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 Associate Professor in Public Administration in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration . The position holder is responsible for making original contributions to teaching the Public Administration discipline. The incumbent plays a critical role in providing leadership in the scholarship of teaching and makes significant contribution in the governance of the University enhanced by their professional skills, creativity and experience gained from practice.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Academia
- Closing Date: 2026-09-17
Key Responsibilities
- teach undergraduate and graduate level courses;
- teach at least three of the following: Public Policy and Administration, Project Management and Evaluation, Public Sector Reforms, Organization Development and Leadership, Foundations of Public Management and Institutions, Human Resources Management and Research Methods and Computer Applications;
- take an active part in the supervision and assessment of undergraduate and post graduate research work;
- contribute to the development of and implement departmental, sectional, and unit-level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures;
- conduct research, including the long-range planning and management of individuals and multidisciplinary teams;
- initiate and participate in community engagement;
- develop and implement mentorship activities for junior staff;
- raise research funds from funding agencies within and outside University;
- facilitate partnerships internally and externally;
- serve in committees within the University and external professional organisations;
- develop new programmes in the department;
- Demonstrate an understanding of how students learn and the role of teaching in promoting learning, and which acknowledges contemporary thinking related to teaching and learning in the discipline;
- Review programmes/ courses to ensure they are relevant to and up to date with local, international, global and disciplinary contexts, as well as engagement with students, stakeholders and peers.
- Provide leadership at Faculty committees;
- Recognize and pursue strategic opportunities for research programme development.
- Promote ethical research conduct and high academic standards;
- Foster national and international exchange of ideas in the discipline and advocate for its advancement and
- carry out any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head of School or Departmental Chairperson.
Requirements
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration or related discipline;
- Six (6) years University teaching experience or equivalent;
- Minimum of Twelve (12) pieces of research products (e.g. articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings etc.) published by recognized publishers. Eight (8) of the Twelve (12) publications above must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognized databases
- Demonstration of effective academic leadership is required;
- Evidence of governance, professional and social engagement is required;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students and colleagues;
- Evidence of ability to secure high value research grants and funding;
- Proficiency in the application of relevant research tools and techniques (where applicable);
- Evidence of externally funded/supported/resourced sustained research activity or creative professional work as determined by the University
Salary
The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3501
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 academic qualifications and professional experience are typically required for an Associate Professor in Public Administration at the University of Botswana?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field, with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and postdoctoral teaching/research experience. The University of Botswana also expects evidence of successful supervision of postgraduate students and active engagement with public sector policy issues relevant to Botswana and Southern Africa.
What does a typical workweek look like for an Associate Professor in Public Administration at the University of Botswana?
The role involves teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses (e.g., Public Policy, Governance, and Development Administration), supervising honours and master’s theses, conducting research aligned with national priorities like Vision 2036, and participating in departmental, faculty, and university committees. Fieldwork, stakeholder engagements with Botswana’s Ministry of Local Government or BPSA, and occasional policy advisory tasks are also common.
How does the academic work culture in Botswana differ from other countries, and what expectations should I be aware of?
Collegiality, respect for seniority, and responsiveness to national development agendas are highly valued; meetings often begin with formal greetings and may extend beyond scheduled time to accommodate consensus-building. Punctuality is expected, but flexibility is applied during communal events or national observances, and supervisors are generally approachable yet uphold formal academic hierarchies consistent with local norms.
What career progression opportunities exist after appointment as an Associate Professor in Public Administration at the University of Botswana?
Promotion to Full Professor is possible after sustained research output, leadership in curriculum development, and national/international recognition — typically requiring a minimum of five years in the Associate rank. Additional pathways include academic leadership roles such as Head of Department, Dean, or participation in national bodies like the Botswana Qualifications Authority or the National Commission on Higher Education.
What benefits — such as leave, medical aid, and pension — are standard for academic staff at the University of Botswana?
Academic staff are covered under the University’s group medical aid scheme and contribute to the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), which provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Annual leave is 30 working days, plus public holidays and extended recess periods aligned with the academic calendar, including a full December–January break.
How do I apply for this position, and what do hiring committees in Botswana specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted via the University of Botswana’s Human Resources portal when vacancies are advertised on their official website and in local media like the Botswana Daily News. Committees prioritise candidates with demonstrable relevance to Botswana’s governance challenges, evidence of community-engaged research, alignment with national frameworks (e.g., NDP 11), and strong teaching evaluations — especially those showing experience mentoring students from diverse local backgrounds.