Marketing Officer
Sales & Marketing Jobs
- The Biotech Institute
- Expires 15 Dec 2025
- Harare
- Contractor
Job Description
The Biotech Institute is a hybrid academic–biotech organisation specialising in cutting-edge genomics services, research, and graduate/postgraduate education in molecular biotechnology and genomics.
Our portfolio spans clinical diagnostics (including cancer genomics and infectious disease testing), next-generation sequencing services, food safety and hygiene testing, agrigenomics, bioinformatics training programmes and related technical services.
We are seeking a highly communicative, strategic and diligent Marketing Officer to drive growth across our diverse and expanding product and service portfolio. The role involves initiating, developing and managing relationships with clients in healthcare, research, industry and education, while supporting the launch and scale-up of emerging services.
Candidates without a strong track record of experience but with excellent potential may be considered for a Graduate Trainee – Marketing & Business Development track, with The Biotech Institute making a decisive decision on long-term engagement after four (4) months of intensive training and evaluation.
This is a full-time position primarily based in Harare, Zimbabwe, with frequent local travel and occasional regional/international travel.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for (depending on level – Officer vs Graduate Trainee):
**Client Acquisition & Relationship Management
-Identify, approach and onboard new clients across hospitals, clinics, private labs, universities, research institutes, NGOs and industry.
-Manage key accounts, ensuring high client satisfaction, repeat business and upselling of additional services.
-Maintain regular professional communication with clients via visits, calls, email, webinars and conferences.
**Marketing Strategy & Execution
Develop and implement marketing plans for:
- Genomics and NGS services
-Clinical and research diagnostics
- Food safety & hygiene and agrigenomics services
-Segment and prioritise markets, define value propositions and support pricing/packaging strategies.
-Monitor competitor activity and market trends in biotech, diagnostics and education to inform strategy.
**Digital Marketing, IT & AI-Driven Automation
- Plan, create and manage digital campaigns (website content, email campaigns, social media, webinars and online adverts).
- Use AI tools for:
- Market research and data analysis
- Content drafting and optimisation
- Campaign performance analysis and reporting
- Marketing workflow automation (e.g. CRM updates, email sequences).
- Track KPIs (leads, conversions, client retention, campaign ROI) and provide regular management reports.
**Business Development & Partnerships
- Support the development of new products/services (e.g. new test panels, training offerings, software and instrumentation solutions).
- Help build collaborations with local and international partners in academia, healthcare, industry and NGOs.
- Represent The Biotech Institute at conferences, exhibitions, roadshows and stakeholder meetings locally and outside Zimbabwe.
**Internal Coordination & Management
- Work closely with Technical Services, Research, Education and Finance teams to align marketing initiatives with operational capacity.
- Contribute to forecasts and sales pipelines for planning purposes.
- For the Marketing Officer level: provide light supervision/mentoring to interns or Graduate Trainees in marketing & business development.
<< Graduate Trainees will carry out similar tasks under closer supervision, with a structured learning plan and progressive responsibility.>>
Qualifications and Experience
**Essential (for both Marketing Officer & Graduate Trainee):
- A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a related field.
- Demonstrable interest in biotechnology, diagnostics, genomics or healthcare and willingness to learn technical concepts.
- Strong communication and presentation skills (written and verbal), able to engage confidently with professional clients.
- Proven IT literacy, including:
- Proficient use of standard office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Comfortable working with CRMs and online collaboration tools.
- Demonstrated ability or strong interest in using AI tools for research, content creation, advertising and marketing automation.
- High levels of integrity, diligence, loyalty to organisational values, and respect for confidentiality.
- Evidence of strategic thinking and initiative (e.g. leading projects, student societies, small businesses or community initiatives).
- Valid driver’s licence – mandatory.
- Valid passport (or ability to obtain one within a short period) and willingness to travel, including outside Zimbabwe – mandatory.
**Additional requirements for the Marketing Officer level:
- At least 3 years’ relevant experience in marketing, business development, key account management or sales, preferably in Healthcare, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology.
- Demonstrable track record of:
- Acquiring and managing clients or partners.
- Delivering on sales/marketing targets and KPIs.
- Coordinating campaigns or projects requiring cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using data/metrics to guide decisions.
- Prior exposure to international markets (education, conferences, collaborations, clients or work experience) is highly preferred.
*Graduate Trainee – Marketing & Business Development (early-career track):
- Recent graduate with 0–2 years’ experience, but with clear potential and motivation to build a career in biotech marketing and business development.
- Evidence of leadership, entrepreneurship or initiative (e.g. student projects, start-ups, volunteering, scientific or business competitions).
- Willingness to commit to an intensive 4-month evaluation period after which The Biotech Institute will make a clear decision on confirmation or non-renewal.
**Strong Advantages (for both levels):
- MBA or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business, Strategic Management or related field.
- Prior experience in biotech, diagnostics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, life-science education or scientific equipment/software sales.
- Experience engaging with international clients, partners or funding bodies.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following (as one pdf document):
- Application letter / cover letter clearly stating whether you are applying for:
A. Marketing Officer, or B. Graduate Trainee – Marketing & Business Development
- Detailed CV (maximum 4 pages), including at least three contactable referees.
- Copies of academic and professional certificates (combined into a single PDF where possible).
Please email your application to: applications@biotechinst.com, with the
Email subject line: “Marketing Officer – [Your Name]” or “Graduate Trainee – Marketing & Business Development – [Your Name]”
**Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
