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1 week ago
Applications are invited to fill in the following critical posts which have arisen in the following departments. PLANNING OFFICER/ PLANNING TECHNICIAN (Grade 8)
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Urban Planning
- Closing Date: 2026-08-31
Key Responsibilities
- Producing layout plans that comply with planning standards and local development objectives.
- Pegging of stands at designated areas.
- Development control and land management within Gokwe North District.
- Communal village mapping and issuance of communal land permits.
- Assisting in the development of local plans and excision of communal land.
- Enforcement of relevant statutes and regulations.
- Facilitating resolution of land disputes.
- Processing subdivision, consolidation and change-of-use applications in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitating surveys needed for approved plans and development proposals.
- Assessing building plans submitted for approval to ensure compliance with planning and building regulations.
- Carrying out administrative duties associated with planning documentation, records and departmental operations.
Requirements
- Degree in Rural and Urban Planning or an equivalent qualification.
- At least three (3) years’ experience in a planning-related role.
- Clean Class 4 Driver’s Licence.
- Membership of a recognised professional body
- A Citizen of Zimbabwe.
- A clean criminal record.
- A clean record of service within the local government fraternity.
Salary
this position offer…
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ihararejobs.com
About the Company
Gokwe North Rural District Councils is a local government organ administering Gokwe North District. There are eight Rural District Councils in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe all established in terms of the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Act; Chapter 29.13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Planning Officer/Technician role at Gokwe North RDC?
A minimum of a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Management, or a closely related field from a Zimbabwean university or equivalent accredited institution is usually required. Registration with the Zimbabwe Institute of Architects (ZIA) or the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZINIE) as a Planning Technician or Associate Planner is often preferred or mandatory for statutory planning functions. Some positions may accept relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications, but this is assessed case-by-case by the Public Service Commission.
What does a typical day look like for a Planning Officer/Technician working at Gokwe North RDC?
Daily tasks include reviewing land development applications, conducting site inspections, preparing zoning and land use reports, and supporting community-based planning initiatives such as Ward Development Plans. Officers also attend council meetings, liaise with traditional leaders and village development committees, and assist in enforcing the Regional Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12). Fieldwork in rural settings—often involving travel across wards with limited infrastructure—is common and expected.
How does the local work culture and professional expectations differ for planners in Zimbabwean rural district councils compared to urban or private-sector roles?
Work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchical structures, consultation with traditional leadership (e.g., chiefs and headmen), and responsiveness to communal decision-making processes, especially during participatory planning exercises. Punctuality, formal dress code, and adherence to Public Service Commission regulations—including strict leave and reporting protocols—are non-negotiable. Flexibility and patience are essential due to frequent resource constraints, intermittent internet access, and reliance on paper-based systems in remote offices.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Planning Officer/Technician within Zimbabwe’s local government system?
Entry-level officers typically progress to Senior Planning Officer after 3–5 years of service and successful performance appraisals, followed by Principal Planning Officer upon further experience and possibly postgraduate qualifications. Promotion is governed by the Public Service Commission’s grading structure and requires passing internal assessments or competitive interviews. Some officers transition into provincial planning units, the Ministry of Local Government, or pursue academic roles after obtaining master’s degrees—often supported through government study leave schemes.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension, etc.) can I realistically expect in this role at Gokwe North RDC?
Employees are entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, 15 days’ sick leave per year, and maternity/paternity leave as stipulated under the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) and Public Service regulations. Medical aid is provided through the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) for work-related injuries and basic health coverage, though many staff supplement this with private schemes. Pension contributions are mandatory under the NSSA Pension Scheme, with both employer and employee contributing monthly as prescribed by law.