Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Quentin Tarantino drops Hateful Eight project after 'leak'

Tarantino's script for Django Unchained won an Oscar last year
Oscar-winning director Quentin Tarantino has dropped his latest project, a Western called The Hateful Eight, after it apparently leaked out to Hollywood agents.

The filmmaker said he learned of the leak when his office started getting calls from agents pitching their acting clients for roles.

Speaking to film website Deadline, Tarantino said he only "gave it to six people".

He added he was "very, very depressed."

Tarantino, who won best original screenplay at last year's Oscars for Django Unchained, said: "I finished a script, a first draft, and I didn't mean to shoot it until next winter, a year from now."


Django Unchained was nominated for five Oscars
The 50-year-old said he now plans to publish the script as a book and revisit the prospect of a movie after a few years.

The director told Deadline that he had given the script to three actors, including Tim Roth, who appeared in his first two films, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction.

"The one I know didn't do this is Tim Roth," he said. "One of the others let their agent read it, and that agent has now passed it on to everyone in Hollywood."

Tarantino himself initially announced the project in November last year to US chat show host Jay Leno.

He has now said: "I'll publish it. I'm done. I'll move on to the next thing" but said he "could totally change my mind".

"If the muse calls me later to do it, we'll do it," he added.

Django Unchained was Tarantino's biggest ever box-office hit, earning $425m (£258m) worldwide and nominated for five Oscars.
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Warburton set to make Wales opener

Wales captain Sam Warburton expects to be available for the Six Nations opener against Italy in Cardiff on 1 February.

The 25-year-old flanker has been out since the end of November with shoulder damage but is set to return.

"I think I'll be available for selection. I need to have a chat with [coach] Warren Gatland and the medics early next week to decide what's the best thing to do," Warburton said.

"We have a chance to win three Six Nations in a row and create history."
Warburton's lack of game time while recovering from his injury means he may play a match for his regional team Cardiff Blues before taking part in the Six Nations.

But the return to fitness of their skipper will give Wales a boost as they seek their third successive Six Nations title, a feat never accomplished by any side in the tournament's history.

"We always look forward to the Six Nations, it's what you're measured on. It's the one we always look forward to," Warburton said.
"This is my fifth championship now and I love playing in them."

Wales will be without Ospreys forward Ryan Jones, who led Wales in Warburton's injury absence during part of last year's campaign, because of injury.

They will also be without Lions centre Jonathan Davies for most of the tournament because of a shoulder injury, while prop Gethin Jenkins remains an injury doubt
After facing Italy in the Millennium Stadium, Wales travel to Ireland the following weekend.

Gatland's men then face France at the Millennium Stadium on 21 February in a Friday night match, before rounding off their campaign in March away to England and then against Scotland in Cardiff.
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How to cook up an Olympic-winning routine

On Valentine's Night, 1984, the world watched, breathless, as a pinnacle of sporting perfection was reached in Sarajevo.

In a swirl of purple silk chiffon, to the pounding rhythm of Maurice Ravel's Bolero, a police constable and an insurance clerk from Nottingham skated the performance of a lifetime, captivating not only a vast TV audience, but the notoriously hard-to-please judges.

For artistic Impression, they produced a row of perfect sixes - and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were Olympic champions.

It's a story that is very familiar to most of us, whether we're old enough to remember that night 30 years ago or not. But this week on BBC Radio 5 live, in Frozen in Time, we'll reveal the tale of how the Bolero routine was born - not on an ice rink or in a concert hall, but over dinner in the west London home of Courtney Jones and Bobby Thompson, friends and mentors to Torvill and Dean.

Courtney was a former ice dance champion, a figure-skating judge, and a dress designer, while Bobby was a leading coach. Jayne and Chris would frequently turn to them to talk over ideas for the show-stopping routines that had, at that point, taken them to three World Championships.

Chris already had in mind the music he wanted for the free programme for the season that would include the 1984 Winter Olympics - a number from the Broadway musical 42nd Street.

But their hosts that night in Notting Hill were not so keen.

"Courtney was doing the cooking and I was in the kitchen and we heard 42nd Street go on," recalls Bobby.

"We both looked at each other and said - absolutely no way. Olympic year, it's too much like Mack and Mabel, Barnum - been there, done that. We need something completely different.

"Christopher's face dropped to the floor - he wasn't a very happy little warrior. And I remember Jayne's words; 'Chris, it's no good; they haven't led us wrong yet.'"

A quick dash to the car, a pile of cassettes, and when Bolero came on, there was instant agreement. It was a number that would change the face of ice dancing.

The usual practice at that time was to edit together three different pieces of music, with varying moods and speeds. But Ravel's piece had a continuous flow, with a building crescendo and a dramatic climax.

Having chosen the soundtrack, the rest of the programme followed very quickly afterwards, including the iconic dip-dyed purple pleated chiffon.

"I suppose one has a visual picture of a complete performance," Courtney says. "The music inspires the dance, but the music also inspires the costume. Because the music was very flowing, we wanted to find something that would flow equally as well."

The problem was that the silk chiffon only came in a solid colour, not in the shaded ombre effect that Courtney wanted. So they hung the fabric from a string in their basement, with a bucket of purple dye underneath, and every few hours they would pull it out a little bit more, leaving the bottom darker than the top.

And the wooden spoon, previously used to stir the casserole they'd had for dinner, was pressed into service as a dye-stirrer. It's one of the few souvenirs of that period to have survived the last 30 years in Courtney and Bobby's collection - and it's still purple.

You could call it the Spoon of Serendipity - its story is just one of those we'll be telling in our special programme. It would fit quite nicely alongside the Stone of Destiny - which won Rhona Martin and her GB curling team the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

We'll also hear about the Miracle on Ice - when the USA ice hockey team beat the USSR on the way to the Olympic title in 1980. Captain, and scorer of the winning goal, Mike Eruzione tells us how his team of college hockey players took on and beat the might of the Soviets, packed with Red Army soldiers.

We'll put ourselves in the shoes - and skis - of the athletes who hurl themselves down the mountain at terrifying speeds as we relive the gold medal runs of Franz Klammer in the men's downhill skiing in 1976, and Amy Williams in the skeleton in 2010.

Hollywood director Jon Turteltaub tells us the story behind one of the great underdog moments in Olympic history - when Jamaica sent a bobsleigh team to the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, and inspired his film Cool Runnings.

The tale of Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding at the 1994 Games was more soap opera than sports story. We ask the question: how much did Tonya really know about the attack on her rival? And was Nancy unfairly denied the gold medal which would have crowned her incredible comeback from injury?
And John Curry, a man who in 1976 changed the face of men's figure skating in the same way that Torvill and Dean changed ice dancing, is recalled by those who knew him best.
But did the revelation of his homosexuality, in the unsympathetic era in which he was competing, overshadow his Olympic gold?
These are the stories I'll be discussing, along with Barry Davies, who has commentated on seven Winter Olympics beginning in Sarajevo in 1984.

Frozen In Time: Great Winter Olympic Moments is on BBC Radio 5 live Sport on Thursday, 23 January, 20:00-22:00 GMT
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Man Utd V Sunderland agg 1-2 CAPITAL ONE CUP

Date: Wednesday, 22nd January
Kick off: 19:45
Venue: Old Trafford

Manchester United will be without captain Nemanja Vidic as they seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. The Serb begins a three-match suspension following his sending-off against Chelsea.

Patrice Evra limped off in that match, while Wayne Rooney and fellow striker Robin van Persie may again miss out.

Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher is a doubt with an Achilles injury.
Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuellar remain on the sidelines.
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Nadal avoids upset to reach semis

Rafael Nadal avoided becoming the latest victim of an Australian Open upset with a battling four-set win over Grigor Dimitrov.

With a severe blister on his racquet hand, the world number one saved three set points in the third set to win 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (9-7) 6-2.

"I was lucky," said Nadal. "He missed an easy forehand and another one."
He will play four-time champion Roger Federer in Friday's semi-finals after the Swiss ended Andy Murray's hopes.

The Spaniard admitted the blister was affecting his game during the match, which lasted three hours and 37 minutes, "especially with the serve".

He added: "I will try and improve the hand tomorrow and then try to be ready for a tough match against Roger or Andy.

"The blister is much better, but if I am not playing with protection, it can be much worse."

Nadal, trying to win a 14th major title, had looked in trouble after losing the first set against Dimitrov.

Struggling to get anywhere against the Bulgarian 22nd seed's first serve, he finally made the breakthrough in game 11, only to hand it straight back in a shocking game of three double-faults.

The match would hinge on two tie-breaks, with the Spaniard prevailing in both, albeit in very different styles.
Nadal, 27, dominated the first, roaring in to pick up a Dimitrov drop shot and angle a one-handed backhand past the Bulgarian on set point, before celebrating wildly as the match seem to shift in his favour.
It was still far from comfortable for the 2009 champion, however.

A 4-2 lead was squandered in the third set when he double-faulted once again, and a series of uncharacteristic forehand errors - one a wildly framed drive volley - offered Dimitrov three chances to take the set.

The 22-year-old Bulgarian, playing in his first Grand Slam quarter-final, snatched at the first two chances, going for a huge return at 6-5 and missing a forehand into the corner in the tie-break, before Nadal saved the third with a sharp, angled volley.

A net cord then helped out Nadal as he won three points in a row to clinch the third set, and at two sets to one down after nearly three hours, Dimitrov's resistance ebbed away.

Two breaks in the decider were enough for Nadal to see out the victory, which he sealed when Dimitrov, playing in his first Grand Slam quarter-final, blazed a forehand wide on the fourth match point.

"I'm a bit shattered," said Dimitrov. "It's tough losing that match. I came out expecting nothing less than to win.
"Of course I shed a few tears, but it should hurt. And it does hurt.

"All the credit to Rafa. I think he played a great match. His physicality came over towards the end of the match. He's not one of the best, I think he's the best player right now."
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Fears over hosting future Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation is concerned about a lack of interest from member countries in hosting future Games.

So far, no member country has expressed serious interest in hosting the 2022 event ahead of a March deadline.

Some of the 71 members believe in-fighting threatens the CGF's future.

A CGF spokesman said an Extraordinary General Meeting was being held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, at which "issues will be fully aired and resolved".

The 20th Games begin in Glasgow on 23 July, with Australia's Gold Coast due to host in 2018.

Money is the major factor in all bids - the Glasgow Games is estimated to cost over £500m to stage - and it is understood the global financial climate may be discouraging nations from bidding.

There are fears a major dispute over governance between the federation and its members could also be having a detrimental effect on interest.

One member nation's association president, who did not want to be named, told the BBC: "The current situation is not good.

"The fear is that, unless there are significant changes in the governance and management of the CGF, the future of the Games themselves may be in doubt."

When asked about the lack of interest in hosting the 2022 Games, a spokesman for the CGF said: "Clearly there is a lot of speculation from various sources and from around a half a dozen countries at the moment, but the deadline for [formal] bid lodgement is not until 2 March, 2015.

"The decision in relation to the award of the 2022 Games won't be taken until our General Assembly in New Zealand in September 2015. That's a long way off."

On the alleged in-fighting, he said: "I don't think it's correct to describe it as a dispute, although clearly there are specific issues."

The spokesman said that 38 recommendations had been made as a result of a strategic review, 30 of which were accepted by CGF members.

However, he added: "Eight, which are within the public domain, were tabled for discussion at our Extraordinary General Meeting. These issues will be fully aired and resolved there."

The EGM is to be hosted by the CGF president Tunku Imran, a Malaysian prince who has plans to move the organisation from London to Malaysia for tax purposes.

In-fighting has intensified in recent weeks following a secret letter from the chairman of Commonwealth Games England, Sir Andrew Foster, to a number of other nations including Scotland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

The letter was sent in a bid to gauge the level of opposition to the board and highlighted a number of issues, including:

* Concerns over the conduct of the CGF board A pattern where members are not listened to

* Concerns the CGF is out of touch with its membership His letter also states that members were not consulted on decisions such as the proposed change of office to Malaysia.
Foster said: "We are currently concerned that there appears to be very few candidates for the 2022 games."

After the letter was leaked to the CGF, Imran, also a member of the International Olympic Committee, claimed Foster's comments were "discourteous, disingenuous and bordering on defamation".

Members of the Commonwealth have been competing together in a sporting capacity since the first Empire Games back in 1930.
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Liverpool suffer Lucas injury blow

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva is facing six to eight weeks out with a knee ligament injury.

Lucas came on as a substitute at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday and lasted just 21 minutes before straining medial ligaments.

The Brazilian initially tried to play on after treatment on his right knee but was soon replaced by Joe Allen.
The injury could hinder the 27-year-old's hopes of making his country's 2014 World Cup squad.

Lucas missed most of the 2011-12 season after surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.
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David Baddiel on the Anelka gesture

West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka is accused of making a controversial "quenelle" gesture, described as an inverted Nazi salute, after scoring against West Ham on 28 December.
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I built Man City team - Mancini

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he has played his part in the team's success this season.

Current boss Manuel Pellegrini has been credited with making City - who have scored 106 goals already this season - more attacking.

But Galatasaray coach Mancini, who left City last summer, says it is the players he bought who are responsible.

"I'm happy that Manchester City is one of the best teams in England because I built this team," Mancini, 49, said.

"The players that score the goals are players that I bought - Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Samir Nasri."

After Mancini's departure, City recruited the likes of midfielder Fernandinho and striker Alvaro Negredo, who has already scored 23 goals in his first season.

Pellegrini is targeting an unprecedented quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup.

The Chilean boss has secured City's path to the knockout stages of the Champions League, something Mancini failed to do in two attempts.

Former Lazio and Inter Milan boss Mancini, who joined City in December 2009, guided the team to success in the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title a year later.

But after reportedly falling out with some of his players last season, he said he held no bitterness towards City over his sacking last summer, just days after his side were beaten by Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

"When you work, you know you can have some problem with the players, this is normal because the manager wants the players to work hard, play well and the players should understand this," he said.

"When you change the manager, it is better maybe, because you change the way to work.

"I think Pellegrini is doing a good job but what is happening now at Manchester City, we did three years ago. It's the same."

The Italian added: "I'm very happy about what I did in Manchester, I love the Manchester City supporters and I had a fantastic experience.

"After four or five years, maybe the manager needs to change team. I did my job, I built a fantastic team, we played fantastic football and we didn't win last year only because Manchester United bought Robin van Persie.

"He was the difference, if not I think that would have changed the history in Manchester over the last three years. We played really good football and now they are continuing to do this."

Mancini said City's form this season means that Manchester United need to restructure their squad if they are to continue to compete at the top of the Premier League alongside the likes of Chelsea and his former club.

"After many years, it's the time to refresh the team," he told BBC World Service. "Chelsea changed and bought some new players, City bought four or five new players."

But he also said he has sympathy for United manager David Moyes after their disappointing start to the season.

"He worked for 10 years at Everton and he did a really good job," said Mancini. "He is a good manager and I don't think he needs my advice.
Former Everton boss Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson last summer following a period of unprecedented success for the club.

Mancini added it would be "difficult" for anyone to follow Ferguson and lead a club used to competing for major titles every season.
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Inspired Federer ends Murray hopes

Four time champion Roger Federer ended Andy Murray's Australian Open hopes with a dramatic win in the quarter-finals.

The Swiss, 32, won 6-3 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 in three hours and 20 minutes to set up a semi-final against world number one Rafael Nadal.

Federer had been on the verge of wrapping up a faultless three-set performance but failed to serve out the match, and then missed two match points in the tie-break.

Murray was fighting to stay alive in only his second tournament since back surgery, and saved six break points in a marathon 19-minute game early in the fourth set.

But the Scot was constantly playing catch-up and eventually he could no longer hang on, as Federer brought his man into the net at 4-3 and flipped a backhand past the 26-year-old for the decisive break.

"I was proud of the way I fought," said Murray.

"I changed my tactics a little bit, started playing a little bit more aggressive, and that was maybe my undoing a little bit at the end, because I really started going for my shots to get myself back into the match.

"Then when I got broken in that fourth set, I went for three balls. Maybe one or two of them weren't there to be hit."

Federer was relieved to come through to clinch an 11th consecutive Australian Open semi-final place,
"Andy played well and put the pressure on me so I'm happy to get the win," he said.

"I probably miss more break points than other guys but I kept my composure and kept the poker face and tonight it worked."

The first two sets saw Federer pick up where he had left off against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Monday, serving magnificently and moving forward at every opportunity.

Playing with a larger, more powerful racquet this year, and under the guidance of six-time Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg, his game was simply too strong for Murray.
By the time he closed out the second set, after only 80 minutes, he had been taken to deuce just once on serve.

Murray was unable to dominate from his home turf of the baseline and could not get his return game going when second serves came his way - and his evening looked as good as over when two errors saw him drop serve at 4-4 in the third.

Federer had not faced a break point all evening but, when the moment arrived to close out the match, the 17-time major winner looked more like the fragile player that had slipped down the rankings last year.

After smashing away a first break point he fired long on the second, and the crowd came alive as Murray yelled in delight at his unexpected second life.

They headed into a tie-break and again Federer took charge, but once again Murray refused to buckle.
Swinging freely from 6-4 down, the Wimbledon champion forced two errors from Federer on match points before powering through to take the set.

The night session on Rod Laver Arena was suddenly electrified as one-way traffic turned into a dogfight, and Murray's battling qualities made for an absorbing fourth set, but it was Federer's attacking instincts that eventually prevailed.

A loud "Come on!" echoed around the stadium when the Swiss finally converted his 10th break point of the set and, given a second chance to serve out the match, he did not blink.

Federer fired a thunderous ace out wide to seal victory, and a real chance to win an unprecedented 18th Grand Slam title.
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Syria Geneva II peace conference begins with bitter speeches

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Syria's foreign minister and the Syrian national coalition president delivered angry statements
Syria's government and main political opposition have traded bitter accusations as a major peace conference begins in Switzerland.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged delegates to engage in constructive discussions, but neither side appeared prepared to abandon their positions.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said there was "no way possible" President Bashar al-Assad could remain in power.

The conflict has left more than 100,000 dead and millions displaced.

The summit is discussing the Geneva communique which lays out a political transition plan for Syria. But the key issue is President Assad's future.

It will hear from about 40 foreign ministers on Wednesday before direct Syrian talks are scheduled to begin in Geneva on Friday.

This would be the first face-to-face meeting between the Syrian government and the main opposition - the National Coalition - since the conflict began in 2011.

'Raising hope'

In an often angry opening speech, Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said some states attending the talks had "Syrian blood on their hands" and were trying to destabilise the country.

"Syria the independent state will do all that is necessary to defend itself," he said, and, addressing US Secretary of State John Kerry, said: "No-one in the world has the right to confer or withdraw the legitimacy of a president, a constitution or a law, except for the Syrians themselves."

Mr Muallem ran far over the allotted 10-minute slot for each speaker, ignoring Mr Ban's attempts to intervene.

"I have the right to give the Syrian version here," he said.

The US state department condemned Mr Muallem's remarks as "inflammatory", and urged the government to take "real, concrete steps to increase humanitarian access and improve the lives of the people suffering the most".

'Time is blood'

The head of the National Coalition, Ahmad Jarba, said in his speech it had not been the opposition's choice to take up arms, but "was the choice imposed by the Syrian regime".

He displayed a photograph taken from a report by three war crimes investigators which alleged "systematic" torture and execution of opposition detainees in Syria. The report was released on Tuesday but dismissed as not credible by Damascus.

Mr Jarba called on the government to immediately sign the Geneva document and transfer power to a transitional authority.

"For the Syrians, time is now blood."


The summit is taking place amid tight security in a Montreux hotel

Outside the conference venue, supporters of President Bashar al-Assad staged a protest

Anti-government protesters staged a mock funeral, calling for an immediate ceasefire
Opening the summit, Mr Ban urged all parties to engage "seriously and constructively" in the talks.

"Let me not mince words - the challenges before you and before all of us are formidable. But your presence here raises hope," he added.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the talks "will not be simple, will not be quick", but that there was "a historic responsibility on the shoulders of all participants".

He also repeated his insistence that Iran should be involved in the talks.

The UN withdrew its invitation to Iran earlier this week over its refusal to back the Geneva communique.

Iran's President Hasan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the "lack of influential players" attending meant he doubted "its ability to resolve the Syria crisis".

Mr Kerry used his opening remarks in Montreux to remind the conference the uprising had begun as a peaceful process, but said the government had responded "with ever-increasing force".

"We see only one option: negotiating a transition government born by mutual consent," he said. "There is no way, no way possible, that a man who has led a brutal response to his own people can regain legitimacy to govern."

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said "thousands more innocent Syrians will pay the price" if the talks fail. The government, he said, "bears a particular responsibility for this crisis and can do the most to end it".

International delegates to Geneva II have played down hopes of a breakthrough, saying the talks should be seen as the first step in a process.
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UK unemployment rate drops to 7.1%

There has been a "significant" fall in unemployment, says Nick Palmer from the Office for National Statistics
The UK unemployment rate has dropped to 7.1%, close to the point at which the Bank of England has said it will consider raising interest rates.

The number of people out of work fell by 167,000 to 2.32 million in the three months to November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

The ONS also said the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance fell by 24,000 to 1.25 million in December.

The Bank will consider increasing rates from 0.5% when unemployment hits 7%.

The fall of 167,000 was the biggest drop since the autumn of 1997. The number of 16-24 year olds out of work fell by 39,000 from the previous three-month period to 920,000.

The ONS figures also showed that the number of people in employment increased by 280,000 to reach 30.15 million.

The bigger-than-expected drop in the number of people out of work has raised the possibility that interest rates may rise sooner than previously thought.

"Especially pleasing is that the fall in unemployment is coming both from declining short and long-term unemployment, and a large decline in unemployment amongst 18-24 year olds," said David Tinsley from BNP Paribas, who described the overall figures as "staggeringly strong".

The jobs figures pushed up the value of the pound, which hit a year-high against the euro of 1.2222 euros and climbed to a near three-week high against the dollar of $1.6553.

'Record breaking'

"Creating jobs and getting people into employment are central to our economic plan to build a stronger, more competitive economy, so it is very encouraging news that we've seen a record-breaking rise in employment over the last three months," said Employment Minister Esther McVey.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Rachel Reeves said: "This is no time for complacency. It is good that unemployment is falling from the very high levels that it had reached but so much more needs to be done, especially to get young people back to work".

Many analysts had not expected the unemployment rate to hit 7% until much later this year or next, and the significant fall in the three months to November is likely to mean many will reassess their forecasts.

A recent snapshot of views conducted by the BBC at the start of the year found that more than half the 28 economists polled thought the unemployment rate would not hit 7% until 2015.

"The rate of unemployment in the UK continues to collapse," said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit.

"All eyes turn to the Bank of England to see how forward guidance will be modified to account for the far-faster than anticipated improvement in the labour market."

But the latest minutes from this month's meeting of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), also published on Wednesday, indicated that the Bank is in no rush to raise rates.

Given that inflation had returned to the 2% target rate last month, and that "cost pressures were subdued... members therefore saw no immediate need to raise the Bank rate even if the 7% unemployment threshold were to be reached in the near future", the notes said.

The MPC also said "it was likely that the headwinds to growth associated with the aftermath of the financial crisis would persist for some time yet", reinforcing the fact it is in no rush to raise rates.

The ONS also said that average weekly earnings between September and November, both including and excluding bonus payments, rose by 0.9% compared with a year earlier.

For now, therefore, wage rises are not an inflationary pressure within the economy, and cannot be used as an argument for raising interest rates.

Separate figures from the ONS showed that UK government borrowing fell in December to £12.1bn, down £2.1bn from a year earlier.
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NSCDC Official Mistakenly Shoots Policeman To Death In Bayelsa

The Police in Bayelsa on Tuesday confirmed that a mobile police officer had been shot to death in error.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Mr Alex Akhigbe, who confirmed the incident, described the death of the policeman an unfortunate.

"He was mistakenly shot by a member of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during a shoot-out with armed robbers in Yenagoa.

"They were colleagues attached to the state special security outfit known as Operation Door Akpor.

"The police received a distress call on Monday night that armed robbers had attacked a popular petrol station at Edepie Roundabout in the state
capital.

"When the patrol team got there, the robbers opened fire on sighting the police van. "So, there was a shoot-out and in the process, the NSCDC personnel mistakenly shot his patrol team colleague", Akhigbe said. (NAN)
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Policeman To Die By Hanging For Killing 20- Year Old Boy At Checkpoint

A Policeman, Mathew Egheghe, attached to the Bayelsa State Police Command is to die by hanging for killing a 20-year-old man, Victor Emmanuel.

Egheghe shot Emmanuel at a checkpoint on Sani Abacha Expressway, Yenagoa on Oct. 16, 2011.

After a protracted legal battle spear-headed by the mother of the deceased, Grace and human rights activists, a Bayelsa High Court in Nembe found
Egheghe guilty of murder.

The court, presided over by Justice Lucky Boufili, however, discharged and acquitted two other men who were also charged with the offence.

The two men, Lucky Oberemelu and John Imeh, were acquitted by the judge for failure of the prosecution to directly link them with the murder.

Boufili held that the bullets that eventually killed Emmanuel were fired by Egheghe.

Referring to the report of the pathologist and the evidence he gave before the court, the judge said that nine bullets had entry and exit points on the body of the deceased.

"The pathologist certified the cause of death to multiple gunshot injuries", he said, adding that five of the bullets hit the deceased in the head.

The judge gave the sentence after listening to pleas for leniency from Egheghe's counsel. "I have listened to the pleas of the defence counsel
but the second accused person deserved a sentence to die by hanging", he said. (NAN)
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Nigeria Will Not Disintegrate Even If Jonathan Loses In 2015 – Junaid Mohammed

Second Republic federal lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, yesterday maintained that Nigeria would not disintegrate if President Goodluck Jonathan was not allowed a second term in office in 2015.

Mohammed pointed out that the country had grown beyond the stage of disintegrating on account of the electoral
misfortune of one man.

He was reacting to a recent assertion by Third Republic governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife that Nigeria would break up if Jonathan was not re-elected in 2015.

Ezeife had claimed that the president's second term ambition was tied to the continued existence of Nigeria and that any attempt by any group under any guise to deny Jonathan re-election in
2015 could lead to unintended consequences.

One of the consequences, according to the former governor is that aggrieved Niger Delta militants would blow up oil facilities and threaten the future
existence of the country.

But Mohammed, who is also the National
Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen, noted that it was out of place for Ezeife, who is regarded as an elder to forget where he was coming from and dance unclad in the open just for cheap popularity and political patronage.

Mohammed said: "It is unfortunate that Ezeife, who witness the Biafran war orchestrated by his kinsmen, which claimed over one million of Igbo people, should be beating the drums of war today.

"It is, therefore, clear to all that the man has lost touch with reality and is merely playing to the gallery for selfish motives.
"People like Ezeife are perpetual political
opportunists in the Nigerian political arena and should be ignored especially when they fan the members of ethnicity and war in time of peace such as we have in Nigeria.

"My candid advice to Nigerians is that they should ignore him because he does not have a good sense of history and does not speak for anyone in Nigeria.

"Contrary to Ezeife's postulation, Niger Delta militants or any terrorist group cannot be a threa to a government that emerges through credible, free and fair election in Nigeria", Mohammed said.
www.benlatestnews.com

Residents stone suspected robbers to death in Lagos

Two unidentified persons were stoned to death in the Sabo, Yaba area of Lagos State after being apprehended by youths for allegedly robbing a resident of his phones.

Our correspondent(PUNCH) who visited McNeil Road, where the incident occurred, learnt that the alleged robbers
attacked a 79-year-old man, Pa Emmanuel Thomas, in his apartment around 4am on Saturday.

The elderly man told PUNCH Metro that the robbers beat up his guest and demanded that he gave them all his money.

He said, "I was in my room and a guest was in my sitting room. But because there was no electricity, I opened the main doors for cross ventilation. A few
minutes later, two young guys barged into the house.

"One of them slapped my female guest who was in the sitting room and snatched her phone and charger, the other guy told me to give him all my
money and I told him all I had was N30 which was kept inside my Bible. They also snatched my telephone and wristwatch."

It was learnt that prior to the robbery, youths in the area had been suspicious of the alleged robbers, wondering what the strange men wanted on their street at that odd hour.

One of the youths, who craved anonymity, said, "Around 3.30am, I was returning from a carnival when I noticed two strange faces on Little Road.

When the guys saw me, they pretended to be fixing an abandoned bus and were talking as if they were a bus driver and his conductor waiting for daybreak.

"When I walked past, they continued to roam the street, so I informed one of my friends and together, we tailed them.

Suddenly, they entered Pa Thomas's
house and then I heard the elderly man screamed for help.

"We quickly surrounded the house and dared the robbers to come out. When they saw that they were trapped, one of them jumped the fence into the next
compound which is on Little Road. I was able to arrest one, while the other one escaped."

PUNCH Metro learnt that the arrested robber was beaten up to a pulp.
It was also learnt that an hour later, the second robber, who hid inside another compound, was exposed by a resident and was also handed over to the irate youths.

The youths were said to have beaten up the two robbers mercilessly. When our correspondent asked the residents why
they did not involve the police, one of them said, "On that day, there was a serious crisis at a neighbouring community, Iwaya, and most of the policemen from Sabo Division had diverted all their attention to the
area.

"Also, these robbers usually hang around a brothel located on a neighbouring street. If we hand them over to the police, they will be released and come
back to terrorise us."

It was learnt that the alleged robbers, who were still alive, were stripped naked and dumped on the Sabo end of the Herbert Macaulay Way, about 200 metres from the Sabo Police Division.

It was, however, learnt that passers-by pelted the alleged robbers with stones until they died. A resident of McNeil, Sola, said, "It was not our intention to kill the robbers, we only beat them up and dumped them by the road side.

However, when passers-by learnt of what they had done, many of them picked up rocks and stoned them to death."

It was learnt that by the time policemen arrived around 9am, the alleged robbers were already dead. Attempts to contact the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, were not sucessful as calls made to her telephone rang out, while a text message sent to the phone was also not replied as of the time of going to the press.
www.benlatestnews.com

Group Rescues Teenage Girl Caged For 30 Months By Parents

Members of a foundation have rescued a teenage girl said to have been locked up in a wooden cage for about 30 months by her parents over alleged strange ailment attributed to witchcraft.

The rescued victim, a twin, identified as Blessing Olokumo, an indigene of Ayibatari quarter, Opokuma, in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, according to investigation conducted by the group, was diagnosed with a strange illness.

Acting President of the foundation, Comrade Tonyon Ebitei Robert, said the strange illness led to the isolation of the girl by her parents due to her alleged constant incidence of defecation and
soiling of the house.

Father of the girl, who is also a twin, allegedly built the cage and locked up the girl to keep her away from the main house.

"She was kept like a rabbit. She was given food when it is available and was allowed to sleep in her vomit, faeces and urine. She lost weight and could have died," Robert alleged.

According to her, the group known for its campaign against maltreatment of twin child in the state, was contacted by concerned indigenes of Okolobiri community where the Olokumo family resides.

The first attempt by members of the group to reach the caged child was allegedly rebuffed by the father but their next trip was fruitful as he handed
the child to them.

The rescued child was reportedly taken to the teaching hospital for proper medical treatment.
www.benlatestnews.com

Boyfriend, Quack Nurse Arrested After 18- year-old Girl Dies Of Abortion

A quack nurse has been arrested by police detectives in Ondo State over the death of an 18-year-old girl, Omolayo Afolabi, who she helped to terminate a
two-month-old pregnancy in Iju/Itaogbolu area of the state.

Also arrested by the police is Joseph Endurance, the deceased's lover said to have been responsible for her pregnancy.

The quack nurse, Favour Adebiyi, was reportedly approached by the deceased to help her abort the pregnancy.

The deceased, who was introduced to the quack nurse by one of her friends, informed her to help them terminate the pregnancy since her boyfriend was too young to father a child, sources told
Vanguard.

The nurse was said to have given her some drugs to use which, according to information, led to her untimely death, following complications.

She died 24 hours later after refusing to seek medical help.
The news of her death later got to her family members following which one of them reported the case at the Iju Police station.

Detectives deployed to the town met the lifeless body of the deceased as they rushed to the deceased's residence, and took to the General Hospital in Iju for autopsy.

Confirming the incident, the image maker of the State Police command, Wole Ogodo, said the quack nurse and the boyfriend of the 18-year-old deceased are being detained and interrogated.

He noted that the quack nurse had confessed to the crime, adding that they have been transferred to the CID division of the command for further questioning.
www.benlatestnews.com

Latest Jobs in Nigeria

www.benlatestnews.com

From: "JobRIB.com - Nigerian job portal!" <jobribteam@gmail.com>
Sender: noreply+feedproxy@google.com
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 06:01:35 +0000
To: <cwizard123@gmail.com>
Subject: Latest Jobs in Nigeria

Latest Jobs in Nigeria


Head of Finance Supply Chain Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 09:04 AM PST

Job Title: Head of Finance Supply Chain
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: Finance
Department: Credit Control and Finance

The successful candidate will be required to:
• Provide all required financial support to the Manufacturing SBU and particularly the Managing Director in terms of financial leadership and guidance.
• Ensure that all investment and sourcing proposals are fully analyzed with the financial impact being understood and the returns optimized.
• Pro-actively seek ways to further drive the profitability of the SBU, via margin improvement initiatives and other tools.
• Ensure that the monthly and yearly profit performance is tracked and that the status is explained to the management teams on a continuous basis
• Ensure that proper spending controls are in place and that the unit is aware of the actual spending vs latest commitments.
• Manage the overall costing process and ensure that the standard costs for current and new products reflect the true picture and that any changes are pro-actively reconciled and communicated.
• Assess the impact on standard costs of raw material and other cost increases and ensure that these impacts are understood throughout the organization.
• Together with the rest of the unit team, drive to optimize working capital.
• Ensure that the company€™s assets are safe-guarded by working closely with internal audit to ensure that appropriate levels of controls are in place and that any exposures are addressed.

The Person:
The right candidate must possess:
ICAN, ACA or ACCA qualification.
• At least 10 years post NYSC experience in an FMCG outfit.
• Strong Costing and Stock Accounting experience.
• Very strong Factory Accounting and Supply Chain experience. The ideal candidate would have been finance responsible for a multi-site manufacturing structure.
• Critical to this position is interpersonal skills and effective communication both verbal and written.
• Strong system knowledge of ERP and financial modelling tools. Mfg Pro and Hyperion experience would be an advantage.



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Factory Accountant Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 09:01 AM PST

Job Title: Factory Accountant
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: PZ Cussons
Department: Manufacturing

The successful candidate will be required to:
• To ensure the professional management of the SBU’s inventory
• To ensure the provision of accounting support to the SBU in the area of procedures, reporting and reconciliation
• Managing team and individual performance through regular reviews, monitoring objectives and ensuring development needs are identified and actioned

The Person:
The Right candidate must
• B.Sc. Accounting, ACA
• 3 – 5 years minimum work experience
• Computer expertise especially in MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint and accounting software such as Peachtree
• Have Analytical & Numerical Skills
• Be a member of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered
• Have good understanding of MFG and resource software
• Have a sound Knowledge of accounting and financial principles and practice
• Have a CANDO attitude ,exhibiting our core values- Courage, Accountability, Networking, Drive, Oneness



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Shift Manager Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 09:00 AM PST

Job Title: Shift Manager
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: PZ Cussons
Department: Manufacturing

The successful candidate will be required to:
• Lead the shift to achieve operational excellence in the key performance indicators(OEE, LTAs, Conversion cost, Quality defect, Absenteeism)
• Drive improvements in the shift through effective leadership of the team thereby creating a conducive atmosphere for innovation.
• Ensure that packing hall operates according to world class standards-safety training TPM, Housekeeping, Shift changeovers, Plant utilization, etc
• Train his team members whenever necessary and ensuring effective skill development through out the shift.
• Ensure Proper documentation of all key KPIs including training records
• Ensure that necessary templates for monitoring plant output and other performance criteria are updating regularly by the team.
• Check all aspects of wastages and losses which impact negatively on departmental overheads and offering corrective actions to mitigate these
• Champion Margin improvement activities in the department.
• Lead by example and showing the way in the use of PPEs resumption times, behaviour under stressful conditions, weekend attendance, compliance with the Organisations procedures, etc.
• Provide regular update of Short Interval Control(SIC) log sheet and enforce corrective actions to address issues arising from packing hall operation on a timely basis.
• Ensure full observation of all MPL processes in the packing hall and encouraging the direct reports to do same.
• Ensure full availability of all packing machines at all times to ensure optimum production rates in packing hall are sustained.

The Person:
The Right candidate must
• Have a minimum qualification: BSc (Chemical engineering, Mechanical Eng, Materials Eng), or any other relevant Engineering or Management Discipline.
• Must be good on Microsoft Office €“ Excel & Word .
• Have a strong communication skills.
• Be very good in handling numbers/figures.
• Have the ability to spot improvement opportunities fast.
• Have good time management skills.
• Have good interpersonal, leadership and technical Skills
• Have a CAN DO attitude, exhibiting our core values €“ COURAGE, ACCOUNTABILITY, NETWORKING, DRIVE and ONENESS.



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Safety, Health and Environment Manager Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:58 AM PST

Job Title: Safety, Health and Environment Manager
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: PZ Cussons
Department: Manufacturing

The successful candidate will be required to:
• Create safety awareness actions on site and enforce safety measures and guidelines.
• Conduct safety inductions for new employees, attachés, youth corps members and contractors on site.
• Perform risk assessment and ensure that permit to work system is enforced.
• Engage in daily routine safety inspections of the site
• Ensure that all activities are carried out in such a manner that minimizes the risks to employees, contractors, property and equipment.
• Provide site risk management audits of the site and enforcement/implementation of the reports.
• Manage team and individual performance through regular reviews, monitoring objectives and ensuring development needs are identified and actioned
• Conduct toolbox talks, counselling, coaching and training of the workforce in various risk management activities.
• Investigate all accidents, near-misses, fire outbreaks and write reports.
• Undertake accident/incident investigations as the needs arise and implement remedial/preventive actions against re-occurrence of such (accident/incident)
• Engage in fire drills.
• Produce monthly risk management reports and statistics including Frequency Rate (FR) and Severity rate (SR).
• Enforce strict compliance with the Risk Management Manual
• Contribute to the update of the procedures and guidelines in the risk management manual as needed from time to time.

The Person:
The Right candidate must
• Possess B.Sc. Mech. Engineering
• Be a Computer expertise in MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint, especially ISO 9000
• Have 3 – 5 years minimum work experience
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Have a CAN DO attitude, exhibiting our core values – COURAGE, ACCOUNTABILITY NETWORKING, DRIVE and ONENESS



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Brand Manager Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:54 AM PST

Job Title: Brand Manager
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: Commercial
Department: Marketing

The successful candidate will be required to:
• Generates and applies compelling category, consumer, shopper and customer insights that leads to competitive business opportunities across the 4Ps
• Develops insightful, engaging and effective consumer communications, using all media
• Uses digital tools and media to understand and engage relevant consumer audiences to achieve brand objectives and drive sales
• Develops compelling brand propositions that drive brand equity and value
• Delivers short and long term brand strategy and direction
• Manages the 4Ps to maximize growth and profit delivery
• Drives on time delivery of NPD to market and manage products through their entire lifecycle
• Drives innovation to identify and deliver evolutionary and revolutionary initiatives across the 4Ps

The Person:
The Right candidate must
• Have a degree (preferably Marketing / Business Related Discipline)
• Have 2-3 years Brand Management experience preferably within FMCG
• Have NPD Project Management experience
• Have excellent consumer insight, innovation and NPD skills.
• Have a CAN DO attitude, exhibiting our core values – COURAGE, ACCOUNTABILITY, NETWORKING, DRIVE and ONENESS

Only short listed candidates would be contacted.



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Area Sales Manager Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:52 AM PST

Job Title: Area Sales Manager
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: Commercial
Department: Sales/Commercial

The successful candidates will be required to:
• Consistently meet or exceed agreed business development targets.
• Develop the annual sales plan.
• Motivate, train and develop local sales teams.
• Identify and develop new and incremental business opportunities.Â

The Person:
The right candidates must:
• Possess a good university degree in any discipline
• Possess first class numeric and communication skills
• Possess three to five (3–5) years successful selling experience at sales management level
• Possess high levels of determination and desire to succeed in a result oriented environment
• Be a good team player but with the ability to drive the team to unsurpassed success
• Be mobile and willing to be flexible in terms of location
• Have a CAN DO attitude, exhibiting our core values – COURAGE, ACCOUNTABILITY, NETWORKING, DRIVE and ONENESS.

Only short listed candidates would be contacted.



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Commercial Finance Manager Job at PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:49 AM PST

Job Title: Commercial Finance Manager
Location: Lagos (Headquarters)
Employer: PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

Business Unit: Commercial
Department: Marketing

The successful candidate will be required to:
• Support Business Planning Process by providing financial reports and analysis, evaluating impacts and identify gaps, risks and opportunities concerning business decisions.
• Drive Budget, PFs and 5YP processes in line with group timeline.
• Monitor brand performance against plan and/or forecast and report on major variances with particular reference to margin%.
• Monitor Channel performance against plan and/or forecast and report on major variances.
• Organize monthly financial review meetings and follow through agreed action points.
• On a monthly basis conduct balance sheet reconciliation review to highlight all profit risks and opportunities.
• Drive regional performance through regional profitability report
• Drive the weekly financial reporting process and ensure effective weekly overhead.
• Ensure adequate and effective control in After Sales service operations
• Monitor After Sales Spares consumption and ensure that calculation of warranty provision accurate and well understood.
• Prepare accurate costing for all CAC projects and ensure that each project financials are prepared and shared on monthly basis.
• Ensure spending controls are in place.

The Person:
The Right candidate must
• Be ACA or ACCA qualified with at least two years post NYSC experience in a FMCG outfit.
• Have demonstrated experience in financial accounting, budget preparation as well as financial controls.
• Proven business partnership and influencing skills with sales and marketing
• Very high level of commercial acumen
• Experience in promotional and marketing investment analysis
• Have interpersonal skills and effective communication both verbal and written.
• Must be good on Microsoft Office €“ Excel & Word
• Have a CAN DO attitude, exhibiting our core values €“ COURAGE, ACCOUNTABILITY, NETWORKING, DRIVE and ONENESS.

Only short listed candidates would be contacted.



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Project Account Officer - Nigeria Job at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:13 AM PST

Job Title: Project Account Officer (2-year renewable contract)
Employer: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable candidate for the position of Project Account Officer at its Headquarters in Ibadan.

Duties:
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties
• Compile and analyze financial information to prepare financial statements including monthly and annual accounts
• Ensure financial records are maintained in compliance with accepted policies and procedures
• Ensure all financial reporting deadlines are met
• Prepare financial management reports
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year end close reports
• Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures
• Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities
• Prepare continuous management and support of budget and forecast activities
• Monitor and support tax issues
• Develop and maintain financial data bases
• Participate in financial audit preparation and follow up the audit process
• Maintain accurate and appropriate recording and analysis of revenues and expenses
• Analyze and advise on financial operations including revenue and expenditure trends, financial commitments and future revenues
• Analyze financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures, provide strategic recommendations and problems
• maintain solutions to operational and financial
• Monitor Project funds and the amounts transferred by donor to center Account
• Perform any other duty assigned by the supervisor

Educational, Experience and Other Requirements:
• Degree in Accounting, Finance or any other relevant field with 5 years of experience in accounting, management of financial systems and budgets, financial reporting, financial data analysis, of which 2 years is in a senior position

The ideal candidate must have:
• Good knowledge of accepted accounting practices and principles (GAP)
• Good knowledge of applicable laws, codes and regulations
• Good knowledge and experience of ORACLE system or any ERP package

Remuneration: We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive fringe benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Method of application:
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA website.

The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work and evidence of current remuneration package.

Closing Date: 23rd January 2014



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Production Engineering / Services Manager - Nigeria Job at Addax Petroleum

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 08:08 AM PST

Job Title: Production Engineering / Services Manager
Employer: Addax Petroleum (a subsidiary of the Sinopec Group)

Job Number: NIGPRO0004
Job Title: Production Engineering / Services Manager
Number of Openings: 1
Job Type (Employment Type): Consultant
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job Schedule: Full Time
Job Category: Operations
Career Level: Senior(non-manager)
Level of Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Years of Experience: 10

Position Description:
Job Duties/ Responsibilities/ Accountabilities:
• Identify oil rate enhancement opportunities
• Work with office based and field staff to successfully implement production enhancement projects and initiatives
• Review and analyse plant process performance on a regular basis and identify de-bottlenecking and plant optimisation improvements
• Apply new techniques, technology and equipment to increase oil production from existing assets
• Provide training and guidance to engineers and technical assistants as necessary.
• Identify solutions, by interpreting reservoir data with asset team in order to improve reservoir productivity.
• Develop an integrated asset model using Gap / Prosper modelling tools.
• Lead production planning efforts within the Operations department and interfacing with Asset Management and Facilities Departments as required.
• Manage production accounting assuring that all production reports are delivered to internal and external customers in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in conceptual design studies.
• Provide Production input at Factory acceptance testing and FEED Documents.
• Provide Production input at all Hazops and Hazids.
• Take responsibility for the integration of Production requirements within engineering design, and implementation of the required Operational Procedures into future oil and gas facilities.
• Provide answers for all technical queries from engineering group.
• Attend Project and other relevant meetings.
• Update current operational procedures for all assets.

Key Performance Indicators/ Performance Goals:
• Incident free production operations in both planning, design and implementation of production optimization projects
• Meet or exceed production projections and within budget.
• New technology vs production increase part of production optimisation

Position Requirements:
Education Qualification:
• A degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related discipline

Experience:
• At least 10 years overall oilfield experience with 5 years’ experience at a management level in Production operations
• Strong mathematical modelling, process modelling, production process evaluation, plant/process optimization, process automation, and/or statistics skills
• Proven ability to increase process efficiency / performance and realize process optimization daily

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIREMENTS:
Functional/ Technical:
• Good written and spoken English and Computer Literate.
• In depth understanding of latest production optimisation tools.

Managerial:
• Supervisory, presentation and ability to develop staff.

Behavioural:
• Strong communication skills are essential along with an ability to collaborate effectively with operating and engineering staff as well as management.



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Head, Finance Support and Networks - Abuja Job at Etisalat Nigeria

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 12:49 AM PST

Job Title: Head, Finance Support, Networks
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employer: Etisalat Nigeria

Job Summary:
• Continuously develop and manage the Networks Finance support function to support the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and his organisation in delivering EMTS targets
• Work with the Technical Directors and Heads to ensure benefits are optimized, costs are managed within agreed envelopes and guidance provided to the various departments on finance issues.
• Ownership of the Networks? function Opex approval process to ensure rigorous optimum return on investment and stringent cost management practices
• Provide decision-support analyses and reporting based on agreed timelines and standards to aid management with financial business decisions to be made.

Principal Functions:
• Perform detailed and accurate analysis functions that will include: – Reviewing accuracy and consistency of ERP data as part of the Month-end process and performing appropriate and timely accounting adjustments/journals in addition to flagging, or where appropriate correcting, anomalies; – Submission of month-end commentary by deadline; – Product Profitability analysis as required; – Variance Analysis including variance analysis on operating expenses and Cost Centre reviews; – Ad-hoc analysis for CXO to further enhance understanding of the numbers; – Explaining budget variances by major cost items
• Perform reporting functions which include: Headcount reporting (Link with HR and track function’s HC movements), and compile Cost Centre Variance Reports, implement necessary transfers and liaise with CC managers as necessary
• Develop and compile regular updates, reports, on the activities for the Networks department
• Participate in the development and implementation of EMTS strategic projects.
• Keep abreast of global and local best practice as it relates to the FB&P activities.
• Develop capabilities within the Networks Finance Support function that will deliver integrated financial/ business plans across EMTS.
• Establish and maintain relationship with key internal and externals stakeholders.
• Prepare, calculate, evaluate, validate and review Business Cases from a financial perspective (CAPEX & OPEX projects);
• Liaison with Functional Directors and Heads to understand the business/function’s performance;
• Any other duties commensurate with the job that may be assigned, including liaising with BU financial accounts, SSC (to improve reporting, sharing data and templates), CFO and functional/Regional finance, formally or informally (ex. providing support in the centralization and standardization of BU KPI’s).
• Identify and communicate process problems; propose improvement ideas to narrow performance gaps and increase efficiency, integrity and controls of the company processes and assist in getting them implemented. Provide insight to guide the respective functions in achieving its strategic goals.

Educational Requirements:
• First degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university.
• An MBA or relevant post graduate/ professional qualification((CIMA, CFA, ACCA, ICAN, etc))

Experience,Skills & Competencies:
• 9-12 years? work experience, with at least three (3) years in a managerial role
• Budgeting
• Strategic Planning and Development
• Leadership and People Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Business and/or Financial Acumen
• Industry Knowledge
• Passion for Excellence
• Integrity
• Empowering people
• Growing people
• Team work



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Sales Projects Manager, Systems and Processes - Lagos Job at Etisalat Nigeria

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 12:19 AM PST

Job Title: Manager, Sales Projects, Systems and Processes
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Employer: Etisalat Nigeria

Job Summary: Manage and coordinate the technical support services rendered to the sales channels.

Principal Functions:
• Manage all activities relating to complaints management, service order management, after sales service, and sales and training technical support provided by the Systems and Processes team.
• Ensure prompt and efficient resolution of requests, complaints and other issues relating to sales systems and processes escalated from the Regional Sales offices and other sales channels.
• Ensure that all sales channels have all IT applications and systems required to fulfill the sales goals and provide technical support for these applications.
• Liaise with Engineering, IT, Sales, Marketing and Customer Care teams, to ensure delivery of seamless sales operations support to the sales channels.
• Participate in sales vendor selection process.
• Implement the function’s work programs and plans in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Plan and manage the human and material resources of the team to optimize performance, morale and enhance productivity.
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members and manage subordinates’ performance towards the achievement of overall team objectives.
• Monitor and control the budgetary needs of the unit/function.
• Review performance/activity reports including sales performance reports from subordinates.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head, Sales Projects, Systems & Processes

Educational Requirements:
• First degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate/professional qualification in a related field will be an added advantage.

Experience,Skills & Competencies: 6-8 years work experience, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.



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Regional Distribution Manager - Abuja Job at Etisalat Nigeria

Posted: 19 Jan 2014 12:17 AM PST

Job Title: Manager, Distribution (Regional)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employer: Etisalat Nigeria

Job Summary: Ensure the efficient dispatch of stock to regional offices, Experience Centres and dealers in assigned region.

Principal Functions:
• Ensure timely distribution of stock to assigned region in adherence with defined policies and procedures.
• Assist in managing the following operations at regional level: dealer appraisal and selection, dealer appointment and orientation, dealer performance monitoring and measurement, dealer incentive/reward, and dealer communication.
• Liaise with all units within the Sales division to verify product needs and ensure consistent availability of Etisalat Nigeria products in assigned region.
• Assist in managing the electronic distribution channel and telecentre activities in assigned region.
• Implement the unit?s work programmes and plans at the region in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Manage inter-functional relations to ensure timely supply of Etisalat products to dealers.
• Ensure constant evaluation and optimization of distribution routes/models and proffer recommendations to the Head, Regional Sales.
• Assist in implementing the distribution function’s work programmes and plans in line with agreed upon procedures and guidelines.
• Assist in planning and managing the human and material resources of the team to optimize performance, morale and enhance productivity.
• Provide leadership and guidance to team members and manage subordinates’ performance towards the achievement of overall team objectives.
• Assist in monitoring and controlling the budgetary needs of the distribution unit in assigned region.
• Prepare/compile agreed periodic activity and performance reports for the attention of the Head, Regional Sales.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Head, Regional Sales.

Educational Requirements:
• First degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate/professional qualification in a related field will be an added advantage.

Experience, Skills & Competencies: 6-8 years work experience, with at least three (3) years in a supervisory role.



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Human Resources Manager - Nigeria Job at Tifor Business Solutions Limited

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 11:45 PM PST

Job Title: Human Resources Manager
Location: Nigeria
Employer: Tifor Business Solutions Limited

Job description:
• Hiring staff, staff development and training, overseeing performance reviews, compensation and benefits administration, establishing policies and procedures and ensuring laws, rules and regulations are enforced.
• Listen to grievances, investigate the situation and ensure the resolution of the issue(s).

Desired Skills and Experience:
• Needs to possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• He should be motivated, highly organized and an accomplished problem solver.
• Should be able to liaise effectively with Heads of Department in identifying company’s manpower needs and recruit and hire accordingly.
• Excellent interpersonal and people management skills are required from the incumbent of this position.
• Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.



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Group Account Director - Nigeria Job at Millward Brown

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 11:43 PM PST

Job Title: Group Account Director
Location: Nigeria
Employer: Millward Brown

Background:
At Millward Brown, we’re passionate about helping clients grow great brands. We’re experts in advertising, marketing communications, media, digital and brand equity research, and we work with 90% of the world’s leading brands. Our team includes some of the most talented market researchers, consultants, storytellers and neuroscience experts in the industry. With offices in 56 countries, we understand the importance of both a global and local focus – and we understand consumers.

Today, many brands are a company’s most valuable asset. We help our clients manage their brands to drive financial growth and wealth creation for your organization.

Job Purpose:
Located in our Nigeria office, and reporting to the Managing Director or Head of Client Service, the Group Account Director (GAD) will have overall responsibility for the management of his or her teams (with responsibility for a specific set of client relationships), the financial profitability of the team and the maintenance of healthy client relationships. The incumbent will be a part of the leadership team of the office and will be required to play an integral role in the management of Millward Brown.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team, responsibilities include business development, driving people management and financial management along with leading business strategy implementation.

Key Responsibilities:
Client Management & Consultancy (30%);
• Apply expert level of knowledge and understanding of your clients and their business in all interactions with clients. Deliverables and analysis conducted applies this knowledge and commercial implications and realities. Knowledge including;
• Key clients, key stakeholders and their needs
• The client’s business and strategy
• Client brands and communication activity
• Client markets and competitors
• Deliver effective advice and consultancy for your clients
• Instigate and facilitate client discussions to better understand their business issues
• Expert interpretation of data and ability to articulate insights clearly and impactfully
• Provide a comprehensive point of view on brand, media and communications issues aligned with Millward Brown philosophies
• Develop strong relationships with clients to the extent they are first port of call across all accounts for strategic opinions and advice
• Present with impact regularly across all accounts
• Demonstrate confidence and strong interpersonal skills in client facing situations
• Chair client and agency meetings

Account Management (20%);
• Leading accounts to oversee the team deliver all account deliverables while working to agreed budgets, and course-corrects where required
• Ensures all deliverables meet client needs and generate strong insight and impact for clients business
• Delegates to team effectively, providing constructive feedback and support for other account members to ensure account responsibilities and
• deliverables are met to a high standard in agreed timelines
• Ensure account efficiency and profitability across all accounts
• Resource planning across the business with senior team to ensure all accounts meet business and client needs
• Develops and implements account management plans for key clients
• Generate ideas and consult with account teams to develop case studies to demonstrate value we bring for clients.
• Ensure impact reviews meet required standards, and include client feedback where appropriate for all presentations
• Consults on operational processes and course-corrects where required

Analysis & Research Expertise (15%);
• Designs appropriate research solutions to drive meaningful insight for clients’ needs and their business
• Formulate, articulate and validate hypotheses to help build appropriate, relevant and impactful stories
• Understand, interpret and synthesise data from various sources (e.g. sales data, media spend data)
• Ensuring insights are translated into engaging stories with clear and concise implications that will help clients make better marketing decisions
• Integrate knowledge of MB tools, philosophies and techniques and applies these appropriately to the design, analysis and interpretation of research projects to deliver meaningful insights (specifically in relation to pre-testing, tracking, equity and media measurement)
• Identifies opportunities to deepen insights for clients using further analysis including MB and external learnings as appropriate.

People Management (15%);
• Maximise individual and team performance and efficiency through effective people management
• Manages 1-3 line reports, giving ongoing feedback, conducting monthly catch-ups and annual appraisals
• Identifies, sets and communicates clear objectives to develop and nurture line report’s careers, and articulates performance against these objectives
• Coaches and develops account team members through constructive feedback to identify areas of strength, and areas required for improvement
• Effectively delegates tasks where appropriate
• Participates in the recruitment and training of more junior team members as appropriate
• Responsibility for facilitating career development across the team, balancing with the needs of the business
• Leads performance management process, as and when required
• Completes all Halogen responsibilities on time.

Business Development & Financial Management (20%);
• Builds strong relationships and delivers to account responsibilities sufficiently to retain clients and maintain existing business
• Identifies and pursues opportunities to grow existing client business, revenue and profitability
• Actively seeks new business opportunities
• Develops and implements new business strategy with the senior team
• Responds to, and drives new business opportunities through:
• Liaising with clients to understand their needs
• Designing research solutions
• Ensure accurate costs
• Preparing proposals
• Presenting in pitches
• Review account, project and business profitability to identify and seek opportunities to maximize financial performance for future projects
• Accurate forecasting of accounts and new business
• Completes timesheets accurately and on time.

Desired Skills and Experience:
Candidate Profile:
Qualifications:
• 3 year degree with Honours, preferably in Research, Marketing, Business or Economics
• Masters Degree in above fields added advantage

Previous experience of:
• Preferably 10+ (at least 8+) years, relevant market research experience in a research agency, client company, or management or marketing consultancy.
• Demonstrate a track record and/or flair for growing a business and leading accounts
• Experience managing mid-sized team/office
• Strong people management skills

Personal Attributes:
• A passion for brands and advertising, a curiosity to understand consumer thinking and opinion and, a desire to advise clients how to improve their brands
• Passionate about research and the industry
• Up for the challenge of a very demanding job in a new / dynamic environment around launching and establishing business quickly
• Ability and willingness to be “hands-on” and contribute at different levels depending on organisation needs.
• Ability to deal with complexity/ambiguity in the role and managing multiple (occasionally conflicting) priorities.

Competencies required:
• Leadership
• Conflict Management
• Managing and Developing others
• Customer Focus
• Goal Attainment
• Financial Management



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Customer Solutions Engineer - Nigeria Job at Google

Posted: 18 Jan 2014 11:41 PM PST

Job Title: Customer Solutions Engineer
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Employer: Google

Job description: Working within our Advertising Operations function, you help the wider Global Advertising and Product Operations team better serve Google’s worldwide user base for our AdWords product. This fast-paced sales and support team quickly identifies and resolves customer concerns and contributes to the growth of our programs. You continue to hone your account management and relationship-building skills, supporting some of Google’s top advertisers and agencies by providing the best possible service via phone, email, or chat. Your responsibilities range from managing advertiser accounts, developing compelling advertising solutions for brand advertisers, to developing scalable support solutions. You work within a diverse team with colleagues throughout Europe, sharing your advanced knowledge of Google products. You are comfortable with a rapidly changing environment, and you have a strong desire to learn. You also boast experience in customer service, sales, marketing, or consulting.

Responsibilities:
• Propose and/or design technical solutions, which include creating prototypes and proofs of concept.
• Analyze solutions design of customer’s systems, including usage patterns and identified inefficiencies.
• Provide technical consulting and solutions feasibility according to products’ Terms and Conditions.
• Solve customers’ business issues with Google technology, brainstorming with the Sales team on technical propositions to enhance customer websites around three vectors: traffic building, user engagement, and conversion capabilities.
• Present prototypes, demos, and proofs of concept to a wide variety of audiences, which include marketing professionals and engineers.

Minimum Qualifications:
• BA/BS degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Web technologies such as HTTP, HTML, XML, DNS, and TCP/IP, and experience with web services (SOAP, WSDL, and Apache Axis).

Preferred Qualifications:
• Technical sales or field sales experience (sales engineering or professional consulting experience an advantage).
• Applications development experience, working in UNIX and Windows environments.
• Excellent coding skills in Java, Python, C++, or PHP.
• Ability to adapt your presentations to the technical level of the audience, and comfort with presenting technical materials to large groups.
• Fluent in English. French an advantage.

Area: The Google Technical Services team (known as gTech) provides technical expertise across all Google products to support our global Sales, Business Development and Partnerships teams. We fix any issues on behalf of customers and partners so that our sales teams can focus on what they do best. We collaborate closely with Google’s engineering groups to create technical solutions that enable our sales organization to help our customers’ businesses grow.



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