It is important to note that for any development initiative to be considered serious, it has to incorporate at least an element of participation by the intended beneficiaries. This is done to ensure that there is a universal acceptance and compliance to the vision, objectives and the general provisions of the overall programme. With NEPAD one finds that the finer details of NEPAD are not disclosed. How will the programme benefit the poor of the poorest? How will the success of the programme be measured or assessed? The media reports in Africa have mainly been narrative, highlighting what the Western World and the proponents of NEPAD have to say about the programme. Faced with this scenario, people found it difficult to clearly understand what NEPAD was all about. Without any clear cut consensus being arrived at, it is worrying that NEPAD should be given the green light to proceed to implementation stage without subjecting it to a litmus test.

The Centre for the Study of Violence & Reconciliation (CSVR) is a well established multi-disciplinary NGO specializing in dealing with and preventing violence, protecting human rights and building sustainable peace. CSVR has more than a decade of experience in innovative research, policy formulation, education and training, advocacy, lobbying, and in providing counselling and consultancy services and boasts a 15 year track record of work in South Africa, Southern Africa and internationally. Based in Johannesburg, the CSVR is looking for a dynamic professional to fill an exciting position in its senior management.

International Alert (IA) is an NGO that seeks to relieve the poverty, suffering and insecurity of people affected by war by transforming conflict from violence to sustainable peace. IA works with partner organisations in conflict regions in Africa and other continents to analyse the causes of conflict, facilitate dialogue, and help local actors develop peace-building skills. IA also seeks to influence international policies and practice by bringing into the policy arena the voices of those most affected by conflict. We are now looking for two Senior Programme Officers to work for IA's Great Lakes Programme which focuses primarily on Burundi, Rwanda and the DRC. The two posts are for different jobs, with different skill sets and experience required.