The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional economic community founded and maintained by countries in Southern Africa. It aims to further the socio-economic, political, and security cooperation among its Member States and foster regional integration in order to achieve peace, stability, and wealth. SADC currently has sixteen (16) Member States with a population of approximately 340 million and a combined GDP of US$720 billion.
The Secretariat is currently recruiting for various positions to enhance its capacity to deliver on the above mandate. The Secretariat is therefore inviting suitably qualified and experienced citizens of SADC to apply for the following positions tenable at its Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana or as stated in the job advert:
| POSITION | JOB GRADE |
| Director Social and Human Development | 2 |
| Senior Programme Officer - Food Security & Agriculture | 4 |
| Programme Officer - Crop | 6 |
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is inviting applications from suitably qualified, experienced, and highly motivated citizens of SADC Member States to fill several regional positions within its organisational structure.
The vacancies provide opportunities for professionals to contribute to regional integration, agriculture development, food security, policy coordination, and social and human development across the SADC region.
Available Positions
- Re-Advertised – Director of Social and Human Development
- Senior Programme Officer – Food Security and Agriculture
- Programme Officer – Crop
Primary Purpose of the Job
Under the supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, senior-level decision-making, and day-to-day management of the Social and Human Development programme cluster within the SADC Secretariat.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the development, review, and implementation of policies, systems, regulations, and procedures for the directorate.
- Oversee strategic planning and budget development aligned with SADC corporate goals.
- Provide expert guidance in social and human development programmes and policies.
- Coordinate implementation and monitoring of protocols adopted by Member States.
- Promote policy harmonisation, programme coordination, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Oversee data collection, reporting, and dissemination of programme information.
- Prepare reports and official documents for SADC institutions and policy organs.
- Promote SADC programmes at regional and international forums.
- Manage partnerships and mobilise resources for programme implementation.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
- Support implementation of audit recommendations.
- Participate in senior management activities and strategic planning.
People Management
- Lead and motivate staff within the directorate.
- Conduct staff performance appraisals.
- Promote teamwork and a positive working environment.
- Support recruitment, mentoring, training, and staff development.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field from a recognised institution.
Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 5 years in a senior managerial position within public, private, regional, or international organisations.
Skills and Competencies
- Leadership and strategic management skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
- Organisational and budgeting skills.
- Ability to work in multicultural and politically sensitive environments.
- Strong analytical and policy development capabilities.
2. Senior Programme Officer – Food Security and Agriculture
Primary Purpose of the Job
The role focuses on facilitating and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, strategies, and programmes aimed at increasing agricultural production, food security, productivity, and competitiveness across the SADC region.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Development and Harmonisation
- Coordinate research to identify policy and regulatory gaps in agriculture and food security.
- Support development and harmonisation of agricultural policies, regulations, standards, and systems.
- Facilitate adoption and implementation of strategies and programmes by Member States.
Strategic Planning and Programme Management
- Coordinate development of regional agriculture strategies and business plans.
- Support implementation of the Regional Agriculture Policy and Investment Plan.
- Promote regional agricultural value chains and agro-industry development.
- Monitor implementation and impact of regional agriculture projects.
- Prepare reports and submissions for SADC policy structures.
Research and Information Management
- Manage data collection and information dissemination.
- Coordinate development of centralised databases and analytical reports.
Representation and Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent SADC in regional and international meetings.
- Build relationships with development partners and research organisations.
- Promote SADC agriculture and food security programmes.
Unit Management
- Supervise programme staff and consultants.
- Manage budgets and operational planning.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies and standards.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics or a related field.
Experience
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in agriculture and food security.
- Minimum of 4 years in a management position.
Skills and Competencies
- Leadership and management skills.
- Communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Research and analytical skills.
- Policy development and strategic planning expertise.
- Ability to work in multicultural and international environments.
3. Programme Officer – Crop
Primary Purpose of the Job
The Programme Officer – Crop will coordinate policy development, planning, programme implementation, and monitoring activities aimed at increasing crop production, productivity, and competitiveness within the SADC region.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate development and harmonisation of crop production policies and standards.
- Support implementation of regional crop production strategies and programmes.
- Facilitate initiatives aimed at controlling crop pests and diseases.
- Promote agro-industry development, value addition, and post-harvest management.
- Coordinate research, data collection, and dissemination of information related to crop production.
- Prepare reports and documentation for SADC meetings and policy structures.
- Promote market access and strengthen Member States’ capacity to meet SPS standards.
- Monitor and evaluate implementation of crop development programmes.
- Engage stakeholders and strengthen partnerships within the agriculture sector.
- Mainstream cross-cutting issues such as gender, HIV/AIDS, and poverty reduction into programmes.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s Degree in Crop Science or a related technical field.
Experience
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience within public, private, regional, or international organisations.
Skills and Competencies
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Research and analytical abilities.
- Organisational and planning skills.
- Networking and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Professionalism and attention to detail.
General Competencies Required
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and teamwork abilities.
- Strategic thinking and innovation.
- High ethical standards and professionalism.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Results-oriented and performance-driven mindset.
- Capacity to work effectively in international and multicultural environments.
Applicants are encouraged to review the full vacancy announcement and ensure they meet all qualification and experience requirements before applying.
Remuneration
The SADC Secretariat offers a competitive package for the positions as outlined below.
Job Grade Salary range per annum (US$)
Job Grade 2 US$138,450.80 - 154,176.70
Job Grade 4 US$ 99,643.00 - 93,097.00
Job Grade 6 US$77,084.20 - 72,589.00
Tenure of appointment
The term of appointment of the Director, Social and Human Development, shall be for a fixed period of four (4) years, renewable once for another period of four (4) years. While appointments for positions (2–3) will be on a fixed-term contract for four (4) years, renewable twice for an equal period, subject to:
- satisfactory completion of 6 months’ probation;
- satisfactory performance;
- retirement age limit of 60 years; and
- the continued need for the position.
Eligibility
The positions are open to qualified applicants who:
- Are 52 years old or younger. This requirement is based on the Organisation’s need to recruit staff who can serve for a reasonable period of time before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
- Are from the following eligible Member States (Positions 2-3): Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Due to the SADC recruitment policy, nationals of Angola, Eswatini and Seychelles are eligible to apply for the Director Social and Human Development position because of the rules on representation at the management level and the availability of quota points.
Closing Date and Submission of Applications: Applications must be submitted to the SADC National Contact Point of the eligible Member States not later than or on 05 June 2026.
Applications should be accompanied by the following:
- a cover letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describing how your qualifications, experience, and competencies are relevant to the position;
- not more than five (5) pages of updated curriculum vitae;
- certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s); and
- duly signed and completed SADC Application Form.
Should you be shortlisted, you will be required to produce evidence of educational and professional qualifications supporting your application, on the day of your interview.
Gender Mainstreaming
SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from female candidates.
Mainstreaming of People with Disability
SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages and promotes employment for people with disabilities.
If you are results orientated, you have a passion for the transformation and development of Southern Africa and possess the required competencies, please submit your application.
Only applicants, who meet the requirements of the SADC Secretariat and being considered for an interview, will be contacted. Should you not hear from the SADC Secretariat within two months after the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is an international organization formed by 16 nations in the southern region of Africa to build economic strength and maintain regional peace. It functions as a cooperative alliance where member states work together to eliminate trade barriers, build shared infrastructure like roads and power grids, and collectively tackle poverty.
The alliance is also deeply committed to security, meaning the nations cooperate on defense and diplomacy to prevent or resolve political conflicts within their borders.The membership of this regional bloc stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Indian Ocean and includes several island nations. On the mainland, the western and central parts of the region are represented by Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Moving toward the center and south, the member states include Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa. The eastern side of the continent is covered by Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The community also extends into the Indian Ocean to include the island nations of Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Together, these 16 countries form a massive, interconnected market focused on shared growth and stability.
- Location
- Tanzania
- Website
- www.sadc.int/