Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Regulatory Affairs
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research and benchmarking on AI policies, laws and regulations from ITU, AU, SADC and other jurisdictions.
- Draft AI guidelines, circulars, codes of practice and regulatory instruments for licensed operators.
- Support the review of licence conditions to incorporate AI governance, transparency and accountability requirements.
- Maintain a register of AI systems deployed by operators and assess them for compliance.
- Monitor AI adoption by telecom and postal operators and assess impact on service quality, consumer protection, data privacy and cybersecurity.
- Support AI audits, sandbox evaluations and risk assessments of AI systems for bias, safety and explainability.
- Investigate AI-related consumer complaints and incidents and recommend corrective actions.
- Coordinate regulatory sandboxes and pilot programs for AI-driven services in the sector.
- Prepare technical reports, position papers and board papers on emerging AI trends and regulatory implications.
- Liaise with industry, academia, government and development partners on AI policy matters.
- Support capacity-building and awareness programs on AI regulation for staff and stakeholders.
- Maintain documentation, databases and knowledge repository for AI regulation.
- Represent POTRAZ in technical working groups and forums as delegated.
- Perform any other duties assigned by the Deputy Director – AI.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, ICT, Law and Technology or related field.
- At least 5 years’ hands-on experience.
- Prior regulatory and policy development experience an added advantage.
- A clean Class Four Driver’s Licence.
Salary
An appropriate package will be negotiated with the successful candidates.
How to Apply
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 (Regulatory & Policy) role at POTRAZ?
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Law, Public Policy, or a related field is required; postgraduate qualifications in AI ethics, data governance, or regulatory studies are highly valued. Professional certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor, or AI-specific credentials from recognised global bodies (e.g., IEEE or OECD-aligned programmes) strengthen applications, especially if locally endorsed by ZIMRA or the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Authority (ZNQA).
What does a typical day look like for an AI Officer in regulatory and policy work at POTRAZ?
Daily tasks include reviewing AI-related submissions from telecom and digital service providers, drafting policy position papers on emerging technologies, and coordinating stakeholder consultations with ministries, academia, and industry players across Harare and Bulawayo. You’ll also support the development of national AI guidelines aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Digital Transformation Strategy and engage in inter-agency technical working groups hosted by the Ministry of ICT and Courier Services.
How does Zimbabwe’s local work culture influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels is expected—reports and policy drafts are typically reviewed through multiple senior levels before submission to the POTRAZ Board. Punctuality, relationship-building through face-to-face engagement (especially during provincial outreach), and fluency in both English and at least one local language (e.g., Shona or Ndebele) are practical advantages when liaising with diverse stakeholders across urban and rural settings.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone starting as an AI Officer at POTRAZ?
Internal progression commonly moves from AI Officer to Senior Regulatory Officer, then to Head of Emerging Technologies Unit, and potentially to Director-level roles within POTRAZ’s Policy & Licensing Division. External mobility includes secondments to the Ministry of ICT, advisory roles with the African Union’s AI Working Group, or leadership positions in regional regulatory harmonisation initiatives like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) ICT Task Force.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—can I expect in this public sector regulatory role?
As a POTRAZ employee, you’re covered under the Civil Service Pension Scheme and entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, 15 days’ sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Zimbabwe’s Labour Act and POTRAZ’s internal HR policies. Medical aid is provided through the Government Medical Aid Scheme (GMAS), which covers public servants and immediate dependants at accredited facilities nationwide, including Parirenyatwa and Avenues Clinic in Harare.