Addiction is a lifelong disease and it is crucial for recovery and as well later on to provide people with a safe space within which they can heal. Therefor IBC started an initiative conducting self-help-seminars to assist Blue Crosses in establishing self-help groups in their countries. The first seminar was held from 24 till 31 January in Botswana.
The training was conducted using the christian 12 step model compass as a framework for self help groups. “It was a powerful experience of learning that each person needs to work on themselves and the facilitator role is to be on the same level as all participants, and listen”, Anne reported after her trip, which was the first among a series of trainings to come.
The gathering was made even more special as two ex-addicts came to share their stories about their recovery process. They encouraged participants to embark on a journey of self-discovery – “as you cannot run self-help-groups if you have not faced your own problems and addictions. We all have some things to work on- even if it is the use of mobile devices”, so Anne. IBC is looking forward to enabling Blue Crosses in different countries to establish self-help-groups and improve and run them smoothly.
International Blue Cross works within good governance structures whilst implementing projects and programmes with its partners. This requires good project cycle management, throughout preparation and implementation of operational handbook that covers internal regulations, policies that steer professional code of conduct, administrative, human resources and finance management.
Between 27.11-4.12.2019 Anne Babb and Sonja Pönisch run this intensive workshop for Blue Cross Society Tanzania’s secretariat, board and volunteers. In addition we had meetings with key stakeholders. We visited the City Council department for NGO work and discussed the next steps of collaboration with developing life skills, community action and policy advocacy work. At Arusha Sober Houses we discussed collaboration for community action with leaders of NA based therapeutic community treatment model and we facilitated a discussion with two churches in order to find ways to reach vulnerable communities.
Blue Cross Tanzania enjoyed also learning basics of project cycle management and latest information about alcohol and drug harm, self-help and skills on creating change through behavioral prevention. Thank you for all at BC Tanzania for your warm hospitality and we wish you much strength and blessings for implementing all new things on your daily work!
IBC looks for a committed and innovative drug and alcohol field professional living in Africa and willing to work within a Christian value-based organisation
Alcohol and Drug Policy Advocacy Officer: Part Time 8hrs/week (20%) from March 2020 or as mutually agreed.
As Advocacy Officer you are based in your home office working closely on-line with the IBC secretariat and you will:
Job Description & Requirements
Develop the IBC advocacy programme and key messages in French and English based on evidence based research that is based on independent data without vested interests of drug and alcohol industry;
Establish and maintain structures and instruments for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of progress against IBC advocacy plans within PCM framework;
Develop and submit timely and high-quality advocacy messages to support IBC’s global advocacy work together with IBC board and leadership;
Coach local programme coordinators and teams (mainly online coaching) on the topics of alcohol and drugs and policy advocacy. Organise substance abuse policy advocacy trainings to develop capacities of implementing partners;
Develop and foster collaboration and policy work with responsible authorities, governments and NGOs at country level and in international forums;
Represent IBC and actively participate in inter-agency forums and thematic working groups with partner NGOs and institutional donors as agreed by General Secretary;
Support the Fundraising and Communication team by providing advocacy insights, prospect donor contacts and concepts for funding applications;
Carry out any other tasks as required for the smooth running of IBC.
University degree in public health or in a relevant field
High knowledge of drug and alcohol harm
Commitment to following evidence based alcohol and drug policy without industry interference
No vested interests or connections to alcohol and drug industry
Working experience in development and cooperation, preferably with field experience with grassroots organisations in Africa
Excellent skills in coaching project partners
Fluent in French and English
Possibility for an excellent internet connection
Outstanding communication, social and networking skills
Commitment to work within Christian value-based organisation
Driven to support capacity building of partners in order to assist vulnerable people and to work with the issue of alcohol and other drugs
Team spirit, commitment, and flexibility. Independent, proactive and solution-oriented
Capable of working in a multi-cultural environment. Honest and trustworthy
Must be located in Africa
What we offer: • Interesting and varied activities in an international environment with many opportunities to be proactive • A motivated and committed international team • Flexibility in work arrangements • Salary and home office allowance according to your national pay structures and within IBC policies • Christian value based work environment
Recruitment process If you are interested in raising the IBC advocacy work to a new level, we are looking forward to receiving your complete electronic application with CV and motivation letter in English and with academic & work certificates in English or French by 6th of January 2020 at office@internationalbluecross.org, with subject “Advocacy Officer”.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take a written on-line assessment during the week 20-23.1.2020. From these finally shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview online on 5th February 2020.
For further information please contact General Secretary Anne Babb: a.babb@internationalbluecross.org
Joining forces to direct Blue Cross Global Strategy
Again in Paris! The IBC Network Committee (board) and IBC Secretariat staff meeting took place from 8-10. May in the French capital. Main points of the agenda were the planning for the General Assembly in 2020 and the strategical outlook for the period 2020 – 2024. It continues to be important to involve all Blue Crosses around the world more closely in gloal steering processes. Participants brainstormed how to achieve this and -additionally to the actions of the IBC General Secretariat- the board members agreed to take this message to the Blue Crosses in their countries. In a world where the global alcohol consume rate is rising, global action and strategies are needed.
Project visit to our implementing partner in Africa – Blue Cross Chad
IBC General Secretary Anne and IBC Finance Officer Katrin are back from their visit to our member organisation and implementing partner in Chad. It was a week full of activities, revising and working to improve the Life Skills Programme for youth further. The IBC alcohol and drug prevention programme has been successfully running in the Chadian capital of N´Djamena since 2013. Meanwhile 20 schools participate in protecting young people from alcohol harm and sensitizing them for gender equality. Find out more about the programme in our programmes section!
Snapshot of IBC´s prevention work with underprivileged communities in Congo-Brazzaville
Swiss Broadcaster SRF1 has accompanied the Blue Cross alcohol and drug prevention programme IBC implements with its local partner in Congo-Brazzaville. One of the participants is talking about his experiences in the video (German version)
