Chief Director, Rural Development and Industrialisation Coordination

Role Overview

The Chief Director provides executive leadership, strategic policy direction, and national oversight for the coordination of rural development and rural industrialization programs in Zimbabwe. The role is central to transforming rural economies from subsistence to commercially viable, agro-industrial hubs in line with Vision 2030 and NDS2. The incumbent will drive integration between land reform, agricultural productivity, rural infrastructure, value addition, and industrialization to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable rural economies, reduce rural-urban migration, and ensure no one and no place is left behind. 1.

Lead the formulation, review, and implementation of national policies, strategies, and legislative frameworks on rural development and rural industrialization. 2. Provide technical guidance on rural transformation, value chains, and industrial policy. 3. Drive and coordinate Rural Development Programme across national, provincial, and local government structures. 4. Superintend multi-sectoral rural development initiatives including land tenure security, rural infrastructure, water, energy, and digital connectivity. 5. Promote value addition and beneficiation of local agricultural and natural resource products to move rural areas beyond primary production. 6. Lead strategies for resource mobilization, Private Public Partnerships (PPPs,) and private sector investment for rural development and industrialization. 7. Forge strategic partnerships with Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), private sector, traditional leadership, and rural communities for localized industrial projects.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Possession of a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Studies, Agriculture Economics, or related field from a recognized institution is a pre-requisite
• A minimum 10 years post-qualification experience in development, policy, or public sector management
• At least 2 years at Director Level or equivalent in Government, Non – Governmental Organisations (NGOs,) or Private Sector
• Proven experience in coordinating multi-sectoral programs, and large-scale development interventions
• Strategic & Policy Acumen
• Thorough understanding of national economic frameworks, rural industrialization, and development planning
• Leadership: Visionary leadership, decision-making, change management, and team building
• Analytical: Ability to collect, interpret, and analyzes complex data for evidence-based decision making and policy formulation
• Coordination: Strong inter-governmental, inter-ministerial, and stakeholder engagement skills across central government, local authorities, private sector, and communities
• Digital: Ability to utilize modern ICT tools, MIS, and data dashboards for tracking, designing, and evaluating development programs
• Integrity: High ethical standards, political acumen, and commitment to public service values.