Paulus Shiku
Unemployed youth trying to submit their CVs to the Namibia Statistics Agency for application and consideration for 2023 Census jobs are finding it tough.
According to them, the website keeps rejecting the required details to complete an application.
The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) opened up online applications earlier this month where over 13 000 jobs are available for Namibians.
The advertisements are for 38 office-based positions such as statisticians, application programmers, junior legal advisors, administrative assistants, system administrators, web developers, publicity officers, and payroll administrators, among others.
Those who spoke to New Era regarding their frustration with the website said they fear losing out on the jobs as time goes on and they are unable to complete the applications.
Applications close on 30 June 2023.
“It (website) is just not working, every time I try to apply, it tells me my ID number is wrong or the name I entered is incorrect. I tried several times but it kept refusing, I don’t know what to do anymore,” said a jobless young woman who preferred anonymity.
They said the website is mostly down, especially during the day.
“Some people said they tried logging on during the evening and succeeded, so maybe I need to try in the night also, otherwise I will lose out,” said another youth.
A peek at the NSA’s Facebook profile also confirms the struggles of the jobless in this matter.
The comment section is flooded with questions about what should people do to successfully submit their documents for Census jobs.
Some seem to have no clue on how to follow the procedures to apply as evidenced by Hillary Washikongo Shaangeni’s comment “ How will I fill in my subject symbols? When I am filling in it says I entered invalid values. Help me guys.”
“How can I apply for a job opportunity guys? There is only save here,” wrote Awene Dmx Ajj.
“What to write at resume?” enquired Lahya Ndeu YaLukas.
“I went through,” commented Adv Peyohamba Daniel, this comment attracted about 13 queries on how he managed to succeed.
On these Facebook communications, NSA tried to respond and guide on what should be done to complete the applications.
Approached for a response to the complaints, Henok Immanuel, the IT manager at NSA said he is aware of a significant number of complaints that the youth are struggling to submit their applications. Immanuel, however, denied that the website is always tripping and is not user friendly.
“I am not aware of any downtime, I suspect that people are just not familiar with the features of the website or the procedures to apply,” he said.
Immanuel said NSA made efforts to upgrade the website and make it more interactive and easy to use from the previous system they had.
“Anyone who is finding it difficult to apply must make use of the help videos available on the website. Alternatively, contact us directly so that we can assist. We have dedicated officials that are always ready to offer support,” the IT manager said.
He advised those who do not have devices and access to internet connection to make use of free internet at the National Library or their nearest community library.
Immanuel said, to apply, first make sure all the steps are followed correctly by going to vacancy, then create a CV online, only then you are able to apply.
Statistician general of the Namibia Statistics Agency, Alex Shimuafeni had pleaded with those already employed to give a chance to unemployed persons during the 2023 census recruitment.
These temporary roles will provide a unique opportunity for citizens to contribute to a crucial national project while gaining valuable experience and skills. The long overdue National Population and Housing Census is scheduled to commence from 18 September to 3 November 2023. This period will include the enumeration as well as the post enumeration survey (PES).