Company: AECI Chemicals
Location: Botswana
Reference: 2178
Closing Date: 21 October 2026
Location: Jacobs
Job Grade: DL
– To lead and manage projects from initiation to completion, ensuring timely, within-budget, and high-quality delivery that meets business objectives and customer requirements.
– To provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams, ensuring that projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
Job Summary
- Employer: AECI Chemicals
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-10-21
Key Responsibilities
- Define project scope, goals, and deliverables, and develop project charters and plans.
- Develop detailed project schedules, resource allocation plans, and budget plans.
- Manage project activities, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
- Track project progress, identify and address deviations from plans, and take corrective action as necessary.
- Formalize project completion, document lessons learned and evaluate project success.
- Implement general project works, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
- Collaborate with Production Teams and Engineers to prepare project-specific specifications, equipment drawings, and budgets.
- Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to project objectives.
- Ensure safe working practices, comply with regulatory requirements, and assist with compliance matters.
- Develop and present project progress reports to various stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners.
- Utilize AutoCAD to create, amend, and interpret drawings, and read and interpret technical drawings.
- Manage and coordinate contractors involved in projects, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and Company standards.
- Identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring minimal impact on project timelines and budgets.
- Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Participate in HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) studies to identify potential hazards and operability issues in project designs.
- Lead and manage project teams, providing guidance and support to ensure successful project delivery.
Requirements
- Grade 12 and a Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Applications/Project Engineering or related role within the Chemical Industry.
- Proficient in AutoCAD, with the ability to read and interpret drawings.
- Understanding of plant and processes for modifications, with advanced technical job-related knowledge and skills.
- Excellent communication, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Project Management Certification: PMP or PRINCE2 certification (desirable).
- Knowledge of the chemical industry, including relevant regulations and standards.
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide project teams.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities, with a flexible approach to work.
- Experience participating in HAZOP studies, with knowledge of hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies.
How to Apply
REF Code: 2178
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Project Engineer role at AECI Chemicals in Botswana?
A Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering is usually required, with professional registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana (ERB) being highly preferred. Experience in chemical processing or manufacturing environments is often sought, and certifications in project management such as PMP or PRINCE2 can strengthen your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Project Engineer in Botswana's chemical industry?
You will oversee project planning, execution, and commissioning of chemical plant upgrades or new installations, ensuring compliance with local safety regulations and environmental standards. Daily tasks include coordinating with contractors, managing budgets and timelines, troubleshooting technical issues, and liaising with operations teams to minimize production downtime.
How does work culture and employer expectations differ for engineers in Botswana compared to other regions?
Botswana workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy and formal communication, with strong emphasis on relationship-building before business decisions. Employers expect punctuality, adaptability to resource constraints, and willingness to work across multiple sites including remote locations, while demonstrating commitment to local employment and skills transfer objectives.
What career progression opportunities exist for Project Engineers in Botswana's chemical and mining sectors?
Progression typically moves from Project Engineer to Senior Project Engineer, then Project Manager or Engineering Manager, with potential to reach Technical Director or Operations Director roles. Many engineers also transition into consultancy, entrepreneurship, or specialized technical advisory roles serving Botswana's growing mining and industrial sectors.
What benefits are commonly offered to Project Engineers by employers in Botswana?
Standard packages typically include medical aid coverage, pension contributions compliant with Botswana's pension regulations, annual leave of 20-25 days, and performance bonuses. Site-based roles often provide additional allowances for remote work, housing assistance, and transport, though specific benefits vary significantly by employer size and sector.
How should I apply for Project Engineer positions in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through company career portals, local recruitment agencies, and professional networks like the Botswana Institution of Engineers, ensuring your CV highlights ERB registration and project execution experience. Employers prioritize candidates with proven track records in multi-disciplinary project delivery, strong stakeholder management skills, and demonstrated understanding of Botswana's regulatory and safety environment.