The Head, Support Services is a senior management position reporting to the Head of Ministry. The position provides expert financial, material and human resources advice to support the Ministry in achieving its mandate.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in the following functional areas:
– Finance
– Administration
– Human Resources
The role involves formulating, implementing and reviewing finance, administration and human resources policies to ensure effective allocation and management of Ministry resources.
Job Summary
- Employer: Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Management
- Salary: Competitive
- Closing Date: 2026-10-19
Key Responsibilities
- The role involves formulating, implementing and reviewing finance, administration and human resources policies to ensure effective allocation and management of Ministry resources.
Requirements
Salary
Competitive
How to Apply
REF Code: A/GEN/14/08 | Vacancy Circular No: 82
About the Company
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is an Indonesian ministry that organizes the government sub-divisions of primary education and secondary education which are within the scope of government affairs in the field of education. This ministry is under and responsible to the President of Indonesia, and is led by Abdul Mu'ti.
Website: https://mopse.ac.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for the Head of Support Services role in Zimbabwe's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education?
A Master's degree in Education, Public Administration, or a related field is usually expected, along with at least 7-10 years of senior management experience. Professional certifications in project management or educational leadership from institutions like the University of Zimbabwe or Zimbabwe Open University strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
You will oversee administrative operations, manage procurement and logistics for schools, coordinate transport and infrastructure maintenance, and supervise support staff across provincial offices. Regular reporting to the Permanent Secretary and liaison with Treasury on budget matters are also core duties.
How does the local work culture in Zimbabwe's public sector affect this role?
The role demands patience with bureaucratic processes and strong relationship-building with government stakeholders, including Provincial Education Directors and District School Inspectors. Punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and adaptability during economic volatility are highly valued in Zimbabwe's civil service environment.
What career progression opportunities exist from this position?
Successful incumbents may advance to Deputy Permanent Secretary or Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, or transition to similar director-level roles in other ministries. Some move into international education organizations like UNESCO or UNICEF Zimbabwe, or join private education consultancies.
What benefits are typically included in senior civil service positions in Zimbabwe?
Benefits generally include a government pension scheme through the Public Service Commission, medical aid coverage, annual leave of 30 days, and subsidized housing or housing allowances where available. Vehicle allowances and fuel allocations are sometimes provided for senior management roles.
How should I apply for this position, and what do employers look for?
Applications are submitted through the Public Service Commission portal or advertised in the Government Gazette and national newspapers like The Herald. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience in large-scale resource management, clean audit records, and strong references from previous government or educational leadership positions.