Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: IT & Software
- Closing Date: 2026-09-06
Key Responsibilities
- Designs, implements, tests, and maintains complex computer systems, including hardware, software, and networks, to meet organizational needs.
- Installing and configuring new hardware, software, and operating systems. Performing routine maintenance, upgrading systems, and updating software to ensure optimal performance and security.
- Identifying and resolving software, hardware, and network issues to minimize downtime. Monitoring systems for performance, availability, and resource utilization, and planning for future capacity needs.
- Automating routine tasks to improve efficiency in production environments. Developing and enforcing security protocols to protect systems and data against cyber threats.
- Overseeing technical projects, from their inception to their completion, to ensure they align with project requirements.
- Ensuring that all hardware, software, and network components work together harmoniously to form a complete and functional system.
- Backup and Recovery: Managing data backup processes and developing recovery strategies to ensure data can be restored in case of system failure.
- Participate in cross-functional projects to support digital innovation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
- Professional certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Red Hat Certified Engineer, Oracle Certified Professional) are an added advantage.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in systems programming, software development, IT support, ICT infrastructure management or ICT project management
- Strong background in programming languages (e.g., C#, Java, Python, or similar).
- Experience with operating systems (Windows, Linux, Unix) and databases (SQL, Oracle, MySQL). Experience with specific technologies and frameworks, such as .NET, DevOps tools, or big data.
How to Apply
Hand delivered applications to be addressed to:
The Human Resources and Administration Manager
1st Floor, NOCZIM House
100 Leopold Takawira Street
HARARE
REF Code: MC-DI6715635-Y30
About the Company
Petrotrade is a Zimbabwe-based fuel supplier operating nationally with a focus on delivering high-quality petroleum products. The company supplies petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to commercial, industrial, and retail customers across Zimbabwe. Its official website (petrotrade.co.zw) confirms its local presence and core role in the country’s downstream energy sector. Petrotrade serves as a key domestic provider in Zimbabwe’s fuel distribution network, supporting transport, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
Zimbabwe's leading fuel supplier of petrol, diesel, LPG, and petroleum products
Website: https://petrotrade.co.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an ICT Officer (Systems Programmer) role in Zimbabwe?
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related field is usually mandatory. Employers often prefer candidates with certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, CompTIA Linux+, or Cisco CCNA, especially if the role involves cloud infrastructure or network-integrated systems. Local institutions like NUST, UZ, or ZOU degrees are widely recognised, and practical coding portfolios or GitHub contributions can strengthen applications.
What does a typical day look like for a Systems Programmer in Zimbabwe’s oil and energy sector?
Day-to-day tasks include writing, testing, and maintaining system-level code (e.g., shell scripts, Python automation, or legacy COBOL/PL/I on mainframes), integrating ERP modules, and supporting internal applications used for logistics, inventory, or financial reporting. You’ll likely collaborate with operations teams across Harare or Mutare offices, troubleshoot real-time system outages, and adhere to strict data integrity and audit requirements common in regulated sectors.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for ICT roles in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Zimbabwean employers value reliability, adaptability to intermittent power/internet, and strong interpersonal communication — especially when bridging technical and non-technical departments. Punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and willingness to support colleagues during infrastructure challenges (e.g., load-shedding workarounds) are routinely noted in performance reviews. Remote work is rare; most ICT roles expect hybrid or office-based presence, particularly in critical sectors like petroleum trading.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Systems Programmer in Zimbabwe’s private sector?
Entry-level programmers often progress to Senior Systems Programmer or ICT Systems Analyst within 3–5 years, then to ICT Team Lead or Infrastructure Architect roles. Some transition into cross-functional positions like Digital Transformation Officer or IT Compliance Manager, especially with exposure to ISO 27001 or local data protection law (Data Protection Act Chapter 11:12). Further growth may involve regional roles with SADC-based energy firms or specialised vendor partnerships (e.g., SAP or Oracle consultants).
What benefits are commonly offered to ICT Officers in Zimbabwe, and how do they compare across employers?
Standard benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, medical aid (often through companies like NSSA-affiliated schemes or private providers such as Fidelity Life or Old Mutual Health), and pension contributions via NSSA or private retirement funds. Larger firms in energy or finance may offer additional perks like data bundles, laptop allowances, or study support for relevant certifications — though these vary significantly by company size and profitability.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in ICT candidates?
Apply via official company portals or verified job boards like Best Jobs Zimbabwe or LinkedIn, attaching a concise CV highlighting system programming projects, version control experience (Git), and familiarity with local compliance frameworks. Employers prioritise demonstrable problem-solving — e.g., scripting solutions for local infrastructure constraints — over generic buzzwords, and often verify references rigorously through previous Zimbabwean employers or academic institutions.