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4 days ago
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 Souvenir Shop Officer, in the Department of Corporate Affairs. This role is responsible for managing and operating the University Souvenir Shop. The position holder will manage the shop inventory, merchandise and attend to customers to ensure the success of the University’s souvenir shop. The role focuses on maintaining a modest, accessible retail environment that meets the diverse needs of all UB stakeholders, while introducing innovative and creative merchandise designs that promote university pride.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Retail Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-17
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of and implement the souvenir shop strategy, policies and procedures;
- Assist in the process of selecting a range of University-branded merchandise considering customer preferences, trends and markets;
- Assist in receiving incoming merchandise, inspecting quality, and updating inventory records;
- Create visually appealing displays to showcase merchandise;
- Maintain accurate records of shop inventory, track stock levels, and reorder merchandise as needed;
- Assist in inventory counts, ensuring goods are accounted for accordingly and in good condition;
- Assist in the implementation of efficient inventory management systems to avoid instances of excess or shortage of stock;
- Contribute to the development of social media content for University social media platforms to increase brand awareness and customer engagement;
- Identify and implement relevant trends in the marketing and branding sector to improve product offering and relevance;
- Drive sales and enhance customer engagement through promotional activities;
- Assist in the execution of distribution plans to mitigate product loss, to improve service quality and reliability;
- Ensure suppliers maintain their delivery dates and expedites orders;
- Participate in the identification and mitigation of operational risks;
- Respond to customer/ stakeholder queries and inquiries related to area of expertise;
- Collaborate with relevant internal and external stakeholders as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined;
- Actively engage with the professional community to support and develop expertise in this profession;
- Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field;
- Membership of recognised professional bodies will be 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.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Friendly, approachable, and customer-oriented demeanour;
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift moderately heavy boxes if required;
- Attention to detail and willingness to learn about university merchandise and history.
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
REF Code: IRC 3510
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 or certifications are typically required for a Souvenir Shop Officer position in Botswana?
Typically a diploma or degree in retail management, business administration, or hospitality is required. Some employers accept a Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) recognized certificate in merchandising or customer service. Relevant experience in a retail or souvenir environment, preferably handling cash and inventory, is often expected.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a Souvenir Shop Officer at the University of Botswana?
The officer oversees daily shop operations, including stocking shelves, pricing items, and ensuring the store is clean and attractive to visitors. They handle cash transactions, maintain accurate sales records, and reconcile the till at the end of each shift. Additionally, they assist customers with product information, manage supplier deliveries, and may help plan promotional displays for university events.
What is the typical work culture and what expectations should a job seeker have in Botswana for this role?
In Botswana, workplace interactions are generally polite and respectful, with an emphasis on teamwork and punctuality; employees are expected to adhere to the university’s code of conduct and dress modestly. The souvenir shop serves both students and tourists, so cultural sensitivity and good communication skills are valued. Initiative in improving sales while maintaining honesty and integrity is appreciated.
What career progression or growth paths are available for someone starting as a Souvenir Shop Officer?
Starting as a Souvenir Shop Officer can lead to supervisory roles such as Assistant Shop Manager or Retail Supervisor within the university’s auxiliary services. With further experience and possibly additional qualifications in retail or merchandising, one may advance to Shop Manager or move into broader university hospitality or events management positions. Continuous professional development through short courses offered by BQA or local institutions is encouraged.
What benefits are usually offered and how should a candidate apply for this role in Botswana?
Employees at the University of Botswana usually receive public‑service benefits including paid annual leave, sick leave, medical aid contributions, and participation in the government pension fund. Applications are submitted online via the UB careers portal, where candidates must upload a detailed CV, certified copies of qualifications, and a cover letter highlighting relevant retail experience. The selection process typically involves a shortlisting stage followed by an interview that assesses both technical skills and customer‑service aptitude.