Digital Heritage Documentation Specialist Job Vacancy in Lerala, Botswana – Cultural Preservation & Technology | Botswana National Museum and Research Centre

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Job Description

Position: Digital Heritage Documentation Specialist

Company: Botswana National Museum and Research Centre

Location: Lerala, Botswana

Experience: 3-5 years

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Digital Archiving, or Cultural Heritage Management

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Cultural Preservation & Technology

Department: Digital Archiving & Cultural Research

Salary: SSP 180,000 – SSP 250,000

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

The Botswana National Museum and Research Centre is a leading institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Botswana’s rich cultural heritage through innovative digital technologies. With a mandate to bridge traditional practices and modern advancements, the organization collaborates with global partners to ensure sustainable cultural preservation. This role is pivotal in advancing the museum’s mission to digitize artifacts, oral histories, and indigenous knowledge systems for global accessibility.

Job Overview

This position focuses on leveraging cutting-edge digital tools to document and archive Botswana’s intangible and tangible heritage. The specialist will work on projects funded by international bodies like UNESCO and the African Union, ensuring compliance with global standards for digital preservation. The role is ideal for candidates passionate about cultural heritage and technology, offering opportunities to contribute to national and international research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the digitization of cultural artifacts, manuscripts, and oral histories using 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and AI-driven metadata systems.
  • Collaborate with local communities to document indigenous knowledge systems and traditional practices.
  • Develop and maintain a centralized digital archive accessible to researchers, educators, and the public.
  • Train museum staff and community members on digital preservation techniques and tools.
  • Prepare reports and publications for international conferences and academic journals.

Required Skills

  • Proficiency in digital archiving software (e.g., Archivists’ Toolkit, CollectiveAccess).
  • Experience with GIS mapping for cultural site documentation.
  • Strong project management skills with a proven track record in multi-stakeholder collaborations.
  • Fluency in Setswana and English, with basic knowledge of French or Portuguese preferred.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for community engagement.

Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Digital Archiving, or Cultural Heritage Management.
  • Postgraduate qualification in Digital Humanities or Cultural Informatics is an advantage.

Experience

  • 3-5 years in cultural heritage digitization projects, preferably in African contexts.
  • Experience working with international NGOs or UN agencies is advantageous.

Salary

SSP 180,000 – SSP 250,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance covering family members.
  • Annual professional development allowance (SSP 20,000).
  • Relocation assistance for candidates from outside Lerala.
  • Opportunities for international conferences and fieldwork in East and Southern Africa.

Training

  • Onboarding training in the museum’s digital preservation protocols.
  • Workshops on AI-driven metadata tagging and blockchain for artifact provenance.
  • Annual certification courses in digital archiving best practices.

Working Environment

The role involves a mix of office-based work at the museum’s Lerala headquarters and fieldwork in remote cultural sites. Candidates must be adaptable to varying conditions, including limited internet connectivity in rural areas. The museum provides field equipment and logistical support for all documentation missions.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and three professional references to the museum’s HR portal. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a skills assessment and virtual interview with the Digital Heritage Committee. For more details, visit https://botswanajobsearch.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Botswana National Museum and Research Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged. Learn more about our initiatives at https://www.ugandajobssearch.com.