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 are typically required for a Deputy CEO role at the Botswana Qualifications Authority?
A Master's degree in Education, Public Administration, or a related field is usually expected, along with at least 10 years of senior management experience. Professional certifications in quality assurance or educational management are highly advantageous.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a Deputy CEO at BQA?
You will oversee strategic planning, manage stakeholder relationships with government and educational institutions, and supervise departmental heads. Regular duties include policy implementation, board reporting, and ensuring compliance with national qualification standards.
How does the work culture in Botswana's public sector affect executive roles?
Botswana's public sector emphasizes hierarchy, respect for protocol, and collaborative decision-making with government ministries. Executives are expected to maintain strong community relationships and navigate bureaucratic processes with patience and diplomacy.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Deputy CEO at BQA?
Successful deputies often advance to Chief Executive Officer within BQA or similar parastatals, or move into permanent secretary roles in government ministries. Some transition to regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community or international education organizations.
What benefits are typically included in executive packages at Botswana parastatals?
Benefits usually include comprehensive medical aid, pension contributions through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund or private schemes, generous annual leave, and sometimes housing or vehicle allowances. Specific packages vary by employer and are negotiated at appointment.
How should I apply for this position and what do selection panels prioritize?
Applications are typically submitted through the BQA website or Public Service Management Directive channels with a detailed CV, certified qualifications, and references. Panels prioritize demonstrated leadership in education quality assurance, knowledge of Botswana's National Qualifications Framework, and proven stakeholder engagement skills.
