DIRECTOR GENERAL – ZIMBABWE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE 232 views

Vacancy

Title: Director-General (DG), Zimbabwe Foreign Service
Institute (ZFSI)
Duty Station: Headquarters, Harare, Zimbabwe
Date Posted: Sunday, 3 August, 2025
Deadline: Monday, 18 August, 2025

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 and publicize 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 programs 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.
* 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 PhD degree in International Relations, International Studies, Law,Economics, or a related field from an accredited institution recognised inZimbabwe.
* Have served a minimum of 10 years in the Foreign Service, including at least 5 years at the level of Director, Chief Director or Ambassador; or
* Have served at least 10 years in a senior academic leadership role (e.g., Dean, Associate Dean, Director, Department Chair) and supervised dissertations for postgraduate students in international relations within a university.
* Possess managerial skills and demonstrate a proven ability to implement strategic objectives and to provide effective institutional leadership.
* Uphold high professional standards, integrity and respect for national values.
* Possess strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
* 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.
* 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.