Applicants are invited from suitably qualified Botswana Citizens for the above mentioned position, which is tenable at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism – Department of Tourism (Tsabong).
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Government
- Closing Date: 2026-09-04
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborates with stakeholders on pertinent tourism issues and objectives.
- Promote and facilitate tourism growth.
- Disseminate tourism information to stakeholders.
- Represents the Department in relevant committees locally, regionally and internationally, all matters related to tourism industry.
- Analyses and interprets data on the impact of tourism to the economy.
- Verifies business plans for tourism enterprises license applications prior to submission to tourism industry license board.
Requirements
- Qualifications: Degree in Tourism Management/Tourism Hospitality/Tourism Planning/Statistics.
- Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years relevant work experience of which two (2) should have served at D3 salary scale.
Salary
D2 – (P337,008 – P371,628) per annum
How to Apply
Applications should quote the reference number and vacancy circular number and provide: a) Full name, address, Date and place of birth. b) Brief summary of careers with duties (Curriculum Vitae). c) Certified copies of Certificates and Omang d) Date of first appointment e) Present post and date of appointment thereto f) Two references (not older than 3 months). Applications should be addressed to: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment and Tourism Private Bag BO 199, Gaborone Or hand delivered to Ministry of Environment and Tourism – Head Quarters – Records Management Unit – Office No. 205. Closing Date: 4th September 2026 For further information, required please contact: Ms B Mpipi at 3647938 or Ms R Tumelo 3647995.
REF Code: ENT 4/26/1 VI (51) | Vacancy Circular No: 13 of 2026
Original Advert
Source document for this listing, published by Jobs Botswana.
About the Company
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism is a ministry within the Cabinet of Botswana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for the Principal Tourism Officer I – D2 role in Botswana's Ministry of Environment and Tourism?
Applicants usually need a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management, Environmental Science, Hospitality, or a closely related field from a recognised institution, preferably accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA). Relevant professional certifications such as those from the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) or membership in the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) are advantageous. Postgraduate qualifications or short courses in sustainable tourism development or public sector management may strengthen an application.
What does a typical day look like for a Principal Tourism Officer I – D2 in this ministry?
Daily duties include reviewing tourism policy implementation reports, coordinating with regional tourism offices and private stakeholders, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives across Botswana’s districts. Officers also prepare briefing notes for senior management, monitor compliance with the Tourism Act (Cap 61:03), and participate in interdepartmental meetings on environmental sustainability and visitor management. Field visits to tourism sites—especially in areas like the Okavango Delta or Chobe—are common and require adherence to government travel protocols.
How does the work culture and professional expectations differ in Botswana’s public sector compared to other countries?
Botswana’s civil service emphasises respect for hierarchy, punctuality, formal communication, and consensus-building—particularly when engaging with traditional authorities like Chiefs’ councils. Public officers are expected to uphold the Civil Service Code of Conduct and demonstrate cultural sensitivity, especially when working with rural communities and indigenous groups such as the San. Attendance at national events (e.g., Botswana Day celebrations) and participation in government-led capacity-building workshops are standard expectations.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as a Principal Tourism Officer I – D2?
Successful officers may progress to Principal Tourism Officer II (D3), then to Senior Principal Officer (D4), often requiring additional leadership training through the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) or the Civil Service College. Some transition into specialised roles such as Tourism Policy Advisor or Head of Sustainable Tourism Unit within the Ministry. Others pursue secondments to regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tourism Technical Committee, subject to government approval and vacancy availability.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—can I expect in this government role?
Officers are entitled to 30 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick leave per year, and maternity/paternity leave in line with the Botswana Employment Act and Public Service Regulations. Medical aid is provided through the Government Employees’ Medical Scheme (GEMS), and pension contributions are mandatory under the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF). Additional benefits include study leave (with approval) and housing allowance where applicable, subject to current Treasury guidelines.
How do I apply for this role, and what do hiring managers in Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism specifically look for?
Applications must be submitted via the official Botswana Government e-Recruitment Portal (www.erecruit.gov.bw), including certified academic documents, a detailed CV, and a motivation letter aligned with the ministry’s Strategic Plan and National Tourism Policy. Hiring panels prioritise candidates with demonstrable experience in tourism regulation, stakeholder engagement in rural settings, and familiarity with Botswana’s environmental legislation—including the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act. Strong written English and Setswana communication skills, plus evidence of ethical conduct and public service orientation, are consistently assessed during interviews.