The SADC Secretariat invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals who are citizens of Botswana or SADC Citizens with the right to work and live in Botswana to apply for Short-term – Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary position tenable at SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.
Job Summary
- Employer: SADC Secretariat (Southern African Development Community)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Administration
- Salary: US$65,460 per annum
- Closing Date: 2026-10-02
Key Responsibilities
- position tenable at SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana
Requirements
- suitably qualified and experienced individuals who are citizens of Botswana or SADC Citizens with the right to work and live in Botswana
Salary
US$65,460 per annum
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: sadc.int
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an Executive Assistant role at the SADC Secretariat?
A relevant diploma or degree in Business Administration, Secretarial Studies, or Public Administration is usually required. Professional certifications such as CPS or CAP from the Zimbabwe Institute of Administration and Research are highly valued. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and at least 3-5 years of executive support experience are commonly expected.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Short Term Executive Assistant at SADC?
You will manage the Executive Secretary's calendar, coordinate high-level meetings, prepare briefing documents, and handle confidential correspondence. Travel logistics for regional meetings and liaison with SADC member states are core duties. You may also minute meetings and follow up on action items across departments.
How does the work culture at SADC differ from typical Zimbabwean government or private sector offices?
SADC operates with regional diplomatic protocols and multicultural sensitivity given its 16 member states. Punctuality, discretion, and fluency in English plus French or Portuguese are highly prized. The environment blends international bureaucracy with Southern African relational norms, requiring adaptability between formal procedures and regional networking.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Executive Assistant at SADC?
Short-term contracts at SADC can lead to permanent regional administration roles or secondments to member state ministries. Many former EAs advance to Programme Officer, Protocol Officer, or national-level Director positions. The regional exposure also opens doors to UN agencies, AU positions, or senior private sector roles across SADC countries.
What benefits are typically included in short-term contracts at the SADC Secretariat?
Benefits vary by contract type but usually include medical insurance, pension contributions, and paid annual leave pro-rated to contract duration. Housing and relocation allowances may apply for non-local appointees. Short-term roles rarely include education allowances or permanent staff perks, so terms should be clarified before signing.
How should a Zimbabwean applicant prepare their application for this SADC position?
Tailor your CV to highlight regional experience, multilingual abilities, and discretion with high-level stakeholders. Obtain a police clearance certificate and ensure your academic credentials are verified by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education. Applications are submitted through SADC's official careers portal with a detailed cover letter addressing specific competencies in the terms of reference.
