Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Programme Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-11
Key Responsibilities
- Senior Programme Officer-Energy (Job Grade 4)
- Finance Officer – Grants/Contracts and Projects (Job Grade 6)
Requirements
- Are 52 years old or younger. This requirement is based on the Organisation’s need to recruit staff who can serve for a reasonable period of time before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
- The SADC recruitment age limit for internal candidates shall be 56 years to remedy turnover, retain institutional memory and ensure business continuity.
- Are from the following eligible Member States: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Salary
Job Grade 4: US$ 93,097.00 – 99,643.00 per annum; Job Grade 6: US$ 72,598.00 – 77,084.20 per annum
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for a Senior Programme Officer – Energy / Finance Officer role at the SADC Secretariat?
Typically you need a degree in energy, engineering, economics, finance, accounting, or development studies, with a professional qualification like ACCA, CIMA, or CA being an advantage for finance-focused roles. A master's degree and 5+ years of regional programme experience strengthen your application. Familiarity with donor-funded project management frameworks is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You would coordinate energy programmes across member states, monitor budgets and grants, prepare financial reports, manage contracts with implementing partners, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. The role also involves stakeholder engagement with governments, NGOs, and development partners. Regular reporting, audits, and project reviews are core duties.
How do I apply for SADC Secretariat positions from Zimbabwe?
Applications are usually submitted through the official SADC Secretariat careers portal or via email as specified in the vacancy announcement, typically including a CV, cover letter, certified copies of qualifications, and references. Ensure your documents are in English and tailored to the specific role. Watch out for recruitment scams — legitimate SADC jobs never require payment.
What benefits can I expect in this type of regional organisation role?
Regional organisations like SADC typically offer medical aid coverage, pension contributions, generous annual leave, and sometimes housing or education allowances depending on duty station. Benefits vary by contract type and grade level. International postings may include relocation support and tax-free salary arrangements.
What career progression paths exist after this role?
You could progress to Programme Manager, Head of Unit, or Director-level positions within SADC or similar bodies like COMESA or the African Union. Alternatively, the experience opens doors to senior roles at international NGOs, UN agencies, or development banks operating in Southern Africa. Building expertise in energy policy and grants management makes you competitive regionally and internationally.
What do employers in Zimbabwe look for when hiring for programme and finance roles?
Employers value demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects, strong report-writing skills, and knowledge of results-based management approaches. Professional certifications, computer literacy (especially Excel and accounting software), and evidence of integrity in handling funds are critical. Regional language skills and cross-cultural experience give you an added edge.