The University is seeking to recruit a highly qualified, accomplished and transformative Vice Chancellor, to provide strategic leadership and direction. This is a key executive role responsible for guiding the University towards its vision and goals, ensuring excellence in academic, research, and administrative functions.
ABOUT BIUST
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is a research-intensive institution established by the Government of Botswana, with a commitment to research. BIUST plays a pivotal role in diversifying Botswana’s economy through the provision of appropriate skills, knowledge and contribution to digital technology to enhance the country’s regional and global competitiveness. The University is poised to make significant strides in shaping the future of science and technology in Botswana and beyond for the sustainable socio-economic transformation of the country.
VISION
Entrepreneurial research-based university of science, engineering & technology, internationally recognized for its quality and excellence.
MISSION
Drive cutting edge research and innovation in science, engineering and technology, propelling industry growth, development and advancement of a diversified knowledge-based economy and society.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is located on an expansive and ecologically diverse 2,500-hectare site of gently sloping land in the Tswapong Hills, in the Central District of Botswana. BIUST is centrally located between the Capital City Gaborone and the City of Francistown. It is in close proximity of the famous Goo Moremi Gorge.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Dynamic and visionary, the Vice Chancellor serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the institution. The Vice Chancellor will provide strategic leadership to drive BIUST forward, positioning it as a globally recognized centre of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Reporting directly to the University Council, the Vice Chancellor will be responsible for executing the University’s strategic goals and fostering high-level relationships with government institutions, policymakers, industry, leaders to advance both the University’s and the higher education sector’s interests.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of exceptional leadership in academic and research environments, strategic management of research activities, the development of policies and appropriate research and development initiatives to transform higher education for the benefit of the country and its economy. Strong capabilities in inspiring, leading, and motivating multidisciplinary teams, as well as collaborating with academics, senior management, and colleges, are essential for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensures that the University standards in teaching, learning and research are established to meet the requirements of students, staff and the Botswana society as a whole.
- Fosters the values of academic freedom, excellence, equity and accountability.
- Refines the University’s vision for developing, communicating and implementing a strategic plan (in collaboration with the Council and in consultation with other appropriate parties) which will position the University internationally.
- Promotes and maintains a collegial culture within the University.
- Supports and motivates staff and contributes in their development.
- Provides strategic leadership to ensure prudent and effective management of the University’s resources and legal and regulatory compliance.
- Ensures proper financial management through best practice budgeting, monitoring, control and reporting systems.
- Ensures existence of “good employer” practices and equal employment opportunities thereby attracting, developing and retaining high caliber staff.
- Ensures that the University is at the forefront of the development and application of new and appropriate technologies.
- Initiates and supports fund raising efforts to increase the University’s financial resources for projects that enhance the University’s achievement of its objectives.
Requirements
- A minimum of a Doctorate degree and a full Professor in Science, Technology or Engineering related field.
- Outstanding academic or professional employment record with a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in teaching and research.
- Significant traceable experience in research administration and fund raising.
- Must have a minimum of (five) year’s tertiary environment experience in an executive leadership role.
- Must have substantive and successful experience in creating collaborative opportunities.
- Must have exceptional problem-solving skills combined with proven track record for the execution of plans and strategies; strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; and impeccable integrity.
- Must have extensive experience within an academic institution or a relevant business or research activity at a leadership level and traceable strong academic and outstanding leadership at executive management level.
- Strong commitment to academic values and standards.
- High level of financial astuteness and commercial competence demonstrated through successful management of substantial budgeted responsibilities.
- Strong understanding of public policy processes experience in working with a governing body.
- Successful management of complex organization including strategic planning, people, finances and other resources representing an organization externally and articulating its goals and objectives to key stakeholders.
- Ability to develop and communicate a clear, inspiring and relevant vision and direction for the university, commitment to seek and accept challenges and opportunities.
- Commitment to inspire and motivate students and staff to realize their potential and embrace the university goals and objectives and ability to demonstrate a consultative and inclusive management style in situations involving complex group dynamics.
- High level of conceptual and analytical ability Commitment to values and apply intellectual processes within a well-defined coherent framework.
- Demonstrable understanding of implications of decisions (social, economic, financial, political) and think creatively and innovatively.
- Demonstrate how an intensive Research and Development institution can contribute to economic and technological transformation.
- Demonstrable personal commitment excellence.
How to Apply
Candidates shall be required to submit, together with their applications, a statement detailing their achievements and their vision for the University.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, certified copies of educational certificates together with detailed Curriculum Vitae and names and contacts of five (5) professional referees to:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, certified copies of educational certificates together with detailed Curriculum Vitae and names and contacts of five (5) professional referees to:
Director, Human Capital at the email address below.
vcrecruitment@biust.ac.bw
Closing date for the advertisement is 13th February 2026
For any further enquiries, you may contact Mr. P. Makwati/ Ms. K Taolo 4931061/4931305