Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: International Development
- Closing Date: 2026-09-05
Key Responsibilities
- International development cooperation, including proven experience with multi-stakeholder management, concepts development, scaling approaches, co-financing processes
Requirements
- Very good conceptual thinking and organizational, moderating, presentation and communication skills (oral and written)
- Ability to think and act strategically and analytically, as well as quick comprehension and an eye for the essentials, with personal responsibility for conceptually developing new topics and structuring efficient processes
- Digital literacy including the use of Artificial Intelligence solutions
- Strong team player
- Diplomatic skills and intercultural competence
- English at least on C1 level
- French on at least B2 level is a significant advantage
How to Apply
Address: Head of Human Resources (HR) Private Bag X12, Village Gaborone
About the Company
Goa is a small town in Botswana. It lies near the Namibian border, near the Caprivi Strip, and about 11 kilometres from Shakawe which is also the nearest airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an International Development Cooperation Specialist role in Botswana?
A master’s degree in international development, public administration, economics, or a related field is commonly required, with preference for candidates holding relevant certifications such as PMD Pro or PRINCE2 Foundation. Experience with EU, GIZ, or UN-funded projects in Southern Africa—and fluency in English—is essential; knowledge of Setswana is highly valued for stakeholder engagement in rural communities.
What does a typical day look like for this role in Botswana?
Daily tasks include coordinating with government counterparts (e.g., Ministry of Local Government or Department of Environmental Affairs), drafting technical reports aligned with national frameworks like Vision 2036, and facilitating capacity-building workshops with district-level officers. Field visits to project sites across regions like Kgalagadi or Central District are frequent, requiring adaptability to variable infrastructure and community engagement protocols.
How does the local work culture in Botswana influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy, consensus-driven decision-making, and relationship-first communication are central—formal titles and scheduled meetings are expected, especially with civil servants. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around ‘African time’ may apply during community consultations, where building trust often takes precedence over strict timelines.
What realistic career progression paths exist for this role in Botswana’s development sector?
Professionals often advance from specialist roles to team leader or programme manager positions within international organisations or national institutions like the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA). Some transition into policy advisory roles with ministries or establish local consultancies registered with the Registrar of Companies and compliant with Botswana’s Public Procurement Act.
What benefits are typically offered to International Development Cooperation Specialists employed by international organisations in Botswana?
Standard benefits include 30 days annual leave, comprehensive medical aid covering dependants through providers like BONFIRE or Medshield Botswana, and participation in the Botswana National Pension Scheme (BNPS) or an equivalent employer-sponsored pension plan. Relocation allowances and education grants for dependants may apply for expatriate staff, per organisational policy.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications must be submitted via official portals (e.g., GIZ’s global careers site or local job boards like CareersBotswana), with CVs clearly highlighting experience in Botswana-specific frameworks such as the National Development Plan (NDP 11) or climate adaptation initiatives. Employers prioritise demonstrated cross-cultural collaboration, proven success in donor reporting (especially for German or EU funds), and evidence of ethical conduct aligned with Botswana’s Public Service Code of Conduct.