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 Professional: Sign Language in the Department of Student Life and Experience. The position holder is responsible for providing support to students with disabilities during assessments and exams within the university. The position holder will liaise with the disability support staff, faculty members and any other relevant departments to ensure that students with disabilities are appropriately accommodated and are in an inclusive and accessible testing environment.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Education
- Closing Date: 2026-09-09
Key Responsibilities
- Liaise with Academic Administration Services and other relevant departments to develop and implement assessment methods, including practicals that accommodate students with learning disabilities.
- Collaboratively develop and implement assessment schedules for students with disabilities, ensuring timely communication between students and faculty about assessment dates, formats, and guidelines.
- Ensure the security and confidentiality of examination materials and processes.
- Implement relevant solutions for assessments ensuring a seamless and secure testing environment, accessible examination locations, and availability of specialized equipment/resources, where required.
- Liaise with faculty and Academic Administration Services to develop, implement and evaluate all exam materials and that they are provided in accessible formats.
- Ensure that the necessary assistive technologies are available and functional during testing/ examinations.
- Coordinate the assessment and examination accommodation process for students with disabilities, including extended time, alternative formats, assistive technology, and other approved accommodations.
- Collaborate with students to assess their accommodation needs and develop individualized plans.
- Collaborate with the Manager, Student Assessments, Scheduling and Examinations to explore and implement technology solutions for online digital examination platforms, ensuring an inclusive, seamless and secure testing environment.
- Review and update accommodation plans for students with disabilities based on their evolving needs and academic progress.
- Effectively manage and maintain all academic records of assessments and examination.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or any other related field is required.
- A Masters’ degree will be an added advantage.
- A minimum of four (4) years of experience, three (3) of which should have been at the officer level .
- Higher education experience will be an added advantage.
- Knowledge of disability laws, regulations, and accommodations in higher education.
- Strong communication, interpersonal & organizational skills and
- Familiarity with assistive technologies and accessibility standards.
Salary
The University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: ub.bw
Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3437
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 and certifications are typically required for this role in Botswana?
Applicants usually need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field, with a Master’s degree strongly preferred. Registration with the Botswana Teaching Council (BTC) is mandatory for roles involving assessment of learners, and experience with disability-inclusive assessment frameworks such as those aligned with Botswana’s National Policy on Disability is essential.
What does a typical day look like for someone in this role at a Botswana university?
Daily tasks include designing and adapting exams for students with diverse disabilities, liaising with lecturers and disability support units to implement reasonable accommodations, and training academic staff on inclusive assessment practices. You’ll also review documentation from medical or psychological professionals to determine appropriate exam adjustments, following guidelines set by the University of Botswana’s Academic Regulations and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
How does workplace culture in Botswana influence expectations for this role?
Respect for hierarchy and collaborative decision-making with academic departments and student support services are central to Botswana’s higher education culture. Punctuality, professionalism, and sensitivity to cultural norms around disability — including community-based perspectives and family involvement — are expected when engaging with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
What career progression opportunities exist for this role within Botswana’s education sector?
Successful performance may lead to advancement into leadership roles such as Head of Disability Support Services or Academic Registrar’s Office positions focused on inclusion. There are also pathways into national policy advisory roles with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development or partnerships with organisations like the Botswana National Disability Advisory Council.
What benefits are typically offered for this position in Botswana universities?
Standard benefits include 30 days of annual leave, full medical aid coverage through the University of Botswana Medical Aid Scheme, and mandatory pension contributions under the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund. Additional allowances may apply for professional development or disability-related training, subject to university policy and budgetary approval.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Botswana specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications must be submitted via the University of Botswana’s official recruitment portal, accompanied by certified academic documents, BTC registration proof, and evidence of relevant disability assessment experience. Employers prioritise candidates with demonstrable experience applying Botswana’s Inclusive Education Policy, strong interpersonal skills for cross-departmental coordination, and familiarity with local assistive technologies and sign language interpretation services.