Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Academia & Education
- Closing Date: 2026-09-17
Key Responsibilities
- The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses.
- The candidate should be able to teach at least three of the following: International Relations, Security Studies; Human Rights in World Politics; Conflict and War, Media and Politics, Analysis of National Security Policies; Foreign Policy Analysis; Theories and Practice in Civil Military Relations; Research Methods and Computer Applications; and Critical Thinking.
- The successful candidate must also be able to take an active part in the supervision and assessment of undergraduate and post graduate research work.
- The Department reserves the right to allocate other courses in addition to those outlined above.
Requirements
- Candidates should possess: (i) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science or related discipline;
- (ii) Master’s degree in Political Science or related discipline;
- (iii) Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science or related discipline with at least a second class, first division (2.1) pass or equivalent;
- (iv) Three (3) years University teaching experience;
- (v) Minimum of six (6) pieces of research products (e.g. articles, book chapters, peer reviewed conference proceedings etc.) published by recognized publishers. Four (4) of the Six (6) publications above must be articles in refereed/accredited journals in internationally recognized databases
- (vi) Demonstration of effective academic leadership, relevant teaching/research experience on Africa, and capacity to handle short-term executive training courses will be added advantages.
- (vii) Evidence of governance and social engagement will be also be an added advantage.
Salary
The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Vacancy Circular No: 3505
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 academic qualifications and experience are typically required for a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Botswana?
Applicants usually need a PhD in Political Science or a closely related field, with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications and teaching experience at university level. The University of Botswana also expects evidence of research output aligned with national priorities, such as governance, democracy, or regional integration in Southern Africa.
What does a typical day look like for a Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of Botswana?
A typical day involves delivering lectures and tutorials to undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising honours and master’s dissertations, and engaging in departmental meetings or curriculum development. Fieldwork, community engagement, and participation in national policy dialogues—especially those linked to Botswana’s Vision 2036 or the Botswana National Research and Innovation Strategy—are also common responsibilities.
How does the academic work culture in Botswana differ from other countries, and what expectations should I be aware of?
Botswanan academia values respect for hierarchy, collegiality, and responsiveness to national development goals; punctuality, formal communication with senior staff, and active involvement in university committees are expected. Unlike some Western institutions, there is often an emphasis on integrating local knowledge systems and contextualising political theory within Botswana’s democratic traditions and Tswana cultural frameworks.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as a fixed-term Senior Lecturer at the University of Botswana?
Fixed-term lecturers may be considered for permanent appointment based on performance, research impact, and service contributions, with potential advancement to roles such as Head of Department or Dean. External progression paths include leadership positions in national institutions like the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) or advisory roles in the Office of the President, especially for those with policy-relevant expertise.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—can a fixed-term Senior Lecturer expect at the University of Botswana?
Fixed-term academic staff are entitled to annual leave (typically 30 days), sick leave, and compassionate leave under the University’s Conditions of Service, aligned with Botswana’s Employment Act. They contribute to the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) and have access to the University’s medical aid scheme, though coverage details depend on the specific terms of the fixed-term contract.
How do I apply for this role, and what do hiring panels at the University of Botswana prioritise in candidates?
Applications must be submitted through the University’s official recruitment portal or via email as specified in the vacancy notice, including certified academic transcripts, a CV, research statement, and teaching portfolio. Panels prioritise candidates with demonstrable experience teaching core Political Science courses in Botswana or SADC contexts, evidence of community-engaged research, and alignment with the University’s strategic pillars—particularly those addressing national governance challenges and youth civic participation.