Associate Professor- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Associate Professor/Professor
- Job ID: 6611
- Post Number: 2283
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Economic and Management Sciences
- Department: Public Administration and Management
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Closing Date: 9 October 2026
- Salary: Available on request
- Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking an Associate Professor or Professor to join the Department of Public Administration and Management. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, postgraduate supervision, research, curriculum development, academic leadership and engagement with relevant stakeholders in the public administration and management field.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Local Government Management, Public/Municipal Finance or Public Administration.
- Manage and administer undergraduate and postgraduate modules relating to teaching, learning, research and assessments.
- Contribute to curriculum development within the department and faculty.
- Supervise Honours, Master’s and PhD students.
- Conduct high-quality research and publish in accredited national and international journals.
- Contribute to the department and faculty’s strategic objectives in research, teaching, engaged scholarship, leadership and administration.
- Present research papers at national and international conferences.
- Participate in departmental and faculty research projects.
- Serve on academic and research committees.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with research institutions, civil society, government, industry and professional organisations.
- Perform other academic duties assigned by the Dean and Head of Department.
Requirements – Associate Professor
- PhD at NQF Level 10 in Public Administration and Management or a related field.
- Proven teaching experience in Public Administration and Management, particularly in Local Government Management, Public/Municipal Finance or Public Administration.
- Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
- Experience presenting peer-reviewed research papers at national conferences.
- National recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- NRF C3 rating or equivalent research record.
- Proven experience supervising graduated Master’s students.
- Strong record of relevant publications in accredited national and international journals.
- Membership of a national scholarly society, research committee/agency or equivalent international organisation.
Requirements – Professor
- PhD at NQF Level 10 in Public Administration and Management or a related field.
- Proven teaching experience in relevant Public Administration and Management modules.
- Experience as an external examiner for Master’s and doctoral students.
- Strong publication record, including high-quality Q1 and Q2 national and international accredited journals.
- International recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- NRF C2 rating or equivalent research record.
- Demonstrated successful supervision of graduated Master’s and preferably doctoral students.
- Membership of an international scholarly society, committee or research agency.
Recommended
- Membership or registration with a relevant professional body.
- Editorial board experience with high-quality national scholarly journals.
- Experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
- Departmental leadership or management experience in higher education.
- Knowledge of the South African Public Administration and Management environment.
- Knowledge of the South African public sector.
- Work experience within the South African public sector.
Key Competencies
- Results Orientated: Adaptability, reliability and accountability.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to manage multiple activities, analyse information and solve problems logically.
- Business Acumen: Ability to follow regulations, proficiency in MS Office and knowledge of South African Public Administration and Management.
- Leading: Ability to lead, provide direction and encourage collaboration.
- Building Coalitions: Strong negotiation, influencing, interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, benefits include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
Applicants must submit all required documentation, including:
- Detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications
- South African ID or passport
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
- All other documents specified under the inherent requirements
The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments, so applicants are advised to merge documents where necessary.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
- Telephone: 051 401 2258
- Email: ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za
- Application assistance: 051 401 2876 / 7659