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 Lecturer/Professional Scholar in Law (Legal Clinic Coordinator) in the Department of Law and Criminal Justice , under the School of Management Sciences and Law. The Lecturer/Professional Scholar in Law will be a professional scholar designated as Coordinator of the Legal Clinic. The role is responsible for undertaking independent teaching and research in Law or related areas and make independent contributions to professional practice and/or expertise. The successful candidate will also coordinate or lead the related activities as appropriate to the Law discipline and undertake administrative activities of the University.
Job Summary
- Employer: University of Botswana
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Education
- Salary: competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Closing Date: 2026-09-24
Key Responsibilities
- (i) Participate in teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in at least one Clinical Legal Education programmes, manage Legal Clinic Resources, Synergise Clinical Legal Education Programme (CLEP) course content and academic content, supervise students’s work in the Legal Clinic, represent Legal Clinic clients in the courts of law, be the first line supervisor of support staff assigned to the Clinic. and undertake any other tasks as assigned by the Head/Supervisor.
Requirements
- (i) A relevant Master of Laws (LLM) degree and a relevant Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree;
- (ii) A 2(ii) pass with a GPA of at least 65 per cent or equivalent in the relevant LLB degree;
- (iii) Admitted or Eligibility to practice in the courts of Botswana;
- (iv) The candidate shall not be permitted to hold parallel employment in any law practice; and
- (v) a minimum of 5 years active legal practice.
- Research, teaching, and governance and social engagement experience will be an added advantage .
- i. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
- ii. Understanding of teaching and principles and practices;
- iii. Understanding of research methodologies, tools and principles;
- iv. Registration or eligibility for registration with Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) or a relevant and recognized professional body is required.
Salary
competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3533 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3533
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) was established in 1982, as the first institution of higher education in Botswana. The university currently has three campuses: one in the capital city Gaborone, one in Francistown, and another in Maun. The University of Botswana is divided into six faculties: Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Science and Social Sciences and the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. UB is ranked 1201–1500 in the world and 21st in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Lecturer/Professional Scholar in Law (Legal Clinic Coordinator) at the University of Botswana?
A master's degree in law (LLM) is usually the minimum, though a PhD or a professional qualification like a Bar admission is highly valued. Practical experience in legal aid or clinical legal education is essential, as is a strong record of teaching and research in law.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Legal Clinic Coordinator in a law faculty in Botswana?
You will supervise law students providing legal services to clients, manage clinic operations, and teach clinical legal education courses. You will also handle community outreach, case management, and ensure compliance with Botswana's legal ethics and practice standards.
What is the local work culture and expectations for academics at the University of Botswana?
The culture values punctuality, collegiality, and a strong commitment to student mentorship, with a formal yet supportive environment. You are expected to balance teaching, research, and community engagement, while also contributing to institutional committees and policy development.
What realistic career progression or growth paths are available for this role in Botswana's academic or legal sectors?
You can progress from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and full Professor within the university, provided you publish and demonstrate excellence in teaching and service. Alternatively, this role can lead to senior administrative positions like Dean of Law or Director of Legal Aid, or to high-level legal practice in government or NGOs.
What typical benefits (leave, medical aid, pension, etc.) are offered for academic positions in Botswana?
Academic roles in Botswana generally include paid annual and sick leave, contributions to a pension fund, and medical aid coverage through schemes like BOMAID or similar providers. Housing allowance, car allowance, and professional development support are also common, though these vary by employer; the University of Botswana offers its own staff benefits package.
How should I apply for this role and what do employers in Botswana look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted online through the University of Botswana's careers portal and include a detailed CV, certified copies of certificates, and a cover letter addressing the job requirements. Employers look for candidates with practical legal clinic experience, a demonstrated record of research, and a clear commitment to developing students' practical legal skills in the Botswana context.
