Job Opportunities

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

VACANCY NO: IRC 3301

The University of Botswana (UB), a state – owned tertiary education institution, through the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences seeks to appoint Deputy Dean - Research, Engagement and Postgraduate Studies

Duties:

Strategy and Policy 

1. Contribute to the development of University and Faculty strategies, policies, plans and procedures, and lead implementation at School level.
2. Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive Faculty Research, Engagement, and Postgraduate Studies strategic plan, policies and procedures in line with the university's overall goals.
3. Monitor and evaluate the performance of departmental operations against established goals and objectives, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective action as needed.

Faculty Research and Programme Development

1. Collaborate with the Executive Dean to develop and implement a comprehensive research strategy aligned with institutional goals.
2. Facilitate training and workshops on research methodologies and postgraduate supervision.
3. Collaborate with Research and Innovation Services, researchers and key Faculty personnel in efforts to secure external research funding and grants from external sources.
4. Provide support and guidance to faculty members in developing and submission of competitive research proposals.
5. Oversee initiatives for the commercialization and technology transfer of research outcomes.

External Engagement and Partnerships

1. Champion student success initiatives, including recruitment, retention, and graduation efforts.
2. Address student concerns and grievances promptly, working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to ensure a positive student experience.

Post-Graduate Studies Support

1. Provide strategic direction for postgraduate programmes within the faculty.
2. Oversee the development, implementation, and enhancement of postgraduate curricula.
3. Collaborate with the Director of Research and Innovation to develop and implement initiatives to support the academic and research success of postgraduate students.
4. Ensure effective postgraduate student support and supervision, including monitoring of their academic progress.

Customer and Stakeholder Experience

1. Provide excellent customer service ensuring client and stakeholder satisfaction.
2. Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enable effective delivery of the departmental mandate, as necessary.
3. Resolve customer enquiries and issues in a timely and efficient manner.
4. Identify and address areas of improvement for customer and stakeholder experience.

Risk Management and Compliance

1. Develop and manage the departmental risk register with clear mitigation strategies.
2. Coordinate and support internal and external departmental audits as per the University policy.
3. Address audit findings and recommendations to improve processes and controls.
4. Ensure departmental compliance to legislative and statutory requirements.

People Management

1. Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and talented team.
2. Support departmental professional development activities, including mentoring, training, and opportunities for advancement.
3. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to support continuous improvement to employees under supervision. 
4. Engage and discipline staff in accordance with defined human resource management policies and procedures and prevailing labour laws. 

Financial Management 

1. Develop and manage Faculty Research, Engagement, and Postgraduate Studies budget. 
2. Recommend expenditure in accordance with delegated limits.

Requirements

    Candidate must have:

1. A PhD/Doctorate or advanced degree in a relevant field is required.
2. At the rank of associate professor
3. A minimum of eight (8) years’ experience, three (3) of which should have been at a Departmental Chairperson level or equivalent
4. Higher Education experience is required

Other Requirements

1. Extensive experience in academic research, engagement, and postgraduate studies, with a record of scholarly achievement and leadership.
2. Demonstrated success in securing research funding, managing research projects, and building collaborative partnerships.
3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
4. Knowledge of academic governance, research administration, and regulatory compliance requirements in higher education settings.

Remuneration: The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.  For more information on the University, please visit our website www.ub.bw

How to apply: letters of application are to address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University to determine the applicants’ suitability for the position. Applicants should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for; provide current CVs (including telephone, telex and telefax numbers and e-mails), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts and three (3) reference letters. 

Applicants should also inform their referees to: (i) Quote the Vacancy Number(s) and Position applied for and (ii) Submit their references directly to the address below before the stipulated closing date. 

Send your applications to: The Human Resource, Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Private Bag 00703, Gaborone, Botswana, Telephone: (+267) 3552196/2231/2643; E-mail: hessvacancies@ub.ac.bw.   Hand-delivered applications should be submitted to Office No. 118, Block 239 (First floor)

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: 17th July 2026