Academic Head of Department UFS Job ID 6228

Academic Head of Department UFS Job ID 6228

The University  of the Free State (UFS) is seeking an experienced academic leader from within its Department of Private Law to take up the position of Academic Head of Department. This role is open exclusively to full-time, permanent academic staff members of the department at Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Professor level. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in teaching, research, and community engagement while fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and transformation within the Faculty of Law.

Job Overview:

• Job Title: Academic Head of Department (Contract appointment: 5 years with the possibility of serving a second term) – Job ID 6228
• Company: University of the Free State (Faculty of Law, Department of Private Law)
• Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State, South Africa
• Employment Type: Contract (5 years, renewable for a second term)

Company Overview:

The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected institutions of higher learning. With a strong focus on academic excellence, social justice, and transformation, UFS offers world-class education and research opportunities across multiple faculties. The Faculty of Law is a leader in legal education, shaping future practitioners and scholars through innovative teaching, impactful research, and strong community engagement. The Department of Private Law plays a vital role in advancing legal scholarship and producing graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to the legal profession and society.

Responsibilities:

• Provide academic leadership and create strategies to position the department as a leader in Private Law.

• Direct academic debate, influence departmental culture, and energize staff and students.

• Ensure high-quality, research-informed teaching and learning across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

• Oversee curriculum development and maintain academic rules and standards.

• Drive research excellence, postgraduate recruitment, and staff development, including NRF rating guidance.

• Lead departmental operations, including planning, organizing, mentoring, and performance management.

• Manage finances, budgeting, and resource allocation in line with UFS policies.

• Actively participate in faculty and university governance structures.

• Ensure effective internal and external communication and collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Private Law or related field.

• Permanent, full-time academic staff member of UFS Department of Private Law.

• Current appointment as Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, or Professor.

Recommendations:

• Minimum of 3 years’ lecturing/leadership experience in a tertiary institution.

• Experience in departmental management.

• Proven record of supervising completed postgraduate students in Private Law.

Competencies:

• Results orientated and adaptable to change.

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.

• Business acumen with proficiency in MS Office.

• Effective leadership and collaboration abilities.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Benefits:

• Allowance payable (value available on request).

• Pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave benefits, service bonus, and study benefits (subject to conditions).

Application Process:
Applications must be submitted online via the official UFS vacancy portal: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll.
Required documents:

• Detailed CV.

• Copies of qualifications (with SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications).

• Copy of South African ID or passport (for foreign nationals).

Closing Date: 30 August 2025

Enquiries:

• JardineS@ufs.ac.za | Recruit@ufs.ac.za

• Tel: 051 401 2979 / 9813 / 9848 / 9329

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ALSO SEE: SAQA Qualification Verification Guide