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:
Director – Social and Human Development (Re-advertised)
Primary Purpose of the Job
Under the supervision of the Deputy Executive Secretary – Regional Integration, the incumbent will be responsible for senior-level decision-making, day-to-day management, and providing strategic direction to the Social and Human Development Programme Cluster of the Secretariat.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Oversee formulation, review, and implementation of policies, strategies, rules, regulations, systems, and procedures
- Oversee development of plans and budgets aligned with organisational goals
- Provide expert guidance in social and human development focal areas, including:
- Development and review of RISDP sections
- Coordination and monitoring of protocol implementation in Member States
- Development, alignment, and implementation of policies and strategies
- Programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
- Data collection, analysis, reporting, and dissemination
- Production of reports for SADC institutions and policy organs
- Promotion of SADC in regional and international forums
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies
- Mobilise resources and manage partnerships with International Cooperating Partners (ICPs)
- Maintain effective stakeholder relations
- Analyse challenges and provide solutions for operational efficiency
- Make decisions on project priorities and budget allocation
- Ensure implementation of audit recommendations
- Serve as Secretary to relevant committees where required
- Contribute to overall Secretariat strategy, planning, and performance monitoring
- Promote research, benchmarking, and best practices
- Perform any other duties as assigned
People Management
- Conduct regular directorate meetings
- Lead, motivate, and develop staff
- Perform performance appraisals
- Ensure compliance with organisational values and policies
- Promote a positive work environment
- Oversee recruitment, training, development, and supervision of staff
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s Degree in Economics, Social Sciences, or Development Studies
Experience
- Minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience, including five (5) years in a senior managerial role
- Experience in programme development, coordination, budgeting, and human resource management
Skills Requirements
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and management skills
- Decision-making and analytical skills
- International relations and diplomacy
- Interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
- Strategic planning and execution
Competencies
- Ability to lead and motivate teams
- Strong organisational awareness and professionalism
- Ability to work in multicultural and political environments
- Results-driven and strategic thinker
- High level of integrity and confidentiality
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
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.