About the role

REF: SADC/2/3/3. Based at SADC Headquarters, Gaborone, Botswana.

Primary purpose of the job

Oversee all budgeting & budgetary control and treasury operations of the Secretariat.

Manage the efforts and performance of the team under the Controller.

Budgets & budgetary control: coordinate the annual budgeting exercise with Directorates/Units; prepare and disseminate budget guidelines; consolidate and finalise the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework and Annual Estimates; oversee capture of budget figures on SIMS; review and report on budget variances; review adjustment budgets and virements; liaise with the Financial Controller Grants/Contracts.

Accounting: review treasury records and month-end reconciliations; oversee journal entries relating to Treasury and Budget; finalise account schedules for annual statutory reporting; ensure proper application of IPSAS.

Cash management: manage the Secretariat's bank accounts; ensure timely and accurate bank reconciliations; review consolidated cash flow reconciliations; liaise with banks on signatories and negotiate terms; report on cash flow and liquidity positions and advise on borrowing/funding needs; respond to enquiries from Member States, donors and bankers; monitor timely receipt of Member States' contributions and ICP disbursements.

Internal controls: implement and maintain controls over treasury and budget activities, including segregation of duties and user access rights; identify and implement leading treasury/budgeting/investment practice; monitor compliance with donor cash-management requirements; maintain the Risk Register; oversee financial systems upgrades; attend to audit queries and investigations.

Collections: monitor invoicing and ensure timely collection of dues from Member States and donors.

Support to governing bodies: review consolidated budgetary performance reports; draft annotated agendas for the Finance Sub-Committee, Finance Committee, Council and Summit meetings; provide secretarial and technical financial advisory services; follow up on implementation of Council and Summit decisions under the Directorate of Finance.

Management of the unit: develop and implement the unit's policies, strategies, processes and procedures; participate in formulating the Corporate Strategy; develop and manage the unit's plans, budgets and staff; undertake other duties delegated by the Director Finance.

At least a Master's Degree in a finance-related field from a recognised institution.

Professional accountancy certification such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA or equivalent.

Knowledge of IAS, IFRS and IPSAS; proficient in computer software/systems relevant to the position (e.g. SunSystems, Vision, Pastel, SAP, Oracle).

At least 10 years' working experience in finance, preferably within a public or private sector, regional or international organisation, including a minimum of 4 years in a line management position.

Skills requirements

Communication and presentation, conflict management, decision-making, international relations, interpersonal, leadership, mentoring and coaching, negotiation/persuasion/advocacy/networking/stakeholder management, organisational (planning, budgeting, prioritisation, time management), research/analytical/problem-solving, strategy and policy development, and team building skills.

Competency requirements

Capable of maintaining quality under pressure and deadlines; motivates and influences positively; conceptual and practical thinker; customer focused; decisive; works well in an international, multi-cultural and highly political environment; organisationally aware; maintains confidentiality; methodical with attention to detail; professional; questions convention and encourages innovation; resilient and self-motivated; results and performance driven; visionary, thinks and acts strategically.

About SADC: the Southern African Development Community is a regional economic community of 16 Member States (Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe), with a combined population of approximately 340 million and a combined GDP of US$720 billion. The Secretariat is based at SADC Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana.

Tenure: a fixed term of 4 years, renewable twice for a further 4 years each time, subject to satisfactory completion of 6 months' probation, satisfactory performance, the retirement age limit of 60, and the continued need for the position.

Eligibility: open to citizens of Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, aged 52 or younger (56 or younger for internal SADC candidates). SADC is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages applications from women and from people with disabilities.

applications must be submitted to the SADC National Contact Point of the applicant's eligible Member State (in Zimbabwe, enquire at the relevant government ministry) not later than 20 November 2026, together with (a) a cover letter stating the position applied for and how your qualifications, experience and competencies are relevant, (b) a CV of not more than 5 pages, (c) certified copies of degree(s), diploma(s) and certificate(s), and (d) a duly signed and completed SADC Application Form. Job profiles and the Application Form are on the SADC website. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted; if you have not heard back within two months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

The Herald