Job Summary
- Employer: Midlands State University (MSU)
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Category: Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-17
Key Responsibilities
- Managing inventory by regularly checking and verifying re-order levels.
- Initiating inventory purchase requisitions to facilitate timely replenishment of stock.
- Inspecting and receiving merchandise from suppliers, ensuring deliveries conform to required specifications.
- Maintaining warehouses in a clean, secure and orderly manner.
- Issuing inventory to authorised user departments in accordance with established procedures.
- Updating and maintaining accurate inventory management records.
- Conducting daily inventory checks and reconciliations to ensure stock accuracy.
- Conducting stocktakes as directed and ensuring a high level of counting accuracy.
- Filing and maintaining all completed Stores documents.
- Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
- A degree in Accounting, Business Management, or Logistics and Supply Chain Management is required.
- At least one (1) year of post-qualification work experience in inventory management .
- Knowledge and experience in Pastel (Sage 200 Evolution) will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
About the Company
Midlands State University is a government owned university in Zimbabwe. The university has 9 faculties offering a wide variety of courses and many specialist programmes. The university is accredited through the National Council for Higher Education, under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education of Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Stores Assistant role in Zimbabwe?
Employers like MSU generally expect at least five O-Levels including Mathematics and English, plus a relevant diploma or certificate in Purchasing and Supply, Logistics, or Stores Management from institutions such as the Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or local colleges. Practical computer literacy in basic spreadsheets and stores software is often preferred.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Stores Assistant?
Daily tasks include receiving, inspecting, and recording deliveries of stock and materials, maintaining accurate bin cards and inventory records, and issuing items to internal departments using requisition forms. You may also be responsible for periodic stock counts, safekeeping of goods, and keeping the store area clean and orderly.
What is the typical work culture and expectations in Zimbabwean university stores departments?
Work culture is formal and hierarchical, with an emphasis on strict adherence to procurement and stores procedures as well as accountability for every item. Expect to work closely with a senior stores officer, and be prepared to meet tight deadlines during stock-taking or when academic or administrative staff need materials urgently.
What are the realistic career progression paths for a Stores Assistant in Zimbabwe?
Starting as a Stores Assistant, you can progress to Stores Supervisor, then Stores Manager or Procurement Officer, especially if you upgrade with a CIPS qualification or a degree in logistics. Government bodies and universities like MSU often value experience and internal promotions, though movement between sectors is common.
What typical benefits come with a stores job at a Zimbabwean institution like MSU?
Benefits commonly include a monthly pension contribution, medical aid, and paid annual leave, plus sometimes a transport or housing allowance depending on grade. As a government-affiliated entity, MSU is likely to follow Public Service Commission or university-specific conditions of service, so confirm the exact package in the job offer.
How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in a Stores Assistant candidate?
Follow the exact instructions in the advertisement—usually via email or online application with a CV and certified copies of certificates. Employers look for attention to detail, honesty, basic numeracy, and knowledge of stores processes like FIFO and stock rotation, so highlight these strengths in your application.
