DIVISION OF OPERATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Vacancy No: IRC 3527
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: Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) in the Department of Facilities Management.
JOB PURPOSE
The Manager: Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the University's Occupational Health and Safety Management System, environmental compliance with safety, health and environmental regulations and best practices, risk management frameworks and SHE audit processes. The position ensures that the University meets its legal obligations and institutional policy commitments for a safe and healthy working, teaching, and learning environment. The successful candidate works closely with various departments to develop and implement policies, programs and procedures to minimize risks, promote a safe working environment and reduce the University’s impact on the environment, lead and coordinate all occupational health, safety and environmental compliance functions across the University's campuses.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will be expected to: i. Develop, implement, and review the University's OHS Management System in compliance with relevant legislation and the UB OHS Policy; ii. Conduct and coordinate SHE risk assessments, hazard identification, and risk mitigation across all campuses; iii. Develop and manage the SHE audit programme, including internal audits, corrective action tracking, and reporting; iv. Liaise with the Department of Labour, Department of Environmental Affairs and other regulatory authorities/stakeholders on compliance matters; v. Manage the University's environmental compliance obligations, including waste management, hazardous materials, refrigerant management, and effluent; vi. Develop and deliver SHE training, awareness and induction programmes and initiatives for staff, students, and contractors to enhance awareness and promote a safety-conscious culture; vii. Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, and near-misses, prepare reports, and recommend corrective measures; viii. Coordinate the OHS Committee and ensure compliance with legislative requirements for its composition and function; ix. Monitor utilities consumption and environmental KPIs, providing monthly reports to the Head: Campus Operations and Services; x. Manage emergency preparedness and evacuation planning; xi. Develop and manage the SHE budget and maintain accurate SHE records and registers; xii. Contribute to the development of University and departmental strategies, policies, plans and procedures, and lead implementation at a unit level; xiii. Develop and implement Safety, health and environmental plans in line with the departmental strategy; xiv. Provide excellent customer service ensuring client and stakeholder satisfaction; xv. Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enable effective delivery of the departmental mandate, as necessary; xvi. Resolve customer enquiries and issues in a timely and efficient manner; xvii. Support unit level professional development activities, including mentoring, training, and opportunities for advancement; xviii. Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor in line with the role.
QULIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should have: i. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field is required; ii. Registration as a Safety Officer or Environmental Practitioner with a recognised professional body is required; iii. NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) International Diploma or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
i. A minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in occupational health and safety, environmental management, or SHE practice; ii. At least three (3) years at a have been at senior officer level, preferably in a complex or multi-site organisation. Higher Education experience is preferred; iii. Demonstrated experience conducting SHE risk assessments, audits and accident investigations; iv. Knowledge of Botswana OHS legislation (Factories Act), environmental legislation, and international SHE standards (ISO 45001, ISO 14001); v. Experience developing and delivering SHE training programmes.
Other Requirements: i. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and develop effective mitigation strategies; ii. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees at all levels of the institution; iii. Strong organizational and project management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines; iv. Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for data analysis and reporting.
KEY COMPETENCIES
i. Deep knowledge of OHS legislation, environmental compliance, and SHE management systems; ii. Strong analytical, investigative, and reporting skills; iii. Leadership and team management; iv. Communication and training facilitation; iv. Problem-solving and regulatory engagement.
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 202