UNDP Botswana supports the Government and people of Botswana in their development journey toward achieving shared prosperity, as articulated in Vision 2036 and outlined in the National Development Plans. The UNDP Country Office (CO) implements this commitment through its Country Programme Document (CPD), which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNDP Country Programme (202 •••••• 26) aims to provide upstream strategic and evidence-based advisory support while also delivering downstream interventions that engage directly with communities to promote a greener, more just, and prosperous Botswana.

As a key member of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Botswana, UNDP works collaboratively with other UN agencies under a coordinated "Delivering as One" approach. The UN's engagement in Botswana is guided by the United Nations Cooperation Framework (UNCF), which derives its mandate from the 2030 Agenda, the SDGs, and the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP12) and the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP).

In alignment with its commitment to accountability to partners, including governments and citizens, UNDP and the broader UN system ensure systematic, meticulous, and consistent tracking of progress against predefined results outlined in the UN Cooperation Framework (One UN Document) and the Country Programme Document (UNDP document).

Botswana's governance landscape remains peaceful, stable, and internationally recognised for its strong institutions, sound policies, and longstanding commitment to democratic governance. This solid foundation continues to position the country as a regional example of good governance.

At the same time, institutions are facing growing pressure to adapt to rising expectations for efficient service delivery, modern digital systems, and more responsive public services. These evolving demands highlight the need to strengthen institutional capacities, improve coordination, and enhance the quality and reach of public services.

Within its Country Programme Document, UNDP prioritises support to national partners in key governance areas: promoting institutional strengthening through evidence‑based planning and monitoring systems. UNDP also places emphasis on expanding digital governance solutions and modernised service delivery platforms to ensure more responsive, transparent and accountable, and citizen‑centered public services.

These priorities are driven by a rights‑based approach that positions women and youth and Persons with Disability as key rights‑holders, communities and the private sector as partners in transformation, and public institutions as duty‑bearers.

Through these partnerships, UNDP aims to contribute to a governance system that is more transparent, responsive and trusted. The Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12) places strong emphasis on governance reform as part of Botswana's shift toward a high‑income, digitally enabled and export‑driven economy.

Delivering on the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme requires capable institutions, accessible justice services, effective law‑enforcement and regulatory systems, and inclusive policy processes that support national aspirations for shared prosperity and reduced inequality.

Against this backdrop, the Governance Specialist will lead UNDP's contribution to strengthening rule‑of‑law, widening access to justice, supporting human rights implementation, and advancing integrity and accountability systems.

The Specialist will ensure that UNDP's programme approach is grounded in national priorities, evidence and UN normative standards. Under the supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Specialist will provide policy advice on justice sector reform, legal empowerment, human rights implementation, anti‑corruption, institutional strengthening and governance innovations and the increased participation of and representation of vulnerable groups.

S/He will lead the design and implementation of governance and justice initiatives under the CPD, ensuring clear results, measurable outcomes and alignment with SDG 5,16 and 17. It is expected that successful candidate will support government partners-including the National Assembly and other Constitutional institutions, law‑enforcement agencies, independent bodies and local authorities-to identify reform options that improve access to justice, strengthen service delivery and enhance rights protection.

The Incumbent will facilitate civil society and community participation in justice and human rights processes, including expansion of legal aid, community‑based justice initiatives and citizen oversight while advancing digital governance tools in the justice sector, including data systems, case‑tracking mechanisms and platforms that improve coordination across institutions.

Further, in line with UNDP policy and knowledge management work, the successful candidate will produce research, diagnostics and policy brie…