DIRECTOR-GENERAL (DG) – Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute (Zfsi)

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Vacancy Title: Director-General (DG), Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute (ZFSI)
Duty Station: Headquarters, Harare, Zimbabwe
Date Posted: Thursday, 15 January 2026
Deadline: Saturday, 31 January 2026

JOB DETAILS:

About the Organisation:
The Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute (ZFSI) was established through Statutory Instrument 151 of 2020 and Presidential Proclamation No. 2 of 2020, which conferred a Charter on the Institute. Governed by a Board of Governors appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Institute is led by the Director-General, who serves as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mandate of ZFSI:

• Provide training in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy (International Relations);
• Conduct analytical research studies in diplomacy and international affairs;
• Collaborate with other training institutions to enhance diplomatic engagement.

ZFSI operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the Director-General reports to the Board of Governors.

The Opportunity:
ZFSI seeks a visionary and strategic leader with deep expertise in international relations to serve as its Director-General. This individual will lead the Institute in advancing excellence in diplomatic training, research, and policy analysis.

Job Summary:
The Director-General is responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight of ZFSI’s programmes and operations. This includes leading training initiatives in Diplomacy, International Relations, Tourism, Trade, Investment, and Economic Diplomacy, as well as managing the Institute’s research agenda and providing analytical support on international affairs.

The Director-General ensures that all operations align with the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Foreign Service Doctrine (2025), the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the National Development Strategy, Board directives, and stakeholder needs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fulfill the mandate of the Institute as outlined in the ZFSI Charter and implement Board decisions.
• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Institute.
• Contribute to the development and review of the ZFSI Strategic Plan.
• Develop, implement, and monitor work plans, policies, procedures, budgets, and evaluation frameworks.
• Identify emerging training needs and global trends, and lead resource mobilisation efforts.
• Oversee analytical work on national and international developments affecting foreign policy.
• Commission and supervise scholarly research on foreign policy and international relations.
• Ensure governance compliance and effective implementation of the Performance Management System.
• Serve as Accounting Officer and Chief Spokesperson, overseeing financial, asset, and personnel management, and ensure timely submission of audited accounts to the Board.
• Represent ZFSI at high-level forums and manage external communications and public relations.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and partner institutions and mobilise resources from progressive partners.
• Promote organisational performance and institutional growth.
• Enhance the Institute’s core offerings: diplomatic training, research, and policy advisory services.
• Support student success and service excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board.

Qualifications and Experience:

Applicants must:

• Hold a Ph.D in International Relations, International Studies, Law, Economics and any other related field for a minimum of five (5) years or experience in the foreign service or public service of at least 10 years to enable the candidate to operate at the level of a PhD holder.
• Have at least a record of research and publications in relevant fields with knowledge and skills necessary to assume a senior academic or leadership role in diplomacy/international relations to spearhead the institute into a fully fledged degree issuing institution.
• Possess managerial skills and demonstrate a proven ability to implement strategic objectives and to provide effective institutional leadership.
• Be innovative, self-motivated, results-oriented, and committed to lifelong learning.
• Provide evidence of scholarly engagement published in peer-reviewed journals and active membership in relevant professional bodies.
• Uphold high professional standards, integrity and respect for national values.
• Possess strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Have a clear understanding of the National Development Strategy, Vision 2030, and the Foreign Service Doctrine (2025).

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in English and at least one other foreign language.
• Comprehensive understanding of diplomatic functions and international operations.