MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To organise, coordinate and supervise operations of the Mechanical Department Section in order to ensure that plant maintenance is carried out to acceptable standards for optimal plant availability and reliability in accordance with the safety and engineering standards.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-08-09
Key Responsibilities
- Contributes to the development of the strategic plan & delivers elements of a strategic planning system with guidance from management.
- Provides operational support services and sometimes acts as first-line supervisors of a transactional operations area while using existing systems and protocols.
- Supervises the implementation of approved changes in the mechanical design and operating procedures of plant and equipment to enhance plant efficiency and reliability.
- Monitors departmental stock and inform the Materials’ department on stock level adjustments in accordance with consumption or recommends the replacement of obsolete equipment.
- Troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment and systems for emergency repairs, performs preventive maintenance inspections, assists specialists in setting up and testing new products/processes and installs complex systems with guidance.
- Provides technical assistance for repair on plant and equipment and directs necessary modifications.
- Prepares maintenance programs and procedures for approval and ensures implementation in accordance with set standards to optimise plant availability, reliability and performance.
- Monitors and supervises work of contractors and commissioning of major repair work, modifications and general outages to ensure compliance to specified standards.
- Identifies and evaluates complex expertise-led solutions against a range of criteria to find the ones that best meet business needs.
- Takes responsibility for implement a team’s performance management systems with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Works independently to collate and analyse data using pre-determined tools, methods and formats.
- Takes responsibility for delivering a prescribed budget for own area of the organization and/or conducts complex analyses on budget progress in other areas while working within established systems.
Requirements
- A relevant degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent.
- Membership of an Engineers Registration Board.
- Should have acquired a Competency Certificate within 6 months of appointment.
- Class B Drivers License.
- A minimum of five (5) years relevant post qualification experience in heavy industrial environment of which three (3) years should have been served at supervisory level preferably in mechanical maintenance environment.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in planning and managing resources to deliver predetermined objectives as specified by management.
- Knowledge and experience of the electricity industry in general, and power generation in particular will be an added advantage.
- Experience in a maintenance environment is required
- Drive For Results
- Leadership
- Customer Focus
- Interpersonal Skills
- Management Excellence
- Values Ethic and Integrity
- Problem Solving
- Strategic Thinking
- Process Management
- Action Oriented
How to Apply
To Apply: Please visit the official Botswana Power Corporation careers portal: careers.bpc.bw
About the Company
Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is a state-owned company for electrical power generation, transmission and distribution in Botswana. It was established in 1970 and is currently the only electricity supplier in the country. BPC represents Botswana in the Southern African Power Pool. Morupule Power Station (coal-fired) in Palapye supplies 80% of domestically generated electricity, however the country is dependent on importing energy from its neighbours. Its capacity is estimated to be around 132 MW. The region's main power supplier, South Africa, is experiencing its own problems with under-capacity blackouts. A plan to boost Morupule station with four new 150 MW units is underway and gathering financial support from several sources.
Website: https://www.bpc.bw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical educational qualifications and certifications required for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer role at Botswana Power Corporation?
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is generally a prerequisite, often coupled with professional registration with the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) of Botswana. Practical experience in heavy industrial environments, particularly power generation or large-scale plant maintenance, is highly valued.
What are the primary day-to-day responsibilities of a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer at a power utility like Botswana Power Corporation?
Daily tasks include planning and executing preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical plant equipment, troubleshooting complex operational issues, and supervising maintenance teams. Engineers are also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards and optimizing plant reliability and efficiency.
How would you describe the typical work culture and expectations for engineers within a parastatal like Botswana Power Corporation?
The work culture often emphasizes safety, adherence to strict operational protocols, and collaborative teamwork within a structured environment. Expectations include a high degree of professionalism, problem-solving aptitude, and a commitment to maintaining critical national infrastructure.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer within Botswana Power Corporation?
Engineers can progress to senior or principal engineering roles, specializing in areas like plant reliability or project management. Opportunities may also arise for leadership positions in maintenance management or other technical departments within the corporation.
What kind of benefits package, such as leave, medical aid, and pension schemes, can a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer typically expect from a parastatal in Botswana?
Parastatals in Botswana generally offer competitive benefits, including substantial annual leave allowances, comprehensive medical aid schemes, and robust defined-contribution pension funds. These packages aim to provide security and support for employees and their families.
What is the best way to apply for this role, and what specific qualities do employers in Botswana look for in candidates?
Applications are typically submitted online via the company's career portal, requiring a detailed CV and cover letter highlighting relevant experience. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, a proven safety record, excellent problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of the local industrial context.