Manager, Conflict Prevention and Counselling (Grade D4)

The Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC) invites applications from suitably qualified, ethical and results-oriented candidates for the position below. It is one of thirty (30) positions, comprising thirty-five (35) posts, advertised in the Commission's External Circular No. 1 of 2026 (reference ZICC/HR2/2026), issued on 21 October 2026. The Commission offers competitive public sector remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience, and meaningful professional growth in a national oversight institution.

The Commission is the independent mechanism required by section 210 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, established under the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission Act [Chapter 10:34]. It receives and investigates complaints from members of the public about misconduct by members of the security services, and provides for the remedying of harm caused by such misconduct. Its core values are Independence, Justice, Truth, Transparency and Integrity.

Position 10: MANAGER, CONFLICT PREVENTION AND COUNSELLING (1 post).

Reference: ZICC/HR2/2026/10. Grade: D4. Reports to: General Manager – Conflict Prevention and Conflict Management. Employment: permanent. Duty station: Head Office, Harare. Closing: 30 October 2026, 16:30 CAT.

Purpose of the position

Manage the Commission's conflict prevention and early-warning functions by identifying emerging risks associated with complaints and security service conduct, coordinating evidence-based preventive interventions and supporting timely responses to tensions between communities, institutions and the security services.

Key performance areas

• Conflict Prevention Planning: develop and implement work plans, prevention frameworks and early-warning indicators aligned with the Commission's mandate and operational priorities.
• Conflict Mapping and Risk Assessment: conduct conflict mapping, stakeholder analysis and structured risk assessments; identify recurring drivers including abuse of authority, conditions of detention, excessive force, institutional mistrust and community-security tensions.
• Early Warning and Trend Analysis: gather and analyse information from complaints, field teams, communities and stakeholders; prepare early-warning notes, risk assessments and recommendations for timely preventive action.
• Preventive Interventions and Stakeholder Engagement: coordinate neutral, evidence-based engagement with communities, security institutions, traditional leadership, civil society and public institutions to de-escalate tensions and prevent recurrence.
• Integration with Complaints and Investigations: identify matters requiring preventive engagement and support field teams during sensitive investigations, deaths in custody and community engagements, while respecting investigative independence and confidentiality.
• Counselling and Referral Coordination: coordinate counselling and psychosocial support where complainants, witnesses or staff have experienced trauma; maintain referral pathways to qualified mental health, social welfare and medical providers.
• Reporting and Escalation: prepare prevention reports and policy briefs; maintain auditable records; escalate high-risk matters to the General Manager in accordance with delegated authority.
• Supervision and Performance Management: supervise conflict prevention and counselling staff, allocate work, monitor performance and promote impartiality and continuous learning.

Qualifications and experience

• A relevant first degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Resolution, Governance, International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Sociology, Public Administration or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate degree or professional qualification in conflict analysis, mediation, negotiation, peacebuilding or a related field is an added advantage.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in conflict prevention, conflict analysis, early warning, peacebuilding or related public sector work, including supervisory experience and sound knowledge of public sector systems.

How to apply: a separate application is required for each position. Each application must contain, in this order: (1) an application letter stating the position applied for and its reference number (ZICC/HR2/2026/10 - Manager, Conflict Prevention and Counselling); (2) a detailed curriculum vitae with complete employment history and dates; (3) certified copies of the National Identity Document and Birth Certificate; (4) certified copies of academic and professional certificates and academic transcripts; (5) certified copies of current professional registrations and practising certificates where the position requires them (Council of Social Workers, Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, Law Society of Zimbabwe, PAAB/ICAZ, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe); and (6) the names of at least three (3) professional referees, with verifiable telephone numbers and email addresses.

By email: send to [email protected] with the position title and reference number (Manager, Conflict Prevention and Counselling - ZICC/HR2/2026/10) in the subject line and all documents attached as PDF files.

By hand delivery or registered post: in a sealed envelope clearly marked "VACANCY: Manager, Conflict Prevention and Counselling - REF: ZICC/HR2/2026/10", addressed to The Human Resources Department, Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission, First Mutual Building, 99 Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Applications must be received by 16:30 hours (CAT) on Friday 30 October 2026. Late, incomplete or incorrectly marked applications will not be considered.

The Commission is an equal opportunity employer committed to gender equity, diversity and non-discrimination. Qualified women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to background checks, verification of academic and professional credentials, and standard state security vetting. Canvassing in any form, direct or indirect, will result in immediate disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; applicants who have not heard from the Commission within thirty (30) days of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Personal information submitted will be used solely for this recruitment process and handled in accordance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07].