Director (Contract Appointment – 5 Years)
Position Details
- Job Title: Director (Contract Appointment – 5 Years)
- Job ID: 6530
- Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
- Department: Centre for Gender and Africa Studies
- Campus: Bloemfontein Campus
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Employment Type: Contract
- Contract Duration: Five years (renewable based on performance)
- Occupational Level: Temporary
- Assumption of Duty: 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
- Closing Date: 16 July 2026
Job Description
The Director will provide visionary leadership to the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies by driving academic excellence, research innovation, staff development, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The role is responsible for ensuring that the centre remains a leading institution in Gender and Africa Studies both nationally and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership
- Develop and implement the strategic vision of the centre.
- Position the centre as a leader in Gender and Africa Studies internationally.
- Lead academic debate and influence the centre’s academic culture.
- Shape the future direction of the centre.
- Contribute to overall faculty leadership.
Teaching and Learning
- Ensure high-quality, research-informed teaching.
- Maintain relevance and quality of academic programmes.
- Enhance student learning experiences.
- Oversee academic advice and student support.
- Ensure compliance with university academic policies.
- Support curriculum review and programme development.
Research Leadership
- Develop and implement the centre’s research strategy.
- Foster a strong research culture.
- Ensure academic staff actively engage in discipline-specific research.
- Recruit postgraduate students to strengthen research output.
- Ensure ethical research practices.
- Mentor senior academics towards NRF ratings.
- Collaborate with research committees to secure research funding.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Manage and motivate academic staff.
- Create a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Plan equitable staff workloads.
- Develop career progression opportunities.
- Mentor staff where required.
- Conduct performance management.
- Lead recruitment and selection processes.
- Promote continuous staff development.
Faculty and University Leadership
- Participate in faculty management structures.
- Attend Senate and university management meetings.
- Lead project teams.
- Represent the centre and faculty internally and externally.
- Act as liaison between the centre and university management.
Financial Management
- Prepare annual budgets.
- Oversee financial planning.
- Allocate resources effectively.
- Ensure sound financial control.
- Ensure compliance with UFS financial policies.
Fundraising and Partnerships
- Lead fundraising initiatives.
- Encourage staff to secure external grants.
- Develop collaborations with African and international academic institutions.
- Promote community engagement.
- Strengthen Africa and Gender-focused initiatives across the university.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Promote effective internal and external communication.
- Build consensus among staff.
- Engage with stakeholders and academic partners.
- Market the centre where required.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in a field related to Gender and Africa Studies.
- Current appointment as a full-time permanent Associate Professor or Professor in the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the University of the Free State.
Recommended Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Proven record of independent teaching.
- Strong research record.
- Successful fundraising experience.
- Proven institutional service and leadership experience.
Required Competencies
Results Orientation
- Ability to achieve demanding goals.
- Performs well under pressure.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Creative and innovative thinking.
Business Acumen
- Sound understanding of governance and compliance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures.
Leadership
- Strong motivational and people leadership skills.
- Ability to inspire and guide teams.
Relationship Building
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
- Strong interpersonal and networking abilities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA evaluation (for foreign qualifications).
- South African ID or passport (foreign nationals).
Incomplete applications will not be considered.