Senior Lecturer: Department of Political Studies x1
Senior Lecturer: Department of Political Studies and Governance
- Job ID: 6324
- Organizational Unit: Faculty of Humanities → Department of Political Studies and Governance
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 1 February 2026
- Assumption of Duties: 01 April 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a Senior Lecturer to join the Department of Political Studies and Governance. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules, supervising MA and PhD students, contributing to curriculum renewal, and maintaining an active research profile with publications and conference participation. The role also includes community engagement and academic administration duties.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Teaching & Academic Duties
-
Teach undergraduate modules in the BA Governance and Political Transformation
-
Teach postgraduate modules in the Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation
-
Supervise MA and PhD students in Governance and Political Transformation
-
Assist with continuous curriculum renewal
-
Provide academic advice to undergraduate students (especially during registration periods)
Research & Scholarly Output
-
Produce regular research outputs in accredited academic journals
-
Present papers/posters at national scholarly conferences
-
Achieve national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area
-
Obtain or demonstrate potential for NRF rating
Administration & Community Engagement
-
Execute formal academic administration and programme administration tasks
-
Participate in community engagement activities
-
Serve as an active member in scholarly societies or committees
Job Requirements (Mandatory)
Applicants must have:
- PhD (NQF Level 10) in Public Governance or related fields
- Proven experience in higher education teaching and learning
- Record of publications in accredited academic journals
- National scholarly conference presentations
- National recognition in specialist expertise and research
- NRF rating or potential to obtain NRF rating
- Experience supervising Master’s graduates
- Active participation in national/international scholarly societies or committees
Recommendations (Advantageous)
-
Knowledge of the evolution of Public Governance as a discipline
-
Minimum 7 years higher education teaching experience
-
Minimum 3 years postgraduate supervision experience
Competencies Required
Results-Oriented
-
Ability to adapt to change and maintain high standards
-
Dependable and responsible
Strategic Thinking
-
Manage multiple tasks efficiently
-
Creative and open-minded problem solving
Business Acumen
-
Adherence to policies and regulations
-
Proficient in MS Office
Leading
-
Ability to lead and guide others
-
Cooperative and encouraging team player
Building Coalitions
-
Sensitive and empathetic to others
-
Strong interpersonal skills
Required Documents
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit:
-
Detailed CV
-
Copies of qualifications (SAQA accreditation if foreign qualifications)
-
Copy of ID or passport
-
Confirmation of employment (external applicants only)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Available on request
Fringe Benefits (subject to conditions):
-
Pension scheme
-
Medical aid
-
Group life insurance
-
Housing allowance
-
Leave & sick leave
-
Service bonus
-
Study benefits
Enquiries
PhokaR@ufs.ac.za
051 401 9813
051 401 2979 / 9814
Important Notes
-
Applications only via the official UFS vacancy portal
-
UFS is committed to diversity and redress
-
Preference given to candidates from under-represented groups