or not easily: Easily

French: Yes or no: No If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:

Russian: Yes or no: No If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:

Spanish: Yes or no: No If yes,

Read: Easily or not easily:
Write: Easily or not easily:
Speak: Easily or not easily:

V. EDUCATIONAL RECORD

NOTE: Please list the candidate’s academic qualifications (university level and higher, indicating type of degree, subject, and whether full or part-time, ex. Masters in law, University of xxx, part-time).

Name of degree and name of academic institution, full or part-time:	Years of attendance (provide a range from-to, for example 1999-2003):	Place and country:
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources, Zimbabwe Open University, full-time	2010-2013	Harare, Zimbabwe

VI. EMPLOYMENT RECORD

NOTE: Please briefly list ALL RELEVANT professional positions held in the area of human rights, beginning with your current occupation. Also indicate whether positions held were not full-time.

Name of employer, functional title, main functions of position, full or part-time:	Years of work (provide a range from-to, for example 1999-2005):	Place and country:
Shamwari Yemwanasikana (Exclusive Friend of Girls) Founding Director Main Functions of position Ensuring that there are progressive programs that help achieve mission and vision of SYS; Supervise Manager of Finance, Manager of programs Implementation and Development, ensuring that the organization implements projects and programs within timeframes and achieve on set indicators; Design a fundraising strategy that ensures a sound financial and human resources base for SYS; Design programs for staff, board, interns, volunteers and girls that conform to the notion of empowerment; Represent SYS in local, regional and international networks. Promoting and supporting learning and sharing of information in every structure of SYS; Officiate at SYS functions such as club launches and workshops; Design such programs that ensure girls remain active in decision making of the organization and actively participate in all aspects of SYS programs; Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly strategic thinking and planning; Design a monitoring and evaluation framework that ensures participatory and consistent of SYS programs, staff, board and girls; Constant review of administration and human resources policies and systems and ensure such are adhered to and reviewed. Full Time	2012 to date	Harare, Zimbabwe
Girl Child Network Zimbabwe, National Administrator, Main Functions of position Assets and Stock Management; Procurement; Fleet management; Infrastructure development; Archiving of information and important documents for the organization Bill payments, follow up on receipts and other expenditure supporting documents with staff and third parties and submitting expenditure reconciliations to Accounting Executive; Logistics (Planning and organizing workshops and meetings) Preparation of employee files and contracts; Staff Recruitment; Staff Trust fund management; Policy Revision; Preparation of Staff Salaries, benefits payment; Staff Training; Leave planning; Staff inventory and Structure update; Report and proposal writing; Facilitating programming activities when required. Full Time	2007-2012	Harare, Zimbabwe
Girl Child Network Zimbabwe, Programmes Coordinator, Main Functions of position Coordinating the activities of girls empowerment clubs, advocacy and lobby, Information, documentation and dissemination and community development and empowerment program in line with donor specifications; Designing Work plans for program implementation as per specific donor requirements; Consolidating final reports from Programs department; Monitoring programme activities and submitting reports; Taking part in proposal writing; Full Time	2010-2011	Harare, Zimbabwe

VII. COMPLIANCE WITH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY PROVISIONS
(of Human Rights Council resolution 5/1)
To be completed by the candidate or by the nominating entity on the candidate’s behalf.

1. To your knowledge, does the candidate have any official, professional, personal, or financial relationships that might cause the candidate to limit the extent of inquiries, to limit disclosure, or to weaken or slant findings in any way? If yes, please explain.

No

2. Are there any factors that could either directly or indirectly influence, pressure, threaten, or otherwise affect the candidate’s ability to act independently in discharging the mandate? If yes, please explain:

No

3. Is there any reason, currently or in the past, that could call into question the candidate’s moral authority and credibility or does the candidate hold any views or opinions that could prejudice the manner in which the candidate discharges the mandate? If yes, please explain:

No

4. Does the candidate comply with the provisions in paragraph 44 and 46 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1? (Please answer YES if the candidate complies, NO if the candidate does not comply, together with an explanation.)

Para. 44: The principle of non-accumulation of human rights functions at a time shall be respected.

Para. 46: Individuals holding decision-making positions in Government or in any other organization or entity which may give rise to a conflict of interest with the responsibilities inherent to the mandate shall be excluded. Mandate holders will act in their personal capacity.

YES

5. Should the candidate be appointed as a mandate holder, the candidate will have to take measures to comply with paragraphs 44 and 46 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1. In the event that the current occupation or activity, even if unpaid, of the candidate may give rise to a conflict of interest (e.g. if a candidate holds a decision-making position in Government) and/or there is an accumulation of human rights functions (e.g. as a member of another human rights mechanism at the international, regional or national level), necessary measures could include relinquishing positions, occupations or activities. If applicable, please indicate the measures the candidate will take.

N/A

VIII. CERTIFY AND SUBMIT APPLICATION
To be completed by the candidate or by the nominating entity on the candidate’s behalf.

I hereby certify that all of the statements made in this application are true, complete and are made in good faith. I understand that falsifying or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for not being selected or appointed or the withdrawal of any proposed appointment or, if an appointment has been made and accepted, for its immediate cancellation or termination.
Kindly note that whilst no changes can be made after this application form has been submitted and the deadline for applications has expired, any relevant change of current occupation, employment, or position, or any other relevant fact or circumstance should be brought to the attention of the secretariat by
email (hrcspecialprocedures@ohchr.org).

Please review your application before you insert your name and date to indicate your agreement.

Name: Ekenia Chifamba

Date: 17/10/2019

****

The short online survey is used to collect information for statistical purposes such as personal data (i.e. name, gender, nationality), contact details, mandate applying for and, if appropriate, nominating entity. The same name, gender and nationality should be used both in the online survey and in the Word application form.

The application form in Word format includes a motivation letter of maximum 600 words (section III of the form). The application form should be completed in English only. It will be used as received to prepare the public list of candidates who applied for the vacancy. The candidate’s application form will also be posted as received on the OHCHR public web page for the selection process.