Application for U.S Government Grants in Cameroon

The U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund

 

Introduction

The Special Self-Help Fund (SSH) provides small-scale assistance to Cameroonian communities as part of the U.S. Government’s commitment to support development activities in Cameroon.  Since 1983, the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon has funded small community projects under this program in all ten regions of Cameroon.  The maximum support available for most projects is USD 10,000 (or about 4.5 million francs CFA). 

Basic Project Requirements

•  Initiated by the community and benefits the community by increasing income, improving rural infrastructure, or improving living conditions;
• Benefits a large number of people;
• Involves a significant local contribution such as labor, materials, land, equipment, or money;
• Within the ability of the community to operate and maintain;
• Completed within one year without requiring further Self-Help Fund assistance; and
• Respects environmental norms.

Project Categories and Acceptable Activities and Items

• Water Supply and Sanitation: Ensures broadly accessible, reliable and economically sustainable water and sanitation services to bolster healthy, secure, and prosperous communities.
• Social Services: Improves the life and living conditions of special populations which may be vulnerable or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis.  These could include groups such as the disabled; orphans, children and at-risk youth; victims of gender-based violence; ethnic minorities, internally displaced or other socially excluded groups; the elderly; and female heads of household.
• Social Assistance: Provides financial or technical support for road construction and maintenance, irrigation works, reforestation, and soil conservation in post-conflict or post-disaster settings. Provides assistance to those suffering from temporary shocks resulting from economic reform.

Unacceptable Activities and Items

• Repair of existing facilities that are in poor shape as the result of neglect or lack of funds.
• Payment of recurring operating costs such as rent, salaries, administrative or operating costs, ongoing training/education needs, medications, fuel, animal feed, or seeds.
• Religious, political, or military activities, as well as those relating to police, prisons, or law enforcement.
• Revolving credit schemes.
• Office equipment and supplies such as computers, film projectors, stereos, pencils, paper, forms, folders, etc.
• Equipment or uniforms for national sport teams or national musical or dance groups.
• Land or buildings.
• Vehicles, luxury goods, gambling, or surveillance equipment.
• Abortion-related equipment and services.
• Pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides.

Funded Projects in 2010

In the year 2010, the U.S. Embassy was pleased to sponsor eleven SSH projects in seven regions for a total of USD 90,000.  The projects received funding to accomplish the following activities:

• Construction of
  7 wells
  3 classrooms
  2 health centers
  2 blocks of latrines
  1 food storehouse and 1 cassava-drying area 
• Purchase and installation of a grinding machine

Table 1 – Projects Funded in 2010 by Region and Project Type

Project Number	Region	Project Type
1	Adamaoua	Well construction
2	Center	Construction of 2 classrooms and a block of latrines
3	East	Purchase and installation of grinding mills
4	East	Construction of food storehouse
5	East	Construction of cassava drying area
6	Far North	Construction of health center ward
7	Far North	Construction of 5 wells
8	Littoral	Classroom construction
9	North	Construction of well for primary school
10	North	Construction of health center
11	South	Construction of a block of latrines

Selection and Award Process
The program is highly competitive; historically, less than ten percent of the applications received each year are selected.  If a project is selected for consideration, someone from the U.S. Embassy will contact the applicant, verify the information, and visit the site. 
Selection Timeline
Application deadline:  Open season.  Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
Selection period:         January - August 2012
Award period:             September - December 2012
How to Apply for the Fund 
Complete and send the application form to the U.S. Embassy.  Click here (PDF - 183KB) to download the application.  You can also request the application by mail or in person through the SSH Office. The Self-Help Application Form is FREE of charge and the Embassy DOES NOT request any payment to receive and evaluate a project.
Contact Information
Address:           Self-Help Fund
Embassy of the United States of America
B.P. 817 Yaoundé
Email:               grantsyaounde@state.gov
Telephone:       2220-1500 Ext. 4171
Fax:                  2220-1503
Office Hours:     Monday through Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm and Friday 7:30 am - 12:30 pm

Programme Officer

Programme Officer Area, Yaounde Office

Closing Date: Monday, 15 October 2012

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems. ITU also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
VACANCY NOTICE Nº ITU/BDT/FIELD/2012/P43
Date of Issue: 13 August 2012
Applications from women are encouraged
Functions: Programme Officer Area Office Yaounde
Post Number: TD13R/P3/590
Deadline for Applications (23.59 Geneva CH) : 15 October 2012
Duration of Contract: 2 years
Type of Appointment: Fixed-Term Appointment
Duty Station: Yaounde, Cameroon
Grade: P3
Organ:
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union (the Union has three functional sectors: Standardization, Radiocommunication and Development) which deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, as well as technical cooperation activities (expert missions, training programmes , field projects, seminars, etc.).
Organization Unit:
Within the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of ITU, under the supervision of the Director, and in close collaboration with the other Departments of BDT, the Regional and Area Offices are responsible for proposing the operational policy and strategy of telecommunication development activities in their respective regions, coordinating with countries of the region to prioritize requirements, proposing inputs for the preparation of the operational plan based on these prioritized regional requirements, as well as coordinating and implementing technical cooperation activities in their respective regions, be they in the framework of projects, regional initiatives, or follow-up of World Telecommunication Development Conferences.
Duties / Responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the Regional Director and/or Head of the Area Office, or the immediate supervision of the Programme Coordinator [if applicable], the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Coordinates, monitors and implements programmes and projects. Monitors advancements in the field of expertise. Provides advice to peers, management and colleagues.
• Provides programme and project support: defines project/revision requirements and specifications; suggests joint activities. Identifies, proposes and develops cooperation opportunities. Serves as a specialist for cooperation programmes and projects (regular programme and extrabudgetary) under his/her responsibility. Prepares, and drafts, as necessary, inputs for budget for programmes and projects.
• Follows up project/programme/action budget implementation and financial situations, reporting status and raising potential issues with managers. Identifies prospective donors and actively participates in meetings.
• Monitors, organizes and conducts programme, project and product evaluation s. Edits and compiles relevant documentation to enable project and programme work. Analyses and applies background history and documentation of projects, identifying and reconstructing strategies and decisions, and adding technical value to programmes and projects.
• Liaises with and provides technical support to regional, national and international organizations , including other agencies within the United Nations system. Recommends prospective partners in selecting and proposing extensive collaborative activities.
• Attends meetings and participates in technical groups as the representative of a specific programme area, as delegated by the Regional Director/Head of the Area Office to exchange information, discuss best practices and remain informed of subject matter developments.
• Provides inputs and recommendations in regard to the planning and organization of the work, resolving implementation problems and responding to internal technical and administrative demands.
• Initiates, supervises and reviews the completion of duties by programme, project and office support staff on programmes/projects/actions under their responsibility, according to predetermined and clarified priorities and objectives.
• Carries out any additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team to which assigned.

Qualifications required
Education:
Advanced university degree in telecommunications/ICTs economics or a related field OR education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the post, including at least two at the international level. Comprehensive experience and background in subjects related to international ICT and telecommunications matters and broadcasting in particular. A doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Languages:
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)
Competencies:

• Comprehensive background and understanding of subjects related to ICT/telecommunications, broadcasting and spectrum management and ability to apply the knowledge in the field. Good appreciation of broadcasting issues in Africa would be an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing skills.
• Excellent research skills and very good knowledge of global trends in the area of work.
• Ability to work in a team with dedication and commitment.
• Ability to draft precise and complete analytical reports, project proposals, documents, project evaluations.
• Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers.

Remuneration
Annual Salary:
(Net of Tax)
77,977.- USD - 104,069.- USD without dependants
83,538.- USD - 111,939.- USD with dependants
Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for written test. Interviews may be used as a form of screening.
For further information concerning the Conditions of Employment please click the following link
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration
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