Trying to get a job in Botswana has been my hardest experience yet. I was hired in August 2010, then lost job due to company's change in management. I then came back January 2011, and again tried for 2months, but ended up getting a better offer in Kenya. And then came back November of 2012, and finally got hired January 2013, after 2.5months.
It is a waiting game. Third time lucky for me.
The hiring scene has changed soooooo many times since my first time here. Currently the law does not convert your license, but much rather does a validation on you original license (so make sure you have a valid/current license before coming here!!!) until you get 500hours on a "A2" aircraft, and with that obliviously you have to have the rating, ie: you wont get a C206 job unless you have a C206 rating. And you most definitely wont get a job on a C208 even if you have the rating due to insurance requirements, and seniority.
So make sure you either have at least one or 2 of these ratings- C172, C206, GA8.
But along with law requirements, companies too have requirements- most want at least 400hours (with the odd exception) [1000hours max, companies find it "fishy" if you come with too many hours] and something else that pretty much will help you get the job in terms of work permit- Dangerous Goods (even though immigrations probably have no idea what that is, it makes yr CV look pretty therefore making the permits application process a little bit smoother)
Even though I have a lot of "pretty" things on my CV- instructors with 100hours instructing experience, a few hours experience on C206, 60hours multi and instruments, dangerous goods, previous bush flying... it still took me a while to get a job... so don't come here thinking that you are "hot sht" because you have a ME/IR. It mostly boils down to personality and your behaviour- you are constantly under watch by the companies!!! (small town, mostly pilots = news spreads quick!!!) Which is why you generally have to stick it out for at least a month (I know some guys have been hired way sooner than this) because eventually your true colours start to shine, and no company wants to hire a "dck head"- we are all one really big family of pilots working together at the end of the day!!
So do come, rough it up- bring your tents and a few beers! If you are lucky you might get to house sit for someone (mostly December/January- luxury living for a few days!). Do keep your wits about yourself, dress casual smart (in case you do get on a flight- the company wants you to look presentable!), don't be a know-it-all (remember... dck head), do socialise a lot (but don't get too wasted- you r constantly under watch!) and do buy the pilots beers (it will score you points, but don't be an ass-kisser) ! Do check scheduling before 8am, and 4pm (for next day) for flights (EVERY SINGLE DAY!), and be friendly with the scheduling ladies, they have enough stress as it is!
BEST OF LUCK! ~ May the odds be ever in your favour