Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Artificial Intelligence
- 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.
- Advise Management on emerging AI risks, opportunities and international best practices.
- Represent POTRAZ in national, regional and global 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 regulatory sandboxes and pilot programmes for AI-driven telecom and postal services.
- Evaluate AI systems for bias, safety, data privacy and compliance.
- Lead AI research, data analytics and foresight initiatives.
- Build internal AI capability through training, tool development and deployment.
- Foster partnerships with academia, industry and development partners.
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship and performance management to the AI unit team.
- Prepare technical reports, position papers, board papers and budget proposals.
Requirements
- Honours Degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science or related field.
- At least 5 years’ hands-on experience.
- Demonstrable experience in AI innovations is a distinct advantage.
- Clean Class Four Driver’s Licence.
Salary
An appropriate package will be negotiated with the successful candidates.
How to Apply
About the Company
POTRAZ, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, serves as the official body responsible for overseeing the nation's postal and telecommunications industries. Operating under Zimbabwean law, its core mission involves licensing operators, establishing industry standards, and fostering fair competition within the Zimbabwean market. The Authority is crucial for safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring broad access to communication services throughout the country. Through its regulatory efforts, POTRAZ contributes significantly to the development of a robust and efficient communication infrastructure across Zimbabwe.
Regulating Zimbabwe's postal and telecommunications sector.
Website: https://www.potraz.gov.zw/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Network-Services-Licence.pdf
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 AWS Certified Machine Learning, Google Professional ML Engineer, or Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate. Local recognition of qualifications follows ZIMCHE accreditation standards, and relevant experience in national digital policy or telecom regulation in Zimbabwe 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 regulatory frameworks, reviewing AI-related licensing applications, coordinating stakeholder engagements with local tech firms and universities, and supporting the development of national AI guidelines aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Digital Transformation Strategy. Field visits to innovation hubs like Harare Tech Hub or collaboration with Zimra and the Ministry of ICT may occur regularly.
How does Zimbabwe’s work culture influence expectations for leadership roles like this one?
Respect for hierarchy and formal communication channels is important; decision-making often involves consensus-building with senior management and government stakeholders. Punctuality, relationship-based networking (‘ukubhukisa’), and demonstrated commitment to national development goals are key cultural expectations in public sector AI leadership roles.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as Deputy Director – AI at POTRAZ?
Internal progression may lead to Director-level roles within POTRAZ’s Innovation & Emerging Technologies Division or secondment to cross-cutting bodies like the National Digital Economy Taskforce. External options include senior advisory positions in ministries (e.g., ICT, Higher Education), multilateral agencies operating in Zimbabwe (e.g., UNDP, World Bank), or leadership in local AI startups supported by the ZIMRA Innovation Fund.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—can I expect in this public sector AI leadership role?
Employees are covered under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme and entitled to 30 days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Public Service Commission regulations. Medical aid is typically provided through the Government Medical Aid Scheme (GMAS), with coverage extending to dependants and access to designated public and accredited private facilities.
How do I apply, and what do POTRAZ and similar Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in AI leadership candidates?
Applications are submitted via the POTRAZ website or the Public Service Commission portal during advertised vacancies, requiring certified academic documents, proof of ZIMCHE-recognized qualifications, and detailed evidence of AI policy or regulatory experience. Employers prioritise candidates with demonstrable local engagement—such as contributions to Zimbabwe’s AI Readiness Assessment, participation in ZICTA forums, or implementation of AI solutions in public service contexts.