FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING REF: VACANCY NO: IRC 3476 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 Technician in Computer and Telecommunication Engineering.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-09-02
Key Responsibilities
- (i) Contributing to the development and implementation of the unit’s strategies, policies, and procedures;
- (ii) Stay updated with key trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- (iii) Prepare equipment or materials for the laboratory practical sessions and research.
- (iv) Demonstrate and monitor equipment or materials for experiments to students and researchers.
- (v) Provide practical support and assist with evaluation/grading of student reports for laboratory, tests, tutorials and assignments (vi) Provide timely technical support for various internal and external projects and activities.
- (vii) Communicate effectively to understand laboratory requirements and help accordingly.
- (viii) Maintain an accurate record of all technical services and support provided to enable teaching, research and engagement.
- (ix) Operate and perform routine maintenance to ensure equipment functionality.
- (x) Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment following health and safety protocols and guidelines.
- (xi) Identify and report observed faults within the laboratory (xii) Assist in inventory management by monitoring supplies and assisting with procurement tasks.
- (xiii) Assist in procurement of laboratory sundries.
- (xiv) Maintain inventory or stock and record equipment loans issued from assigned laboratory.
- (xv) Identify and report the need for decommissioning obsolete equipment and recommend their replacement.
- (xvi) Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks.
- (xvii) Participate in internal and external audits in line with university policies (xviii) Comply with relevant regulations and legislation.
- (xix) Respond to customer/ stakeholder queries and inquiries related to area of expertise.
- (xx) Collaborate with other units as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined.
- (xxi) Actively engage with the professional community to support and develop expertise in area of profession.
- (xxii) Adhere to performance targets as reflected in the performance contract and prepare for performance review and appraisal.
- (xxiii) Identify learning opportunities and follow up on own training and development in line with departmental needs.
- (xxiv) Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor in line with their role.
Requirements
- (i) A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Control Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from a recognized institution;
- (ii) The ability to manage and support laboratories such as the Circuits and Systems Laboratory, Telecommunications Laboratory, Advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Laboratory, Control Laboratory, Computer Networking Laboratory, or other related engineering laboratories;
- (iii) Experience in a technical or laboratory environment will be an added advantage, although it is not mandatory;
- (iv) A basic understanding of technical equipment, laboratory operations, and maintenance procedures;
- (v) Strong attention to detail, with a willingness to learn and continuously develop technical and professional skills; and
- (vi) Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Added advantage: Higher qualifications and relevant experience will be an added advantage.
- Other Requirements: Registration with, or eligibility for registration with, the Engineering Registration Board (ERB) as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.), Professional Engineering Technologist, Professional Engineering Technician, Graduate Engineer, or Graduate Engineering Technologist.
Salary
competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3476 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3476
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) stands as the nation's premier institution for higher learning, with its main campus primarily located in Gaborone. Established in 1982, it plays a critical role in advancing the intellectual and human resource capacity essential for Botswana's socio-economic development. UB offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across diverse faculties, including sciences, humanities, business, and education. The university is deeply committed to fostering robust research and innovation, addressing key societal challenges and contributing to the economic diversification of Botswana. Through its dedication to academic excellence and community engagement, UB actively prepares skilled professionals who drive progress across all sectors within Botswana.
Shaping the Future
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this technician role in Botswana?
Applicants usually need a National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a closely related field from a recognized institution such as the University of Botswana or Botho University. Relevant certifications like CompTIA A+, CCNA, or Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) are highly valued, especially if aligned with UB’s infrastructure, and registration with the Botswana Institute of Engineers (BIE) is encouraged though not always mandatory for technician-level posts.
What does a typical day look like for a Computer and Telecommunications Technician at a university like UB?
Daily tasks include maintaining campus network infrastructure (e.g., switches, routers, Wi-Fi access points), supporting academic and administrative staff with hardware/software issues, and assisting with installation and troubleshooting of VoIP systems and classroom AV equipment. Technicians often respond to helpdesk tickets, conduct routine system checks, and collaborate with IT and academic departments—especially during exam periods or semester start-up when demand peaks.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for technicians in Botswana compared to other countries?
In Botswana, respect for hierarchy and formal communication is expected—technicians typically report to senior engineers or IT managers and are expected to document work thoroughly and follow institutional procedures. Punctuality, reliability, and willingness to support colleagues across departments are highly valued, and interpersonal skills matter greatly given the collaborative, relationship-oriented nature of public-sector institutions like UB.
What realistic career progression paths exist for technicians in this field within Botswana’s public sector?
Technicians can progress to Senior Technician, then to roles such as Systems Administrator or Network Engineer—often requiring further study (e.g., BEng or postgraduate diplomas) and internal promotion through UB’s Human Resources framework. Some move into training, technical project coordination, or transition into regulatory or policy support roles via institutions like the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) or the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
What benefits are typically offered to technical staff employed by the University of Botswana?
UB offers statutory benefits including pension contributions under the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), annual leave (22–30 days depending on grade), sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per national labour laws. Medical aid is provided through the University’s group scheme, and staff may access subsidized accommodation, staff development opportunities, and tuition assistance for dependents under UB’s HR policies.