Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Planning
- Closing Date: 2026-09-01
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and undertake direct professional input in the preparation and delivery of the Integrated Land Use Management Plans (ILUMPs) until completion.
- Integrate Sustainable Land Management (SLM), ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation and adaptive natural resource management approaches into land use planning to support Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), Ecosystem resilience, and evidence – based and implementable livelihoods.
- Deliver high quality, evidence – based and implementable planning outputs in accordance with applicable legislation and policies and project funding requirements.
- Undertake core technical work including spatial and land use analysis, environmental assessments and land suitability studies.
- Develop spatial development frameworks including land use proposals, strategies, planning scenarios and implementation frameworks supported by GIS – based spatial analysis and mapping. Implementation.
- Prepare technical reports and deliverables in close collaboration with the project team and undertake field investigations in accordance with the project timelines.
- Ensure quality control and assurance of all outputs, integrate stakeholder inputs into planning proposals and that the ILUMPs are coherent with the project results framework.
- Work collaboratively with the Department of Town and Country Planning, Department of Forestry and Range Resources, FAQ, the National Project Coordination Unit and other implementing partners to achieve the objectives of the Miombo-Mopane Land scape programme.
Requirements
- A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning/Rural and Urban Planning/City Planning/Town Planning.
- A Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning/Rural and Urban Planning/City Planning/Town Planning/Project Management/Land Use Planning/Environmental Planning/Development Planning/Spatial Planning will be an added advantage.
- Applicants should be registered with Pula Institute of Town Planners.
- Applicants must have at least a minimum of twelve (12) years relevant professional experience, of which at least five (5) years should be in the preparation of spatial plans, Integrated Land Use Management Plans (ILUMPs) and regional plans or similar assignments. Three (3) years should be at overseeing/supervision of spatial plans.
- Applicants must also have experience working in multi-sectoral planning environment.
Salary
E2 – (P449, 256 – P467, 436) per annum
How to Apply
REF Code: ENT 1/7/18 VII | Vacancy Circular No: 12 of 2026
Original Advert
Source document for this listing, published by Jobs Botswana.
About the Company
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism is a ministry within the Cabinet of Botswana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a National Expert in Spatial Planning with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Botswana?
Typically, a degree in urban and regional planning, spatial planning, geography, or environmental management is required, ideally recognised by the Botswana Qualifications Authority. A master's degree and registration with a relevant professional body strengthen your application. Experience with GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS is highly valued for this role.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a spatial planning expert in this ministry?
You would prepare and review land use plans, development frameworks, and environmental management plans at national and district levels. The role also involves conducting site assessments, coordinating with district councils and land boards, and advising on sustainable land use policies. Regular reporting, stakeholder consultations, and GIS-based mapping work are common daily tasks.
How does the application process work for government roles like this in Botswana?
Government vacancies are usually advertised through the Ministry's website, Daily News newspaper, and the Botswana government portal. Applications typically require a cover letter, detailed CV, certified copies of academic certificates, and references. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, sometimes with practical assessments related to planning tasks.
What benefits can I expect when working for the Ministry of Environment and Tourism?
Public sector roles in Botswana generally include pension contributions, paid annual leave, sick leave, and access to medical aid schemes. Benefits vary depending on your contract type and grade, so confirm details during the offer stage. Some positions may also include allowances for travel to field sites or remote districts.
What career progression paths are available for spatial planners in Botswana's public sector?
You can progress from officer-level roles to senior planner, principal planner, and eventually directorship positions within ministries or planning departments. Gaining professional registration, postgraduate qualifications, and experience on major national projects accelerates advancement. Lateral moves into parastatals, NGOs, or international organisations like UN-Habitat are also common.
What do employers in Botswana look for beyond formal qualifications?
Employers value practical experience with Botswana's land governance systems, including knowledge of the Tribal Land Act, Land Board processes, and national development frameworks like Vision 2036. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential since planners work closely with dikgosi (traditional leaders), communities, and government agencies. Demonstrated proficiency in GIS and report writing gives candidates a clear advantage.