Director Social and Human Development

About this role

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is recruiting a Director of Social and Human Development to provide senior-level strategic direction and management of the social and human development programme cluster at its headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana. Reporting to the Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, the incumbent will oversee the formulation, review, and implementation of relevant policies, strategies, rules, regulations, systems, and procedures for the directorate. The Director will ensure alignment of plans and budgets with short-term and long-term corporate goals while providing expert guidance on key policy areas including development and review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), coordination and monitoring of protocol adoption across Member States, development and harmonisation of regional policies and standards, and facilitation of programme development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The role encompasses data collection, analysis, and reporting, production of documents for circulation to SADC institutions and policy organs, promotion of SADC's work in regional and international forums, enforcement of legal and regulatory compliance, and resource mobilisation and partnership management with International Cooperating Partners.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director will contribute to establishing overall goals, strategies, and plans for the Secretariat while ensuring implementation and monitoring of organisational achievements. People management responsibilities include building, leading, and motivating a high-performing team and overseeing the recruitment, training, development, supervision, mentoring, and appraisal of senior officers. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Economics, Social Sciences, or Development Studies from a recognised institution, and possess at least ten years of relevant experience with five years in a senior managerial role within social or development policy and planning, including experience in budget management and personnel supervision. A comprehensive set of competencies is required spanning communication, management, decision-making, leadership, negotiation, strategic planning, and the ability to work in an international, multi-cultural, and politically sensitive environment.