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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 District Planner the incumbent will be responsible for the following: – Producing layout plans that comply with planning standards and local development objectives. – Pegging of stands at designated areas. – Development control and land management within Gokwe North District. – Communal village mapping and issuance of communal land permits. – Assisting in the development of local plans and excision of communal land. – Enforcement of relevant statutes and regulations. – Facilitating resolution of land disputes. – Processing subdivision, consolidation and change-of-use applications in accordance with regulatory requirements. – Facilitating surveys needed for approved plans and development proposals. – Assessing building plans submitted for approval to ensure compliance with planning and building regulations. – Carrying out administrative duties associated with planning documentation, records and departmental operations.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Urban Planning
- Closing Date: 2026-09-06
Key Responsibilities
- Producing layout plans that comply with planning standards and local development objectives.
- Pegging of stands at designated areas.
- Development control and land management within Gokwe North District.
- Communal village mapping and issuance of communal land permits.
- Assisting in the development of local plans and excision of communal land.
- Enforcement of relevant statutes and regulations.
- Facilitating resolution of land disputes.
- Processing subdivision, consolidation and change-of-use applications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitating surveys needed for approved plans and development proposals.
- Assessing building plans submitted for approval to ensure compliance with planning and building regulations.
- Carrying out administrative duties associated with planning documentation, records and departmental operations.
Requirements
- Degree in Rural and Urban Planning or an equivalent qualification.
- At least three (3) years’ experience in a planning-related role.
- Clean Class 4 Driver’s Licence.
- Membership of a recognised professional body
- A Citizen of Zimbabwe.
- A clean criminal record.
- A clean record of service within the local government fraternity.
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 a Planning Officer or Planning Technician at a Rural District Council in Zimbabwe?
Typically, you need a degree or diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, Rural Planning, or Geography from an institution such as the University of Zimbabwe, NUST, or Midlands State University. Registration with the Zimbabwe Institute of Regional and Urban Planners (ZIRUP) is often expected for professional roles. A valid driver's licence is also commonly required due to fieldwork in rural areas.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a Planning Officer at Gokwe North RDC?
You would prepare and review layout plans, process land use applications, conduct site inspections, and enforce planning regulations under the Rural District Councils Act. The role also involves community consultations on land allocation, master plan implementation, and coordinating with government departments. Fieldwork in remote wards is a significant part of the job.
What is the work culture like at rural district councils in Zimbabwe?
Rural district councils tend to have structured, hierarchical environments where respect for senior officials and adherence to council procedures are important. Punctuality, accountability, and willingness to travel to outlying wards are highly valued. Community engagement skills are essential since much of the work involves dealing with villagers, traditional leaders, and headmen.
What career progression can I expect as a Planning Officer?
You can progress from Planning Technician to Planning Officer, Senior Planning Officer, and eventually Planning Officer-in-Charge or Director of Physical Planning with experience and further qualifications. Pursuing postgraduate studies or ZIRUP full membership can accelerate advancement. Some officers also move into NGOs, private consultancy, or central government planning roles.
What benefits do council employees in Zimbabwe typically receive?
Council employees usually receive benefits such as annual leave, sick leave, medical aid contributions, and membership of a pension scheme such as the Local Authorities Pension Fund. Housing allowances or access to council housing may be offered depending on the council's policies. Specific benefits vary by employer and are usually detailed in the offer letter.
How do I apply for this position and what do employers look for?
Applications are typically submitted as written applications with a CV, certified copies of qualifications, and a cover letter addressed to the District Development Coordinator or Chief Executive Officer of the council. Employers look for relevant qualifications, practical planning experience, knowledge of local planning legislation, and strong report-writing skills. Watch for vacancy adverts in newspapers like The Herald and Chronicle, or on council notice boards.