Job Summary
- Employer: Botswana Qualifications Authority
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Executive Management
- Salary: BQA offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities and challenges of the job.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-11
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high level leadership and direction to the operational departments to ensure high quality and cost-effective services are delivered to clients.
- Deputize and act in the post of the Chief Executive Officer during absences with respect to overseeing the daily operations of BQA.
- Promote and support cross functional exchanges and operations among the departments.
- Reports to the CEO and support the CEO in effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of the organisation’s work.
- Direct management and oversight on the operations of BQA, and provide support and advice in relation to the delivery of the respective portfolios.
- Oversee the recruitment, training and development, mentoring, motivation and retention, and appraisal of the Departmental Heads.
- Maintain effective communications with Heads of Departments and divisional staff in order to ensure a corporate approach to the delivery of operations and act as the link between the leadership and the operations.
- Ensure that there are robust processes, systems, controls and operating mechanisms in place to promote effective and efficient delivery of high-performance operational outcomes.
- Ensure adherence of the departments to their targets and budgets.
- Ensure close and smooth inter-department collaboration and teamwork.
- Provide the CEO, the Board and the Minister with periodic reports on the operations of BQA.
- Provide leadership to the Education and Training sector on registration, accreditation and quality assurance matters.
- Ensure the development, maintenance, implementation and management of the qualifications’ framework.
- Liaise with the Human Resource Development Council as and when required to ensure alignment of BQA operations with the goals and targets of the Human Resource Development Sector plans.
- Provide direct leadership and direction to ensure operational efficiency of the core and support functions of the BQA.
- Ascertain proper management and optimal utilisation of resources at departmental level.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree from a recognised institution or any other related qualification acceptable to BQA.
- A PhD would be an added advantage.
- At least 12 years’ experience, 7 of which should have been in a senior leadership position with significant work exposure and networking experience with industry.
- Significant exposure in the Education and Training sector would be an added advantage.
- Knowledge of the Education and Training sector in Botswana.
- Knowledge of Qualifications frameworks.
- Abreast of registration, accreditation and quality assurance principles, systems, processes, procedures, etc., in the Education and Training sector.
- Computer literate. Experience with systems and applications in the specific work area.
- Strong business sense acumen.
- Demonstration of visionary leadership.
- Resource management, budgeting, planning, prioritising, organising and coordinating.
- Leadership, people management and change management skills.
- Coaching and mentoring skills.
- Ability to build and motivate teamwork and to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Accuracy, thoroughness and attention to detail.
- Ability to show independent judgement, take decisions and be assertive.
Salary
BQA offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities and challenges of the job.
How to Apply
REF Code: 9CVc2uBXvJpCT_kFpe4JKQb_V1wqOt6YRtz_guvwCcXE-4IbMjnuLXuY_f-qQ3OVxgWEzpnO0BqvpyLYEqmYwA
About the Company
The Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) is a statutory body established under the Botswana Qualifications Authority Act of 2013, with its headquarters in Gaborone. Operating as the national qualifications regulator, BQA oversees the development, accreditation, and quality assurance of qualifications across Botswana's education and training sectors. The authority maintains the Botswana National Qualifications Framework, ensuring that certificates, diplomas, and degrees awarded within the country meet recognized standards of excellence. BQA works with institutions ranging from technical colleges to vocational training centers throughout Botswana to uphold educational integrity and facilitate learner mobility. Its mandate supports the government's vision of building a skilled workforce aligned with national development priorities.
Quality assured qualifications for Botswana's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Deputy CEO role at a parastatal like Botswana Qualifications Authority?
Most Deputy CEO positions in Botswana's public sector require a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Policy, or Education Management, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience. Professional certifications like ACCA, CIMA, or project management credentials strengthen your application. Experience within Botswana's education sector or regulatory bodies is highly valued by employers.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Deputy CEO in Botswana's executive management?
You will oversee strategic operations, manage divisional heads, and act as CEO in their absence during board meetings and stakeholder engagements. Daily tasks include policy implementation, budget oversight, staff performance management, and liaising with government ministries like the Ministry of Education. Reporting to the Board and ensuring compliance with Botswana's Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board regulations are core duties.
How does the work culture and leadership expectations differ in Botswana's parastatal sector?
Botswana's workplace culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy, consensus-building, and patience in decision-making processes. As Deputy CEO, you must balance modern management practices with Setswana values of botho and community consultation. Employers expect visible commitment to national development goals and strong relationships with traditional leaders and local communities.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Deputy CEO in Botswana?
Successful Deputy CEOs often advance to CEO positions within parastatals or move into permanent secretary roles in government ministries. Some transition to regional organizations like SADC or pursue board directorships across Botswana's corporate sector. Your contract performance and networks built during tenure significantly influence these pathways.
What employment benefits are typically included in executive contracts at Botswana parastatals?
Executive contracts usually include competitive gratuity upon completion, medical aid coverage for you and dependents, and participation in pension schemes like BPOPF or employer-specific funds. You may receive housing or vehicle allowances, though these vary by institution. Annual leave typically exceeds standard civil service allocations for contract executives.
How should I apply for a Deputy CEO position, and what do Botswana employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through advertised channels in local newspapers like Mmegi or Daily News, or via the organization's website, ensuring you meet all stated requirements. Employers prioritize candidates with proven track records in Botswana's public sector, strong academic credentials, and demonstrable understanding of national education or qualifications frameworks. Prepare for panel interviews that assess both technical competence and cultural fit within Botswana's governance environment.
