Organization Name: Gokwe North Rural District Council
Job Title: Executive Officer Housing and Social Services (Grade 10)
Role Purpose: Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the management of urban and communal land in the council area, allocation of stands, ensuring the provision of sound social services in the district, maintenance of Housing waiting list, strategic leadership of the Housing and Social Services Department, servicing of Housing and Social Services Committee through preparation and presentation of quarterly reports and Allocation Committee, preparing departmental estimates of income and expenditure, coordinating NGOs activities in Council area’s jurisdiction to ensure alignment with Council’s strategic objectives, coordinating disaster management activities in liaison with the District Civil Protection unit to ensure readiness to prevent and response to disaster, administration of Council clinics and schools, and coordinating water, sanitation and hygiene activities.
Key Duties/Responsibilities:
– Management of urban and communal land in the council area
– Allocation of stands
– Ensuring the provision of sound social services in the district
– Maintenance of Housing waiting list
– Strategic leadership of the Housing and Social Services Department
– Servicing of Housing and Social Services Committee through preparation and presentation of quarterly reports and Allocation Committee
– Preparing departmental estimates of income and expenditure
– Coordinating NGOs activities in Council area’s jurisdiction to ensure alignment with Council’s strategic objectives
– Coordinating disaster management activities in liaison with the District Civil Protection unit to ensure readiness to prevent and response to disaster
– Administration of Council clinics and schools
– Coordinating water, sanitation and hygiene activities
– Any other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer
Qualifications/Requirements:
– A Degree in Administration, Local Governance or Social Science from a recognized University
– A relevant Master’s Degree will be an added advantage
– At least three years relevant post qualification experience in middle management in a public sector environment in an administrative or social service position
– Local government experience is added advantage
– A clean class 4 Drivers licence
– Must be at least 30 years old
– A clean record of service
– Must be a Zimbabwean Citizen
– Membership of a recognized professional body is an added advantage
Application Details:
– Applications should be sent to the provided email address.
– The deadline date for applications is not specified in the image.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the management of urban and communal land in the council area, allocation of stands, ensuring the provision of sound social services in the district, maintenance of Housing waiting list, strategic leadership of the Housing and Social Services Department, servicing of Housing and Social Services Committee through preparation and presentation of quarterly reports and Allocation Committee, preparing departmental estimates of income and expenditure, coordinating NGOs activities in Council area’s jurisdiction to ensure alignment with Council’s strategic objectives, coordinating disaster management activities in liaison with the District Civil Protection unit to ensure readiness to prevent and response to disaster, administration of Council clinics and schools, and coordinating water, sanitation and hygiene activities.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Public Administration
- Closing Date: 2026-09-06
Key Responsibilities
- Management of urban and communal land in the council area
- Allocation of stands
- Ensuring the provision of sound social services in the district
- Maintenance of Housing waiting list
- Strategic leadership of the Housing and Social Services Department
- Servicing of Housing and Social Services Committee through preparation and presentation of quarterly reports and Allocation Committee
- Preparing departmental estimates of income and expenditure
- Coordinating NGOs activities in Council area’s jurisdiction to ensure alignment with Council’s strategic objectives
- Coordinating disaster management activities in liaison with the District Civil Protection unit to ensure readiness to prevent and response to disaster
- Administration of Council clinics and schools
- Coordinating water, sanitation and hygiene activities
- Any other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer
Requirements
- A Degree in Administration, Local Governance or Social Science from a recognized University
- A relevant Master’s Degree will be an added advantage
- At least three years relevant post qualification experience in middle management in a public sector environment in an administrative or social service position
- Local government experience is added advantage
- A clean class 4 Drivers licence
- Must be at least 30 years old
- A clean record of service
- Must be a Zimbabwean Citizen
- Membership of a recognized professional body is an added advantage
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to the provided email address. The deadline date for applications is not specified in the image.
About the Company
Gokwe North Rural District Councils is a local government organ administering Gokwe North District. There are eight Rural District Councils in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe all established in terms of the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Act; Chapter 29.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become an Executive Officer Housing and Social Services at a rural district council in Zimbabwe?
Typically you need a degree or diploma in Social Work, Public Administration, Local Governance, Development Studies, or a related field. A professional qualification such as a Diploma in Social Work from the School of Social Work is highly valued, and membership with relevant bodies like the Council of Social Workers strengthens your application. Experience in local government or community development is often required for executive-level posts.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You would oversee housing allocation and management, coordinate social services programmes, and support vulnerable groups within Gokwe North district. Duties typically include supervising junior staff, preparing reports for council management and the Rural District Development Committee, liaising with communities, and ensuring compliance with the Rural District Councils Act and relevant national policies.
What is the work culture like at Zimbabwean rural district councils?
Councils operate within a structured public service environment that values hierarchy, formal reporting lines, and adherence to government procedures. Punctuality, respect for authority, community engagement skills, and integrity are highly expected, as council officers interact closely with traditional leaders, ward development committees, and residents. Dress code is usually formal business attire.
What career progression can I expect in local government?
You could advance to senior officer roles, then to positions like Housing and Community Services Officer, Director of Housing and Social Services, or even Town Clerk/Chief Executive Officer over time. Progression depends on performance, further qualifications such as a Master's degree, and vacancies arising across councils. Many officers also move between different councils or into NGOs and government ministries.
What benefits do rural district council employees typically receive?
Council employees generally receive benefits such as annual leave, sick leave, medical aid contributions, and pension scheme participation under statutory requirements. Some councils may offer housing allowances or assistance, though benefits vary by employer and are governed by council conditions of service. It is best to confirm specific entitlements directly with the council during recruitment.
How do I apply for this position and what do employers look for?
Vacancies are usually advertised in newspapers like The Herald or Chronicle, on council notice boards, and sometimes through the Ministry of Local Government channels; applications typically require a CV, certified copies of qualifications, and a cover letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer. Employers look for relevant qualifications, public sector experience, knowledge of local government legislation, and strong communication skills. Shortlisted candidates usually undergo interviews and may be required to present certificates for verification.