The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Director, Business Skills Development in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Director, Business Skills Development will contribute to the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes supporting women, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives.
Job Summary
- Employer: Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Business Development
- Closing Date: 2026-09-18
Key Responsibilities
- Contributing to the formulation, implementation and review of policies and strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises Development in line with the Ministry’s strategic plan and national development imperatives.
- Coordinating and designing business skills development programmes targeting women, SMEs and cooperative members.
- Developing frameworks for monitoring and evaluating business skills programmes under the Ministry.
- Facilitating skills training for SMEs and cooperatives on product development, quality standards, packaging, branding and market access.
- Coordinating business mentorship, coaching and incubation support for start-ups and growth-stage businesses.
- Facilitating market linkages, exhibitions, trade fairs and e-commerce platforms for women and community enterprises.
- Managing and maintaining a national database of trained beneficiaries.
- Facilitating the mobilisation of resources for training infrastructure, tools and kits for beneficiaries.
- Supervising, coaching and counselling subordinates.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Commerce, Economics , or a related field.
- A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
- A minimum of six (6) years’ experience at Officer grade level .
- Proven ability to integrate digital business, e-commerce and climate-smart practices into training.
- Ability to plan budgets, implement, monitor and report on large-scale skills programmes.
- Extensive research and analytical skills.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Leadership and management skills.
- Strong ability to design practical, adult-learning-based curricula and build the capacity of trainers.
- Ability to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in business skills development programmes.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: erecruitment.psc.gov.zw
REF Code: A/GEN/13/51 | Vacancy Circular No: 42 of 2026
About the Company
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development is a government ministry, responsible for gender and community issues in Zimbabwe. The current minister is Monica Mutsvangwa and the Deputy is Jennifer Mhlanga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role?
Candidates usually need a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A Master's degree and professional certifications in project management or business development are often highly preferred for senior government positions.
What are the primary day-to-day responsibilities of the Deputy Director?
The role involves designing training programs to enhance the skills of SMEs and coordinating with stakeholders to implement business growth strategies. You will also oversee the monitoring and evaluation of skills development initiatives across various communities.
What is the work culture and expectation within a Zimbabwean Ministry?
The environment is typically formal and hierarchical, requiring strict adherence to official protocols and government regulations. There is a strong emphasis on public service delivery and collaboration with diverse community groups.
What are the typical benefits associated with this government position?
Benefits generally include a government pension scheme, medical aid subsidies, and standard annual leave. Other perks may vary based on the specific grade and current civil service policies.
What is the realistic career progression for someone in this position?
Successful officers can progress to Director level or move into specialized consultancy roles within the public sector. Growth often depends on performance appraisals and the availability of vacancies within the Ministry's structure.
How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in this role?
Applications are typically submitted through the Public Service Commission or the Ministry's HR department. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate a blend of technical business expertise and a deep understanding of the local SME landscape.
