Background
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:
Job Title: Director Finance
Reference: SADC/2/3/3 Vacancy No 2 of 2025
Reporting to: Deputy Executive Secretary – Corporate Affairs
Primary Purpose of the Job
Under the supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary – Corporate Affairs, the incumbent will:
- Provide strategic guidance to Executive Management and deliver financial management strategies, capacity, systems, and processes in line with financial policies, rules, regulations, and best practices to achieve sound financial management and internal financial controls over SADC Secretariat’s resources
- Serve as the principal financial adviser to the Executive Secretary, Deputy Executive Secretary – Corporate Affairs, and Management on effective and efficient financial management strategies, systems, and processes
- Oversee preparation of long-, medium-, and annual budgets, statutory annual accounts, and financial statements in line with standards
- Formulate and present policy, strategic, and technical financial matters in line with international standards and best practices
- Ensure systems and processes for financial administration, control, and protection of the organisation’s resources and assets are in place and ethically sound
- Maintain an effective financial management infrastructure across all regions, adaptable to SADC Secretariat’s business initiatives
- Produce regular financial reports for Executives, Management, and stakeholders
- Contribute to overall Secretariat strategies and policies through advisory services and participation in management meetings
- Undertake financial analysis, manage cash flow, investment policy and strategies, and assist in mobilising funding for institutional reforms and corporate development
- Conduct financial risk profiling and manage mitigation strategies
- Guide and mentor the finance team through professional development and capacity-building programmes
- Oversee coordination of internal, annual, and external audits
- Supervise the treasury function and invoicing of Member States
Position Requirements
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Finance, Management, Business Administration, or equivalent
- Professional qualification such as Certified Accountant or Chartered Public Accountant (CPA) is required
- Membership with an internationally recognised accounting body such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA, or equivalent
Experience
- Minimum of 15 years of experience with a strong track record in financial management and accounting, including 10 years in a similar leadership position
- Knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS is required
- Previous experience as CFO of a large organisation is highly desirable
- Experience in both public and private sectors is an advantage
- Experience coordinating audits and managing budgets is required
- Experience in risk management and mission management is highly desirable
Competencies
- Demonstrates strategic orientation and integrity by modelling Secretariat values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the Secretariat
- Strong planning, budgeting, and resource management capabilities
- Promotes teamwork
Tenure of appointment
The term of appointment of the Director positions shall be for a fixed period of four (4) years, renewable once for another period of four (4) years. While appointments for positions (5 – 8) 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 (Position 5 – 8): Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Due to the SADC recruitment policy, ONLY nationals of Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania are eligible to apply for the Director positions because of 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 01 August 2025.
Applications should be accompanied by the following:
(a) over letter stating the position that you want to be considered for and describing how your qualifications, experience, and competencies are relevant to the position;
(b) not more than five (5) pages of updated curriculum vitae;
(c) certified copies of your degree(s), Diploma(s) and Certificate(s); and
(d) 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 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.
For further details on the position that you want to apply for, job profiles, and SADC Application Form, refer to the SADC Website: www.sadc.int