The incumbent, who will report to the Head of Business Relations and Marketing, will act as a strategic partner to the leadership of BBS Bank, providing professional advice and guidance in managing business relations to build promote and protect the reputation of the bank. They will be primarily responsible for developing and driving the bank’s corporate brand positioning and public relations strategy.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Public Relations
- Closing Date: 2026-09-09
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure effective reputation management and consistency in all brand messaging, in line with the bank’s strategic objectives and the public relations strategy.
- Investigate, analyze & develop organizational best practices, ensuring & encouraging adherence to an operational framework of policies & procedures.
- Use the insights gained from business reports and other feedback mechanisms to measure success and realign tactical strategies.
- Develop and ensure implementation of practices which build communications delivery excellence and encourage others to provide exceptional stakeholder engagement.
- Contribute to a culture of excellent internal and external communication, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunities for feedback.
- Influence the alignment and adoption of different communications including change management, public relations and stakeholder engagement strategies as required.
- Play an integral role in writing material for internal and external publications, including the annual integrated report.
- Conduct on the job training, coaching and mentoring to direct reports to ensure development of team and improvement of business relations stream.
- Implement and provide input into the development of governance and compliance procedures and processes within area of specialization and identify risks.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business, Commerce, Management Studies or related field.
- 5 – 8 years experience in a similar environment, of which 2 – 3 years was at specialist level
- Membership of a recognized professional body is also key.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: bbs.mcidirecthire.com
About the Company
Botswana Building Society Limited (BBSL) stands as a foundational financial institution within Botswana, originally established by an Act of Parliament in 1976. For decades, BBSL has empowered individuals and businesses across the nation by offering essential mortgage financing for both residential and commercial properties, alongside a diverse portfolio of savings and investment products. Regulated by the Bank of Botswana, the society has been instrumental in facilitating homeownership and fostering wealth creation throughout Botswana. BBSL is currently advancing through a strategic transformation, evolving from a building society into a comprehensive commercial bank to expand its service offerings and continue its legacy of financial contribution.
Your Partner in Wealth Creation
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Business Relations Manager (PR) role in Botswana?
A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field is standard; many employers in Botswana prefer candidates with PRINCE2, CIPR, or local Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)-accredited PR short courses. Membership in the Botswana Institute of Public Relations (BIPR) is increasingly valued but not mandatory.
What does a typical day look like for a Business Relations Manager (PR) at a financial institution like BBS in Botswana?
Day-to-day tasks include drafting press releases for local media (e.g., Daily News, Radio Botswana), coordinating stakeholder engagements with government bodies and community groups, and managing social media aligned with Botswana’s ICT Policy and data privacy expectations. Crisis communication during national events—such as budget announcements or regulatory updates—is also common.
How does Botswana’s work culture influence expectations for this PR role?
Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and relationship-building through face-to-face interaction remain important, especially when liaising with traditional leaders or public sector partners. Employers value cultural fluency—such as using Setswana appropriately in community outreach—and understanding of Botswana’s national development frameworks like Vision 2036.
What realistic career progression paths exist for someone starting in this role within Botswana’s financial services sector?
With 3–5 years’ experience, professionals often progress to Senior PR Officer or Head of Corporate Affairs roles within banks or parastatals. Some transition into broader strategic roles such as Communications Director or move into regulatory liaison positions with the Bank of Botswana or Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA).
What benefits can I realistically expect in this role at a Botswana-based financial institution?
Standard benefits include 25–30 days annual leave, comprehensive medical aid (often with Medshield or BONFIDA panels), and mandatory pension contributions under the Botswana National Pension Scheme (BNPS). Many institutions also offer study leave support for BQA-recognised further education and transport allowances.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in PR candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via email or the employer’s online portal, with a tailored CV highlighting local media engagement, stakeholder reports, and evidence of compliance with Botswana’s Data Protection Act. Employers prioritise proven experience in financial sector communications, familiarity with local media landscapes, and demonstrated ability to navigate both formal and informal community engagement channels.