The job exists to provide strategic and technical leadership to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) section hosted under the USF, Postal and Courier Services department. The Deputy Director will drive POTRAZ’s regulatory, policy, governance, innovation, research, and capacity-building agenda for AI within Zimbabwe’s postal and telecommunications sector. This is to ensure the safe, ethical and inclusive deployment of AI for sector growth, consumer protection and digital inclusion, in alignment with the Zimbabwe National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Vision 2030 and applicable legislation.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Technology & Innovation
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the establishment and operations of the AI Section.
- Develop and implement AI-related regulatory policies, frameworks and guidelines.
- Oversee regulatory assessment of AI-enabled services and systems.
- Lead the development and review of AI regulatory frameworks, guidelines and standards for telecommunications and postal operators in Zimbabwe.
- Advise Management on emerging AI risks, opportunities and international best practices in AI governance and ethics.
- Represent POTRAZ in national, regional (SADC, AU) and global (ITU/UN) AI policy and standards forums.
- Monitor AI adoption by licensed operators and assess its impact on network performance, service quality, cybersecurity and consumer protection.
- Drive the design and implementation of regulatory sandboxes and pilot programs for AI-driven telecom and postal services.
- Evaluate AI systems for bias, safety, data privacy and compliance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
- Lead AI research, data analytics and foresight initiatives to inform regulatory decision-making within POTRAZ.
- Build internal AI capability through training, tool development, and deployment of AI for spectrum management, QoS monitoring and fraud detection.
- Foster partnerships with academia, industry and development partners to grow Zimbabwe’s AI ecosystem.
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship and performance management to the AI unit team.
- Prepare technical reports, position papers, board papers and budget proposals for the Directorate.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Director USF, Postal and Courier Services.
Requirements
- Honours Degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science or related field.
- At least 5 years’ hands-on experience.
- Demonstratable experience in AI innovations a distinct advantage.
- A clean Class Four Driver’s Licence.
Salary
An appropriate package will be negotiated with the successful candidates.
How to Apply
All applications should be submitted to the Director General, 1110 Performance Close, MT Pleasant Business Park, Harare, or P.O. Box MP 843, Mt Pleasant, Harare in an envelope clearly marked “APPLICATION FOR A VACANT POST – STATE POST BEING APPLIED FOR” to reach the Director General or Email: [email protected] not later than 4 September 2026.
About the Company
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) is the statutory body mandated to regulate the postal, telecommunications, and broadcasting sectors in Zimbabwe. Headquartered in Harare, POTRAZ oversees licensing, spectrum management, consumer protection, and market competition across the country’s digital infrastructure. It operates under the Postal and Telecommunications Act [Chapter 12:05] and reports to the Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services. POTRAZ plays a central role in advancing Zimbabwe’s national ICT policy, including broadband rollout and universal service obligations in both urban and rural areas.
Regulating Zimbabwe's postal and telecommunications sector
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for the Deputy Director – Artificial Intelligence role at POTRAZ?
A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or a closely related field is generally expected, along with professional certifications such as Certified AI Professional (CAIP) or AWS/Azure AI certifications. Relevant experience in AI policy development, regulatory technology frameworks, or national digital strategy implementation in Zimbabwe or similar SADC jurisdictions is highly valued.
What does a typical day look like for someone in this role at POTRAZ?
Day-to-day responsibilities include advising on AI governance frameworks, reviewing AI-related licensing applications, coordinating with stakeholders like telecom operators and fintech firms, and supporting the development of Zimbabwe’s National AI Policy. Field engagement may involve workshops with local universities, innovation hubs like the Harare ICT Park, and cross-ministerial technical committees.
How does the work culture and expectations for leadership roles in tech regulation differ in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Leadership roles at POTRAZ emphasise consensus-building across government, industry, and civil society, reflecting Zimbabwe’s collaborative regulatory ethos and public service values. Punctuality, formal communication, and adherence to national ICT policy priorities — such as the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) — are consistently expected in daily operations.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as Deputy Director – Artificial Intelligence at POTRAZ?
Internal progression may lead to Director-level roles within POTRAZ’s Technology & Innovation Division or secondment to key national bodies like the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency or the Ministry of ICT. External opportunities include senior advisory roles with AU’s AI Working Group, UN agencies operating in Zimbabwe, or regional regulators like the South African Independent Communications Authority (ICASA).
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, and pension — are typically offered to senior technical staff at POTRAZ?
POTRAZ offers statutory benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, full medical aid coverage through the Government Medical Aid Scheme (GMAS), and mandatory pension contributions under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA). Additional allowances may include housing or transport support, subject to current Public Service Commission guidelines and budgetary provisions.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers like POTRAZ specifically look for in candidates?
Applications must be submitted via POTRAZ’s official website or the Public Service Commission portal when the vacancy is advertised, accompanied by certified academic documents and a detailed CV highlighting AI policy, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement experience. POTRAZ prioritises candidates with demonstrable knowledge of Zimbabwe’s ICT Act, Data Protection Act, and experience working with local institutions such as ZIMRA, RBZ, or the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences.