DIVISION OF OPERATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Vacancy No: IRC 3525
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 Manager: Electrical and Mechanical (Plant) in the Department of Facilities Management.
JOB PURPOSE
The Manager: Electrical and Mechanical (Plant) is responsible for overseeing and managing and managing all electrical and mechanical plant systems across the University's campuses, including high-voltage electrical infrastructure, standby generators, HVAC systems, chiller plants, lifts, pumps, solar energy systems, boilers, and refrigeration plant. The position ensures compliance with relevant legislation, efficient and reliable operation of these systems, while also complying with relevant regulations and safety standard preventive maintenance programmes, and service-level commitments. The successful candidate will manage the University's electrical and mechanical plant infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operations across all campuses.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to: i. Develop, implement and manage planned preventive maintenance (PPM) programmes for all electrical and mechanical plant systems; ii. Oversee emergency and reactive maintenance of electrical and mechanical faults, ensuring compliance with response time standards; iii. Manage and maintain the University's high-voltage electrical infrastructure, standby generators, distribution boards, and associated equipment; iv. Oversee HVAC systems (chiller plants, AHUs, fan coil units, VRF systems, split units) across all campus buildings; v. Manage the University's solar energy systems, monitoring performance and ensuring optimal output; vi. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including the Electricity Act, Occupational Health and Safety regulations, and environmental standards; vii. Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of technicians and artisans in the electrical and mechanical section; viii. Manage external service providers and maintenance contractors, monitoring SLA compliance; ix. Develop and manage the unit budget, control expenditure and provide financial reports; x. Maintain an accurate asset register for all electrical and mechanical plant equipment; xi. Contribute to strategic planning and the development of departmental policies and procedures; xii. Develop and implement electrical and mechanical plans in line with the departmental strategy; xiii. Manage the unit’s operational performance against established goals and objectives identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective action as needed; xiv. Contribute to the development of University and departmental strategies, policies, plans and procedures, and lead implementation at a unit level; xv. Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enable effective delivery of the departmental mandate, as necessary; xvi. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to support continuous improvement to employees under supervision; xvii. Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor in line with the role.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should have: i. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electro-Mechanical Engineering is required; ii. Registration or eligibility for registration with a recognised professional engineering body (e.g., Engineers Registration Board of Botswana) is required; iii. A postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Facilities Management, or Business Management will be an added advantage.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
i. A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in electrical and/or mechanical plant maintenance and management; ii. At least four (4) years must have been at a supervisory or management level in a large, multi-site organisation; iii. Proven experience managing HVAC systems (chillers, AHUs, VRF), standby generators, high-voltage distribution, and solar systems; iv. Experience in managing outsourced maintenance contractors and service-level agreements; v. Proficiency in computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS).
KEY COMPETENCIES
i. Strong technical knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering systems; ii. Leadership, people management, and team development skills; iii. Financial management and budget administration; iv. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills; v. Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
REMUNERATION
The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualifying applicants should address the stated requirements 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 curriculum vitae (CV) - including telephone and active email address, certified true copies of educational certificates, transcripts, three work-related references and certified copy of ID/Omang or passport. 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 the University of Botswana Gaborone campus, at the corner of Notwane and Mobuto road, 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.
NB: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing date: 24 September 2026