FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
REF: VACANCY NO: IRC3477
The University of Botswana (UB), a premier state-owned tertiary institution dedicated to shaping the future through excellence, research, innovation and meaningful societal impact, invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Chief Technician in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
The position holder is responsible for overseeing technical operations, managing technical staff, coordinating the purchase and maintenance equipment/ supplies, technical troubleshooting, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various teaching and learning environments in the University. The Chief Technician will provide teaching, learning and research support and other technical activities across the Faculty.
Duties: The successful candidate will be responsible for: (i) Contributing to the development of University and departmental strategies, policies, plans, and procedures, and leading their implementation at the unit/laboratory level; (ii) Developing and implementing technical services plans in line with departmental/school/Faculty strategies; (iii) Managing operational performance against established departmental goals and objectives, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending corrective actions where needed; (iv) Staying updated with key trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation. (v) Planning, coordinating, and scheduling laboratory sessions. (vi) Providing timely technical support for various internal and external projects and activities. (vii) Ensuring that equipment and materials are available for laboratories. (viii) Overseeing the provision of teaching support during laboratory sessions, tutorials and practical classes through demonstrations, hands-on assistance for group practical work and tutorials, (ix) Assessing student laboratory reports and providing feedback under the supervision of the course lecturer or departmental chairperson. (x) Ensuring the development and management of an accurate and up-to-date information management system. (xi) Contributing to on-going research activities to support knowledge creation, intellectual property, and commercialization in- line with area of expertise. (xii) Ensuring efficient allocation of resources and workload management to support teaching and learning; (xiii) Facilitating the establishment and maintenance of a comprehensive inventory of technical equipment, tools, and supplies. (xiv) Managing the operation and monitor equipment or materials for experiments, including setting up equipment and laboratory experiments (xv) Coordinating regular maintenance, calibration, and repair of technical equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety. (xvi) Recommending decommissioning of obsolete equipment and its replacement; (xvii) Liaising with relevant offices to ensure the organization, cleanliness, and safety of laboratories, workshops, and technical facilities. (xviii) Implementing safety protocols, ensure compliance with regulations, and conduct regular safety inspections. (xix) Collaborating with faculty members and researchers to understand their technical requirements and provide appropriate solutions. (xx) Coordinating the delivery of technical support to departmental/school/Faculty members, researchers, and students to ensure that they are assisted with equipment setup, operation, and troubleshooting; (xxi) Providing excellent customer service ensuring client and stakeholder satisfaction. (xxii) Establishing and maintaining partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enable effective delivery of the departmental/school/Faculty mandate, as necessary. (xxiii) Resolving customer enquiries and issues in a timely and efficient manner. (xxiv) Identifying and address areas of improvement for customer and stakeholder experience; (xxv) Developing and managing risk register with clear mitigation strategies. (xxvi) Addressing audit findings and recommendations to improve processes and controls. (xxvii) Ensuring compliance with legislative and statutory requirements; (xxviii) Participating in recruitment and ensuring retention and development of a diverse team. (xxix) Supporting unit level professional development activities, including mentoring, training, and opportunities for advancement. (xxx) Conducting regular performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback to support continuous improvement to employees under supervision. (xxxi) Engage and discipline staff in accordance with defined human resource management policies and procedures and prevailing labor laws; (xxxii) Assisting with the development of the departmental budget. (xxxiii) Leading the development and management of the Medical Laboratory budget. (xxxiv) Recommending expenditure in accordance with delegated limits. (xxxiii) Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor in line with the scope and objectives of the role.
Qualification Requirements: Candidates should possess: (i) A Master’s degree in any of the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering; Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from a recognized institution; (ii) A Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from a recognized institution may be considered based on area of specialization.
Experience Requirements: (i) A minimum of six (6) years of relevant work experience, three (3) years of which should have been at a supervisory role; (ii) Extensive experience in technical operations, equipment maintenance, and facility management within an academic or research environment; (iii) Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex technical projects; (iv) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders; (v) Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and standards, with a commitment to maintaining a safe working environment; (vi) Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment. Higher qualifications and relevant experience will be an added advantage.
Other Requirements: Registration with, or eligibility for registration with, the Engineering Registration Board (ERB) is required.
Remuneration: The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply: Applicants are to address the stated qualifications in their application and provide other information to assist the University determine their suitability for the position. They should also quote the vacancy number of the post applied for, provide current CV’s (including telephone and email), certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, three work-related references and send complete documentation to: The Faculty Manager, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Botswana Private Bag UB 0061, Gaborone Botswana. Telephone: (267) 355-4214/4204; E-mail: recruitmentfebe@ub.ac.bw
Applicants should inform their referees to: (i) Quote the Vacancy number and position applied for and (ii) submit their references directly to the above address, before stipulated closing date.
Hand delivered applications should be submitted to Corner of Mobuto and Notwane roads, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Block 248, Office No. 205.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date: 02 September 2026