CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN APPOINTMENT AS JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT

EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT

REF:RM1/6/2/VII (168)

2021 CALL CIRCULAR

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN APPOINTMENT AS JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT

The Judicial Service Commission calls for expressions of interest from suitably qualified citizens in the position of Judge of the High Court.

1. Eligible lawyers are reminded of the Notice to the Members of the Public published in Local Newspapers and the Botswana Government Facebook page in December 2018 introducing the new appointment procedure for the positions of the Judge of the High Court.
2. Eligible lawyers are to note the following salient information:
   • Each interested candidate who responds to the call for expressions of interest is required to submit his or her curriculum vitae and will have his or her name added to the Register by the Secretariat.
   • The Commission shall, after the closing of the advertisement period, and whenever a vacancy arises, refer to the Register and shortlist names of suitable candidates therefrom.
   • The shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Judicial Service Commission and invited, if available, to formally apply for the vacant position by submitting completed application forms together with the required annexures to the Secretary of the Commission. Those who apply will be interviewed under oath, and scored by the Commission as before.
   • The expression of interest will be open for a period of three (3) months from the date of the advert.
   • The open advertisement procedure calling for new entries in the Register, will be repeated at the beginning of each year.
   • Eligible Lawyers who have previously submitted their expressions of interest need not re-apply as their names will have already been added to the continuous Register by the Secretariat. Should there however be any material change in qualifications or circumstances, eligible lawyers who have previously submitted their expressions of interest may update their existing information held by the Secretariat by way of submitting a covering letter with the relevant updated information for record purposes.
3. Salary Scale: F0 (BWP 681,888) per annum

Thirty (30) working days per annum.

5. Benefits:
   • Free furnished residential accommodation or housing allowance of BWP 13 905.00 per month where there is no official residence provided.
   • 90% subsidy for utilities.
   • Optional contributory Medical Aid Scheme. (Government pays 50% and Employee 50%).
   • 35% Scarce Skill Allowance.
   • Non Contributory pension.
   • Robing Allowance at BWP 309.00 per month.
   • Entertainment Allowance at BWP 13 589.70 per annum.
   • Free WiFi connection at residence.
   • Cellphone and 90% subsidy on cellphone bill.
   • Chauffer driven motor vehicle.

Qualifications:

6. Eligible lawyers who respond to the call for expressions of interest are required to ensure that they adhere to the requirements to qualify for appointment to the position of Judge of the High Court in accordance with the following laid out criteria and section 96 of the Constitution of the Republic of Botswana and should:
   • hold, or must have held office, as Judge of a Court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Botswana, in a Commonwealth country or in any country outside the Commonwealth that may be prescribed by Parliament, or a Court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a Court; or
   • be qualified to practice as an advocate or attorney in such a Court and has been qualified for not less than ten (10) years to practice as an advocate or attorney in such a Court.
   • be qualified to practice as an advocate or attorney and has had experience in the teaching of law in a recognized university for not less than ten years.
   • be a Chief Magistrate who has held that office for not less than five (5) years.
   • be committed to the continuous improvement in Court practice and proper administration of justice, working in harmony with Judicial colleagues and efficiently with Court officers to achieve those ends.
   • be an effective communicator in dealing with legal professionals, witnesses and litigants and able to produce clear and reasoned judgments and opinions.
   • be a good systematic and conceptual thinker, demonstrating clarity of thought and independence.
   • be an experienced legal practitioner with a confirmed record of diligence, integrity and professional achievement coupled with knowledge and understanding of the law consistent with holding judicial office.
   • be capable of making fair and balanced decisions according to the relevant law without undue delay.
   • be highly organised, able to demonstrate sound court management skills and work well under pressure.
   • be a person of integrity, maturity and patience, who inspires confidence and respect.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

7. The main duties of a Judge include the following:
   • Presiding over all criminal and civil cases, including appeals from courts below the High Court in the hierarchy.
   • Hearing all applications brought before the court for determination of any issue, including constitutional issues; and
   • Any other duties, as may from time to time, be assigned by the Chief Justice or His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana.

HOW TO RESPOND TO THE CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST:

8. Interested candidates should quote the reference number of this call circular and provide the following information:
   • Full name, date, address, telephone number and place of birth;
   • Brief summary of career with duties (Curriculum Vitae);
   • Attach certified copy of National Identity Card (Omang).

GENERAL:

9. Members of the public, relevant interest groups, and the Law Society of Botswana, are requested to encourage outstanding lawyers to enter their names on the Register so as to ensure that the best available talent is availed for service on the bench. Prominent members of the profession will now be able to declare their willingness to serve without being required to apply whenever a vacancy arises.