FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS SCIENCE, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND COACHING VACANCY NO: IRC 3560 The University of Botswana (UB), a premier state-owned tertiary institution dedicated to shaping the future through excellence, research, innovation and meaningful societal impact, invites applications from accomplished and suitably qualified professionals for the position of Lecturer in Recreation and Sports Management in the Department of Sports Science, Physical Education and Coaching under the School of Allied Health Sciences. The Lecturer in Recreation and Sports Management is responsible for undertaking independent teaching and research in the Recreation and Sports Management discipline or related areas and make independent contributions to professional practice and/or expertise. The incumbent will also coordinate or lead the related activities as appropriate to the discipline and undertake administrative activities of the University.
Job Summary
- Employer: University of Botswana
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Education
- Salary: competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Closing Date: 2026-11-06
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of and implementation of university, faculty and school level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures;
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Recreation and Sports Management, sports practical activity and related courses;
- Supervise both undergraduate and graduate student research projects;
- Conduct research in the specialize areas of Recreation and Sports Management and also complement existing research activities;
- Participate in other academic and professional activities of the department;
- Provide good disciplinary knowledge and ensure that use a range of learning practices;
- Develop, update, and deliver undergraduate and possibly some graduate courses;
- Design and administer assessments that accurately measure student learning outcomes;
- Present scholarly articles at national and international seminars and conferences;
- Develop portfolio of creative and professional work and participate in competitions to showcase contribution;
- Facilitate research capability development at community level;
- Contribute to the development of research proposals and implementation of projects;
- Participate in external research in efforts to boost the standing of the university/ institute as required;
- Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks;
- Collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined;
- Assist with organizing faculty/ university symposium and conferences of national importance and perform any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson.
Requirements
- have(i) A PhD/Doctoral degree in Physical Education, with specialization in Recreation Management, Sport Management or related/relevant field; (ii) Evidence of engagement in research. N.B. In exceptional circumstances, a holder of a Masters in Recreation Management and Sport Management with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or a related field with a pass oof at least 2(i) or GPA of at least 3.6 or equivalent may be.
- Added advantages: i) Evidence of governance (e.g. service to a university) and social engagement (e.g. service to the profession and community), ii) teaching experience at a university or comparable institution, iii) Evidence of scholarship in Recreation and Sport Management.
- Other Requirements: Registered or eligible for registration with the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA)
Salary
competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
REF Code: IRC 3560 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3560
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 qualifications are typically required for a Lecturer in Recreation and Sports Management at the University of Botswana?
A minimum of a Master's degree in Sports Management, Recreation, Physical Education, or a related field is usually required, though a PhD is often preferred for permanent academic positions. Relevant industry certifications such as coaching licenses or event management credentials can strengthen your application. Prior teaching experience at tertiary level or professional sports industry experience is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this lecturer role?
Daily duties include preparing and delivering lectures, supervising student research projects, and assessing coursework and examinations. You will also participate in curriculum development, academic advising, and departmental meetings. Community engagement through sports development initiatives in Botswana is often expected.
How does the work culture and academic environment differ at Botswana universities compared to private sector jobs?
University positions emphasize academic freedom, research output, and collegial governance through committee participation. The pace is generally more flexible than corporate settings but demands self-directed productivity for publications and grant applications. Respect for hierarchy and formal communication protocols remain important in Botswana's academic culture.
What career progression opportunities exist for lecturers in this field at the University of Botswana?
Progression typically follows the lecturer-senior lecturer-associate professor-professor track based on research publications, teaching excellence, and community service. Opportunities exist to move into administrative roles such as Head of Department or Dean. Specialized research in areas like tourism-sports integration aligns with Botswana's economic diversification goals and can accelerate advancement.
What benefits are typically included in full-time academic positions at Botswana public universities?
Standard benefits usually include contributory pension schemes, medical aid coverage, and generous annual leave allowances. Housing or housing allowances and research support grants may be available depending on rank and negotiation. Sabbatical leave for research is typically granted after qualifying periods of service.
What should I emphasize when applying for this lecturer position to stand out to Botswana employers?
Highlight any experience with sports development in Southern African contexts and demonstrate understanding of Botswana's National Sport and Recreation Policy. Emphasize research interests that address local challenges such as rural sports infrastructure or wellness tourism. Include evidence of successful student mentorship and any collaborative work with Botswana sports federations or government ministries.
