Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Human Resources
- Closing Date: 2026-09-14
Key Responsibilities
- Undertakes research and drafts bargaining position papers as well as counter proposals and for presentation at collective bargaining structures.
- Plan and organize meetings of internal collective bargaining and negotiation structure(s).
- Represent BOPEU at collective bargaining structures.
- Draw and maintain a follow up system on actions arising from collective bargaining meetings.
- Draft and prepare reports on matters related to labor negotiations and bargaining.
- Provide capacitation to shopstewards in collective bargaining and negotiation processes.
- Assist in promotion of healthy relationships with the media.
- Recommend appropriate collective bargaining strategies
- Analyse relevant financial, economic, remuneration and employment data and based on such analysis, formulate and prepare the union’s negotiating terms, bargaining positions, proposals and counter proposals for collective bargaining.
- Prepare and capacitate the Union Negotiating Team for collective bargaining by undertaking and presenting financial, economic and remuneration analysis, costing proposals, assessing employer financial information and developing negotiation scenarios, thereby enabling the Team to make informed, evidence-based and strategically sound negotiating decisions.
- Ensure that all safety and loss control standards (Safety Health and environmental) are adhered to.
- Perform any other duties as assigned from time to time to meet the exigencies of BOPEU.
Requirements
- Education: A recognized degree in Economics and Accounting.
- At least two (2) years post graduate experience in labor union environment
- Proficiency with Microsoft office suit or related software
Salary
competitive salary
How to Apply
NB: cover letters should be addressed to;
The General Secretary
P.O. Box 320
Gaborone
CLOSING DATE: 14th September 2026
NB: ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE RESPONDED TO.
Original Advert
Source document for this listing, published by Jobs Botswana.
About the Company
The Botswana Public Employees Union (BPEU) is a registered trade union representing civil servants and other public sector employees across Botswana. It operates nationally, with offices in Gaborone, and engages in collective bargaining, labour dispute resolution, and policy advocacy with the Government of Botswana. The union is affiliated with the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) and is recognised under Botswana’s Trade Disputes Act. BPEU actively participates in national wage negotiations and delivers training and welfare services to its members throughout Botswana.
Advocating for public sector workers' rights and conditions in Botswana
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Collective Bargaining Officer role with the Botswana Public Employees Union (BPEU)?
A bachelor’s degree in Law, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or Social Sciences is commonly required. Relevant professional certification such as the Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC) HR Diploma or CIPD accreditation is highly valued. Prior experience in labour law, collective bargaining, or union administration within Botswana’s public sector context strengthens applications.
What does a typical day look like for a Collective Bargaining Officer at BPEU?
Daily tasks include preparing for and participating in negotiations with government employers, drafting memoranda of understanding, advising union members on labour rights under the Botswana Employment Act and Public Service Act, and coordinating with shop stewards across ministries. Officers also attend conciliation hearings at the Botswana Disputes Tribunal and maintain records of collective agreements registered with the Registrar of Trade Unions.
How does Botswana’s work culture influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy, consensus-building, and relationship-based engagement are central—officers must navigate formal protocols while maintaining trust with both union members and public service management. Punctuality, discretion in handling sensitive labour matters, and fluency in both English and Setswana are practical expectations aligned with national workplace norms.
What career progression opportunities exist for a Collective Bargaining Officer within BPEU or the broader Botswana public sector?
Officers may advance to Senior Officer, Branch Coordinator, or National Negotiator roles within BPEU, often requiring demonstrated success in multi-year bargaining cycles and policy advocacy. Some transition into advisory positions with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Productivity or pursue further studies leading to roles in labour arbitration or public administration leadership.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—are typically offered in this role?
BPEU staff generally receive statutory leave entitlements under the Botswana Employment Act, including annual, sick, and maternity/paternity leave. Medical aid coverage is usually provided through a registered local scheme, and pension contributions follow the Botswana National Pension Fund (BNPF) framework, as mandated for formal sector employees.
How do I apply for this role, and what do BPEU recruiters specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted via BPEU’s official website or advertised through the Botswana Gazette and local media; shortlisted candidates undergo interviews with the BPEU Executive Committee and may be asked to demonstrate knowledge of the Trade Disputes Act and recent public sector wage agreements. Recruiters prioritise proven negotiation experience, familiarity with Botswana’s public service structures, and evidence of ethical conduct and member representation in union or community settings.