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