Professor: Practical Theology (Missiology) x1
- Job Title: Associate Professor / Professor: Practical Theology, with specialisation in Mission Studies/Missiology
- Job ID: 6606 (2287)
- Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Theology and Religion
- Department: Practical and Missional Theology
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Assumption of Duties: 1 January 2027
- Closing Date: 9 October 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking an Associate Professor or Professor in Practical Theology, specialising in Mission Studies/Missiology. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, curriculum development, research, postgraduate supervision, community engagement, academic leadership and scholarly activities within Practical and Missional Theology.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Practical and Missional Theology, with a focus on Mission Studies/Missiology.
- Develop, renew and assess curricula in Practical Theology and Mission Studies.
- Use contact, blended and online teaching approaches and digital learning platforms.
- Incorporate community engagement, in-service learning and service-learning into teaching and assessment.
- Conduct and publish research in Practical Theology, particularly Mission Studies/Missiology and related fields.
- Present research at national and international conferences.
- Participate in scholarly networks and professional activities.
- Supervise honours, master’s and doctoral students.
- Contribute to departmental, faculty and university administration.
- Participate in academic leadership, quality assurance, student support and committee work.
- Engage with ecclesial, community and professional activities related to Practical Theology, Mission Studies/Missiology and missional practices.
Requirements – Associate Professor
Applicants for Associate Professor must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Practical Theology, Practical and Missional Theology, Mission Studies/Missiology or a closely related theological discipline.
- An abstract of the PhD thesis demonstrating relevance to the advertised field.
- A full undergraduate degree in Theology or a related field with Theology as a major.
- An NRF C3 rating or equivalent.
- Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
- Experience serving on the editorial board of high-quality national scholarly journals.
- Membership of a national scholarly society, national research committee/agency or equivalent international organisation.
- Proven tertiary teaching experience in Practical and Missional Theology, Mission Studies/Missiology or a related discipline.
- Digital teaching competence, including experience with learning management systems.
- Participation in theology-related scholarly conferences through papers, posters or equivalent presentations.
- Active participation in relevant scholarly societies.
- A proven research record, including recognised publications in DHET-accredited journals or peer-reviewed scholarly outputs.
- Normally at least six recognised research outputs during the preceding three years, subject to discipline-specific considerations.
- Evidence of postgraduate supervision, co-supervision or research mentoring.
- A record of successful postgraduate supervision, normally including research master’s and/or doctoral graduates.
- Experience in engaged scholarship, particularly in-service or service-learning related to Practical Theology.
Requirements – Professor
Applicants for Professor must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Practical Theology, Practical and Missional Theology, Mission Studies/Missiology or a closely related theological discipline.
- An abstract of the PhD thesis demonstrating relevance to the advertised field.
- A full undergraduate degree in Theology or a related field with Theology as a major.
- Proven tertiary teaching experience in Practical and Missional Theology or a related discipline.
- Evidence of digital teaching competence.
- Proven participation in scholarly conferences.
- Active participation in relevant scholarly societies.
- A distinguished research record in Practical Theology and Mission Studies/Missiology.
- Normally at least six recognised research outputs over the preceding three years, with a significant portion in reputable international journals or books from reputable international publishers.
- A distinguished record of postgraduate supervision, including multiple master’s and/or doctoral graduates.
- Evidence of supervisory leadership and mentoring of junior colleagues.
- Experience in engaged scholarship, particularly service-learning and in-service learning.
- Experience as an external examiner for master’s and doctoral students.
- Experience serving on editorial boards of high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
- International recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF C1 or C2 rating or equivalent.
- Successful supervision of graduated master’s and preferably doctoral students.
- Experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
- Membership of an international scholarly society or research-related international committee/agency.
Recommended Experience
Preference may be given to candidates with:
- At least three years’ higher education teaching experience in Practical Theology, Mission Studies/Missiology or a related discipline.
- Experience with digital pedagogy, blended learning and online assessment.
- A teaching portfolio demonstrating relevant teaching experience.
- Experience designing, coordinating or renewing theological modules.
- Knowledge of African, contextual, intercultural, ecumenical, diaconal, missional and/or Global South approaches to Mission Studies.
- At least two years’ practical experience in missional practice, ecclesial ministry, diaconal work, community engagement, faith-based organisations, NGOs or community-based theological work.
- Registration or eligibility for registration with a relevant professional or scholarly body.
- Demonstrable ecclesial, missional, intercultural, ecumenical or community-based experience.
- An NRF rating.
Key Competencies
Results Orientated
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
- Reliable, responsible and dependable.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow policies, rules and regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leading
- High levels of motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- Ability to work cooperatively and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Ability to establish professional relationships.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, the position offers:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Salary: Available on request.
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:
- Detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
- All documentation specified under the relevant inherent requirements
- PhD thesis abstract
- Other supporting evidence required for the applicable academic level
The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are encouraged to merge documents where necessary to avoid upload problems.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
Telephone: 051 401 9813
Email: Phokar@ufs.ac.za
Additional assistance: 051 401 2979 / 7659