Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lobatse
- Category: Academia & Education
- Closing Date: 2026-09-09
Key Responsibilities
- contribute to the development of and implement departmental, sectional, and unit-level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures;
- teach both undergraduate and graduate courses;
- Conduct research and participate in research teams and collaborative projects;
- Supervise student research projects, and dissertation;
- Design and administer assessments that measure student learning outcomes;
- Grade assignments and exams, providing detailed and constructive feedback;
- provide service for the university, profession and community;
- Provide clinical care in affiliated hospitals.
- Provide academic advising, mentorship, and career guidance to students
- Assist with organizing faculty/ university symposium and conferences of national importance
- Present scholarly articles at national and international seminars and conferences.
- Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Departmental Chairperson.
Requirements
- PhD in Clinical Psychology.
- the qualification must be registered with or registrable by the Botswana Health Professions Council as a Clinical Psychologist
- evidence of engagement in research, including published journal articles, participation in research teams and collaborative programmes
- Experience of working in a psychiatric hospital
Salary
The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3496
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) was established in 1982, as the first institution of higher education in Botswana. The university currently has three campuses: one in the capital city Gaborone, one in Francistown, and another in Maun. The University of Botswana is divided into six faculties: Business, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, Science and Social Sciences and the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. UB is ranked 1201–1500 in the world and 21st in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic qualifications and professional certifications are required to become a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Botswana?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology or a closely related field from a recognised institution, with preference given to those registered with the Botswana Psychological Association (BPA) or eligible for registration. A master’s degree in Clinical Psychology alone is typically insufficient for a lecturer role, though it may qualify candidates for teaching assistant or tutor positions. Prior clinical experience and evidence of scholarly output (e.g., publications, conference presentations) are strongly expected.
What does a typical day look like for a Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Botswana?
Daily responsibilities include delivering lectures and tutorials in undergraduate and postgraduate clinical psychology courses, supervising student research and practicum placements, and conducting assessments such as exams and case presentations. Lecturers also engage in curriculum development aligned with Botswana’s mental health policies and participate in departmental meetings and university committees. Fieldwork coordination with local health facilities—such as the Princess Marina Hospital or district clinics—is common and reflects the integration of theory and practice in the local context.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for academics in Botswana compared to other countries?
Respect for seniority, collaborative decision-making, and strong emphasis on community engagement are hallmarks of academic culture at the University of Botswana. Lecturers are expected to uphold both academic rigour and cultural responsiveness—particularly when addressing mental health stigma, traditional healing practices, and rural-urban service disparities in Botswana. Punctuality, formal communication with senior staff, and participation in national initiatives (e.g., National Mental Health Policy implementation) are widely valued.
What career progression opportunities exist for Lecturers in Clinical Psychology within Botswana’s higher education system?
Lecturers typically progress through academic ranks—Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor—based on teaching excellence, research output, and leadership contributions assessed under the University of Botswana’s Academic Promotion Guidelines. External opportunities include secondments to the Ministry of Health or Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA), or leadership roles in national mental health task forces. Continued professional development via BPA-accredited workshops and regional networks (e.g., Southern African Psychiatry Association) supports advancement.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—are typically offered to academic staff at the University of Botswana?
Academic staff are covered under the Public Officers’ Pension Fund (POPF) and receive fully subsidised medical aid through the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). Annual leave is 30 working days, plus public holidays and extended breaks during semester recesses, with additional study leave available after several years of service. Maternity/paternity leave follows Botswana’s Employment Act provisions, and housing allowances or staff housing may be available depending on rank and availability.