Senior Lecturer – Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (Job ID: 6553)
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Job Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Closing Date: 12 August 2026
- Start Date: 01 November 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State (UFS) is seeking a highly qualified and research-active Senior Lecturer to join the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (CGAS) within the Faculty of Humanities. This permanent academic position offers an opportunity to contribute to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, and community engagement in the fields of Community Development and Gender and Africa Studies.
The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing interdisciplinary scholarship while mentoring postgraduate students and contributing to the Centre’s academic excellence.
Key Responsibilities
As the Senior Lecturer, you will:
- Design, coordinate, and present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Community Development and Gender and Africa Studies.
- Coordinate and oversee Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and experiential learning programmes.
- Supervise Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students.
- Participate in assessment moderation and academic administration.
- Maintain an active research profile through quality publications.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives within the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies.
- Participate in faculty and departmental governance structures and committees.
- Mentor junior academics and postgraduate students.
- Coordinate academic modules and programmes where required.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Community Development, Development Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
- Experience presenting papers or posters at national scholarly conferences.
- Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research.
- A strong publication record in accredited national and international journals.
- Experience supervising and graduating Master’s students.
- University-level teaching experience in Community Development Practice, Work Integrated Learning, Community Development Theory, or related disciplines.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- NRF rating or eligibility for NRF rating.
- At least seven peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience supervising and graduating PhD students.
- A proven record of securing external research funding.
- Experience using participatory and mixed research methodologies.
- Policy advisory experience.
- Established community partnerships.
- Active participation in professional or academic associations.
- Demonstrated leadership in curriculum transformation.
Required Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and people management abilities.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.
- Sound academic administration skills.
- Strong analytical and research capabilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build collaborative partnerships.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic academic environment.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: Available upon request.
UFS offers a competitive benefits package which may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Annual and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits (subject to conditions)
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications.
- SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications (where applicable).
- South African ID or passport (for foreign nationals).
- Proof of current or most recent employment (external applicants only), such as:
- Appointment letter
- Employment contract
- Service certificate
- Recent payslip
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.