Job Summary
- Employer: Only One
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Executive & Leadership
- Salary: $140,000-$170,000 USD, based on experience
- Closing Date: 2026-09-28
Key Responsibilities
- Own the annual planning cycle, from goal setting to quarterly tracking.
- Translate long-term strategy into clear priorities that teams can act on week to week.
- Identify conflicts involving timing, budget or capacity and ensure trade-offs are addressed early.
- Run the leadership team’s operating rhythm, including agendas, pre-reads, decisions and follow-through.
- Design and facilitate sessions where important organizational decisions are made.
- Surface disagreements while they can still influence outcomes.
- Maintain the decision record to ensure agreed decisions are documented and followed.
- Plan and deliver four board meetings each year, including agendas, board packs and minutes.
- Prepare the CEO for board meetings, chair conversations and committee cycles.
- Support board composition, recruitment, induction and committee operations.
- Oversee risk and compliance obligations as a US 501(c)(3).
- Maintain an organization-level view of secured revenue, the funding pipeline and risks.
- Ensure restricted and unrestricted income supports strategic priorities.
- Escalate issues where funding does not align with organizational priorities.
- Bring development considerations into organizational planning.
- Translate strategy into the organization’s case for support.
- Maintain quality standards for major proposals and reports.
- Connect the leadership team with departments and ensure information moves effectively in both directions.
- Shape the communication of significant organizational news.
- Help ensure staff understand both what has been decided and the reasoning behind decisions.
- Surface information and feedback from teams that leadership needs to know.
- Produce board papers, strategy documents, memos and organization-level narratives.
- Turn workshops, listening exercises and complex conversations into actionable documents.
- Lead discrete, time-bound initiatives outside standing organizational functions.
- Special projects are expected to account for approximately one-fifth of the role, with scope agreed with the CEO each year.
- Act as a thinking partner to the CEO on priorities, sequencing and decisions.
- Prepare the CEO for significant internal and external engagements.
- Draft communications on behalf of the CEO and represent the CEO in appropriate settings.
- Serve as a confidential sounding board on people, decisions and risk.
Requirements
- 6+ years of experience in senior strategy, operations or organizational leadership roles.
- Broad experience across most of the responsibilities outlined for the position.
- A track record of running planning cycles and holding senior teams accountable to commitments.
- Strong writing skills and experience producing board-level and funder-facing materials.
- Experience with governance through board support, committee work or compliance.
- Sufficient fundraising knowledge to understand a revenue pipeline and maintain quality on major proposals.
- Experience providing oversight of work without directly controlling it.
- Confidence raising issues without necessarily owning the solution.
- A campaigning, NGO or agency background is helpful but not essential.
- Willingness to adjust working hours to collaborate with a global team.
Salary
$140,000-$170,000 USD, based on experience
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Chief of Staff role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field, with many preferring a master's degree. You typically need 8-15 years of progressive experience in senior management, strategy, or operations roles. Experience in government, NGOs, or large corporate entities in Zimbabwe is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Chief of Staff in Zimbabwe?
You will manage the executive's calendar, prioritize competing demands, and coordinate cross-functional initiatives across departments. Daily tasks include preparing briefing materials, facilitating board and stakeholder communications, and troubleshooting operational bottlenecks. You also serve as a gatekeeper and proxy for the executive in meetings and decisions.
How does the work culture and expectations differ for executive roles in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwean workplaces often blend formal hierarchy with relationship-driven networking, so building trust across government, private sector, and community stakeholders is essential. Expect long hours and high availability, as executives often operate across multiple time zones and economic contexts. Respect for protocol and patience with bureaucratic processes are critical soft skills.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Chief of Staff?
Many Chiefs of Staff advance to Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, or Chief Executive Officer roles within 3-5 years. Others transition into cabinet or permanent secretary positions in government, or senior advisory roles in multilateral organizations. The role's visibility and network-building make it a powerful springboard for board appointments and entrepreneurship.
What benefits are typically included in executive compensation packages in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include medical aid covering private healthcare, a pension or retirement contribution scheme, and generous annual leave allowances. Many employers also provide vehicle allowances or company cars, housing allowances, and performance-based bonuses. Benefits vary significantly between state-owned enterprises, private companies, and international organizations.
How should I apply for a Chief of Staff position and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize?
Applications typically require a detailed CV, cover letter demonstrating strategic thinking, and verifiable references from senior leaders you have supported. Employers prioritize discretion, political acumen, and proven ability to deliver results in resource-constrained environments. Networking through professional associations like the Zimbabwe Institute of Management or executive search firms often provides access to unadvertised roles.
