DIVISION OF OPERATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
VACANCY No: IRC 3526
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: Estates Management in the Department of Facilities Management.
JOB PURPOSE
The Manager: Estates Management is responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective management of all University-owned properties and facilities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Infrastructure Planning and Development and other stakeholders to ensure that the campus environment is well-maintained, sustainable and supports the overall mission of the University. This includes administration of land holdings and title records, lease and commercial lettings, space planning and allocation, staff housing, property acquisitions and disposals, valuations and the estates asset register.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to: i. Contribute to the development of the University and departmental strategies, policies, plans and procedures, and lead implementation at a unit level; ii. Develop and implement Estate Management plans in line with the departmental strategy; iii. Manage the unit’s operational performance against established goals and objectives identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective action as needed; iv. Ensure the maintenance, repair, and renovation of the University-owned buildings, grounds, and infrastructure to ensure a safe and functional environment for students, staff and visitors; v. Develop and implement effective preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of assets; vi. Manage contracts and relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers; vii. Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to understand their space requirements and develop efficient space allocation plans; viii. Monitor space utilization and make recommendations for optimizing space usage; ix. Coordinate relocation and renovation projects, ensuring minimal disruption to University operations; x. Collaborate with Manager, Infrastructure and Services for the establishment of service level agreements (SLAs) and monitor performance to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction; xi. Develop and implement sustainable practices and initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of university facilities; xii. Monitor energy usage and identify opportunities for energy conservation and efficiency improvements; xiii. Stay updated on green building practices and technologies and integrate them into the estates management strategy; xiv. Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enable effective delivery of the departmental mandate, as necessary; xv. Identify and address areas of improvement for customer and stakeholder experience; xvi. Support unit level professional development activities, including mentoring, training, and opportunities for advancement; xvii. Develop and manage estate management risk register with clear mitigation strategies; xviii. Ensure unit compliance to legislative and statutory requirements; xix. Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor in line with the role.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should have: i. A minimum of a Master’s degree in Facilities Management, Estates Management, Architecture, Engineering, Land Management, Properties Management, Urban and Regional Planning or a related field; ii. A Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in Facilities Management, Real Estate or Business Administration or other relevant areas will be added advantages; iii. Registration or eligibility for registration with Real Estate Advisory Council (REAC), Engineers Registration Board (ERB), Botswana Institute of Architects or a recognised professional body (e.g., RICS) is required. iv. Certification in facilities management or a related field is desirable.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
i. A minimum of six (6) years’ experience, three (3) of which should have been at senior officer level of relevant experience in building maintenance, facilities management, or infrastructure management. Higher Education experience is preferred; ii. Experience in managing outsourced service providers and service-level agreements, ease administration, space management, property transactions and valuations.
Other Requirements: i. Proficiency in property or estates management information systems; ii. Strong knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, and regulatory requirements; iii. Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously; i Knowledge of sustainability practices and green building certifications; iv. Knowledge of sustainability practices and green building certifications; v. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders; vi. Analytical mindset and ability to make data-driven decisions; vii. Proficiency in relevant computer software and systems.
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 national 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