Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Academic
- Closing Date: 2026-09-17
Key Responsibilities
- (i) Contribute to the development of and implementation of University, Faculty and School level strategies, policies, plans, and procedures;
- (ii) coordinate aspects of university policy making from time-to-time as required in area of expertise or leadership;
- (iii) Use programme/course design principles and institutional guidelines to ensure effective curriculum development;
- (iv) Review programmes/courses to ensure they are relevant to and up to date with local, international, global and disciplinary contexts, as well as engagement with students, stakeholders and peers;
- (v) Ensure alignment between programmes/courses and respective outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment methods and criteria;
- (vi) Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the area of Water Resources Engineering (Hydraulics, Fluid Mechanics, Hydrology, Water Engineering, Dam Design) and any other related subjects;
- (vii) Supervise students’ research/design projects and Dissertations/Theses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in Water Engineering;
- (viii) Lead original research projects, addressing key questions in the discipline;
- (ix) S ecure external funding to support research and elevate the university’s reputation;
- (x) M entor graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty for their scholarly development;
- (xi) Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering innovation and problem-solving;
- (xii) Proactively engage in consultancy services in line area of expertise;
- (xiii) C ontribute to the development of intellectual property that benefits the university;
- (xiv) Contribute to programme development and quality assurance internally and externally, including short executive development courses;
- (xv) E ngage in activities to enhance the university’s profile and foster community development (e.g., leadership in professional committees, service in regional/ international bodies/ expert panels, or leadership in public and/or private organisations);
- (xvi) Recognize and pursue strategic opportunities for research programme development;
- (xvii) D evelop entrepreneurial and economic initiatives benefiting the community;
- (xviii) Enhance the university’s reputation through leadership and participation in national and international initiatives;
- (xix) F oster national and international exchange of ideas in the discipline and advocate for its advancement;
- (xx) Demonstrate coherence between philosophy and practice;
- (xxi) Demonstrate excellent leadership in policy formulation and Research Institute management within the university;
- (xxii) Demonstration and evidence of social, profession and community engagements in a university environment;
- (xxiii) Membership or registration with a relevant and recognized professional body is required;
- (xxiv) Develop entrepreneurial and economic initiatives benefiting the community;
- (xxv) evidence of external examination for masters and/or PhD theses;
- (xxvi) Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks and (xxvii) Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of School/Departmental Chairperson in line with the role.
Requirements
- (i) a PhD degree in Civil/ Water Engineering;
- (ii) A minimum of nine (9) years’ experience in teaching, research and governance is required;
- (iii) A sustained record of research output of good impacts with at least twenty-four (24) publications, twelve (12) of which must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognised indexing databases (ISI Web of Science and Scopus). The remaining twelve (12) publications could be journal articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings etc published by recognised publishers;
- (iv) Be the first/lead author in at least one-quarter of the required journal publications, which must be spread nationally and/or internationally and across journals;
- (v) Regular scholarly presentations at national and/or international conferences; and
- (vi) Demonstration and evidence of governance and academic leadership in a university environment (vii) Evidence of externally funded/supported/resourced sustained research activity as determined by the University; (viii) Significant research impact including but not limited to citations, the h-index, patents, policy applications, peer reviews and research awards and other forms of research recognition; (ix) Written evidence of recognition/acknowledgement as research or professional standing by international and national peers; (x) evidence of research collaboration with industry or other institutions, and cognate disciplines; (xi) Evidence of successful supervision of graduate students and (xii) Professional awards and other forms of recognition.
Salary
competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications
How to Apply
REF Code: IRC 3413 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3413
About the Company
The University of Botswana (UB) stands as the nation's premier institution for higher learning, with its main campus primarily located in Gaborone. Established in 1982, it plays a critical role in advancing the intellectual and human resource capacity essential for Botswana's socio-economic development. UB offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across diverse faculties, including sciences, humanities, business, and education. The university is deeply committed to fostering robust research and innovation, addressing key societal challenges and contributing to the economic diversification of Botswana. Through its dedication to academic excellence and community engagement, UB actively prepares skilled professionals who drive progress across all sectors within Botswana.
Shaping the Future
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are typically required for a Professor of Water Resources Engineering at UB?
A PhD in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field is required, along with a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications. Experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, plus proven ability to secure research funding, is expected. Professional registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana (ERB) is advantageous but not mandatory.
What are the common day‑to‑day responsibilities of this fixed‑term professorship?
You will lecture and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students in water resources topics, design and deliver coursework, and assess student performance. Research duties include leading projects on hydrology, water quality, or irrigation, publishing results, and collaborating with government agencies or industry partners. Administrative tasks involve serving on faculty committees, contributing to curriculum development, and mentoring junior staff.
How does the work culture at the University of Botswana reflect local expectations?
UB emphasizes collegiality, respect for hierarchical academic structures, and a commitment to community service aligned with Botswana’s national development goals. Punctuality, professional dress, and participation in university‑wide events such as public lectures or outreach programs are valued. Collaboration with local stakeholders and sensitivity to Botswana’s water‑resource challenges are encouraged.
What realistic career progression or growth paths can one expect after this fixed‑term position?
Successful performance may lead to renewal of the contract, conversion to a permanent tenure‑track role, or advancement to senior academic ranks such as Associate Professor or Professor. Opportunities also exist to take on leadership positions like Head of Department, Dean, or director of a research centre. External prospects include consultancy work with water utilities or international development agencies.
What typical benefits does the University of Botswana offer for academic staff, and how should one apply?
Benefits generally include annual leave accrual, medical aid contributions, a pension scheme through the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund, and access to university facilities such as libraries and research grants. Applications are submitted online via the UB careers portal, requiring a cover letter, detailed CV, copies of qualifications, and a research statement; shortlisted candidates are invited for a presentation and interview panel. The selection committee looks for evidence of teaching excellence, research productivity, and alignment with UB’s strategic priorities in water resources.