The job exists to provide technical expertise and drive innovation in Artificial Intelligence within POTRAZ and the postal and telecommunications sector. The Officer will lead the development, testing and deployment of AI tools for regulatory functions, support USF-funded AI projects and build technical capacity for the safe and ethical use of AI in line with the Zimbabwe National AI Strategy and Vision 2030.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Technology & Innovation
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and deploy AI/ML models and tools for internal use: QoS monitoring, spectrum management, fraud detection, and consumer complaint analytics.
- Evaluate and validate AI systems submitted by operators for performance, accuracy, bias and safety.
- Support the setup and management of POTRAZ’s AI lab, data infrastructure and computing resources under USF.
- Coordinate regulatory sandboxes and pilot programs for AI-driven telecom and postal services.
- Conduct applied research on emerging AI technologies: LLMs, NLP, Computer Vision, and Generative AI relevant to the sector.
- Support USF-funded AI innovation projects, startups and academia in prototyping and scaling solutions.
- Develop technical standards, data requirements and documentation for AI deployment by licensees.
- Build and maintain datasets for regulatory analytics while ensuring compliance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
- Organise technical training and upskilling programs for POTRAZ staff and industry on AI tools and best practices.
- Monitor global AI technical trends and advise on their applicability to Zimbabwe’s context.
- Prepare technical reports, proofs-of-concept and demos for Management.
- Collaborate with the Regulatory & Policy Officer to ensure the technical feasibility of AI regulations.
- Represent POTRAZ in technical forums, hackathons and AI working groups.
- Perform any other duties assigned by the Deputy Director – AI.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, ICT, Law and Technology or related field.
- At least 8 years’ hands-on experience.
- Demonstrable experience in AI innovations and leadership 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 AI Officer role at POTRAZ?
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related technical field is essential; a master’s degree or postgraduate certification in AI, machine learning, or digital innovation is highly preferred. Relevant local or international certifications such as AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, Google Professional ML Engineer, or Cisco AI Practitioner add value, especially if aligned with Zimbabwe’s National ICT Policy and POTRAZ’s regulatory technology priorities.
What does a typical day look like for an AI Officer at POTRAZ?
The role involves supporting the development of AI governance frameworks, reviewing AI-related licence applications from telecoms and tech firms, and advising on ethical AI deployment in Zimbabwe’s communications sector. Daily tasks include collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., spectrum management, cybersecurity), preparing technical briefs for policymakers, and engaging with local startups and universities on AI capacity-building initiatives.
How does Zimbabwe’s work culture influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels is expected, particularly when interfacing with senior regulators or government stakeholders; punctuality, professionalism, and adherence to public service ethics are non-negotiable. Teamwork is valued, but initiative and independent technical judgment—especially in emerging areas like AI regulation—are increasingly recognised and encouraged within POTRAZ’s innovation units.
What realistic career progression paths exist for an AI Officer in Zimbabwe’s regulatory tech space?
Internal progression may lead to Senior AI Advisor, Head of Emerging Technologies, or roles within POTRAZ’s Digital Transformation Unit; externally, experience here is respected by regional bodies like the African Union’s AI Working Group or SADC ICT policy organs. Continued upskilling—especially in AI policy, data governance, and local implementation of frameworks like the AU’s Continental AI Strategy—strengthens long-term mobility across public, private, and multilateral sectors in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) can I realistically expect in this public-sector technical role?
As a POTRAZ employee, you’re covered under the Public Service Pension Scheme and entitled to statutory leave including 30 days annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Zimbabwean labour law. Medical aid is typically provided through a government-approved scheme such as NSSA Health, though coverage scope and dependant inclusion follow standard public service terms—not private-sector premium plans.