DIVISION OF OPERATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
VACANCY NO.: IRC 3441
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 Head: Employee Relations in the Department of Human Resources.
The Head of Employee Relations is responsible for developing and implementing employee relations strategies, policies and programs to promote excellent labour relations, fair treatment, resolve conflicts and enhance employee engagement and morale.
Duties: The successful candidate will be expected to:
Strategy and Policy: (i) Contribute to the development of University and departmental strategies, policies, plans and procedures, and lead implementation at a sectional level. (ii) Develop and implement Employee Relations level plans in line with the University goals and objectives. (iii) Monitor and evaluate the performance of Employee Relations operations against established goals and objectives identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective action as needed. (iv) Stay updated with key trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
Employee Relations: (i) Facilitate the resolution of employee conflicts, grievances, and disputes through mediation, negotiation, and impartial investigations. (ii) Lead and coordinate employee-related investigations, disciplinary, and grievance processes, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes. (iii) Recommend and implement appropriate resolutions to employee concerns while promoting a positive work environment. (iv) Review and advise on suspensions, demotions, layoffs, and terminations to ensure compliance with labour laws, University policies, and best practices. (v) Provide expert guidance on the interpretation and application of employee relations policies, including sexual harassment, performance management, grievance, and disciplinary procedures. (vi) Evaluate and resolve employee and management enquiries on policy and regulatory matters and support the review of legal cases as required by University Management.
Labour Relations: (i) Participate in collective bargaining and negotiation processes, act as the primary liaison with unions. (ii) Facilitate effective labour-management communication, address grievances and labour relations issues. (iii) Ensure compliance with collective agreements and labour legislation, provide labour law guidance to management, and assist in the resolution of disputes through grievance hearings, mediation, and arbitration proceedings.
Customer and Stakeholder Experience: (i) Provide exceptional customer service to ensure client and stakeholder satisfaction. (ii) Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support departmental objectives. (iii) Resolve customer queries and issues promptly and efficiently. (iv) Continuously identify and implement improvements to enhance customer and stakeholder experience.
People Management: (i) Support recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse workforce. (ii) Facilitate staff development through mentoring, training, and career advancement opportunities. (iii) Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement. (iv) Engage and discipline staff in accordance with defined human resource management policies and procedures and prevailing labour laws.
Financial Management: (i) Assist with the development of the departmental budget. (ii) Lead the planning and management of the Employee Relations budget. (iii) Recommend expenditure within delegated authority limits.
Risk Management and Compliance: (i) Develop and maintain the Employee Relations risk register, implementing effective mitigation measures, (ii) Coordinate and support internal and external audits, addressing findings to strengthen processes, controls and compliance, (iii) Ensure compliance with legislative, statutory and University policy requirements.
Qualification Requirements: A Master's degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Industrial Psychology or any related field is required.
Experience Requirements: (i) A minimum of eight (8) years' experience, three (3) of which should have been at managerial level. (ii) Higher Education experience is preferred.
Other Requirements: (i) Be a member (or eligible for membership) of an international or local equivalent HR/IR body. (ii) Strong leadership and team management skills. (iii) Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. (iv) Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and best practices.
How to Apply: applicants should address the stated qualifications and provide any other information to assist the University determine their suitability for the position. They should quote the vacancy number of the post applied for, provide current CVs (including telephone and email address), certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts and three work-related references. The application material should be addressed to: The Manager: HR Business Partnering, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana, Telephone: (+267) 3552250/2167/2842. E-mail: UBHRrecruitment@ub.ac.bw
Hand-delivered applications should be submitted to at the corner of Notwane and Mobuto road, University of Botswana administration building, Block 108 - Office No. 205 (second floor).
Applicants should inform their referees (x3) to: (i) quote the vacancy number; (ii) position applied for, and; (iii) submit the references directly to the address stated above before the stipulated closing date.
Remuneration: the University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Please note that applications with incomplete information shall not be acknowledged.
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date: 24 September 2026