Professor/Associate Professor in Land and Agrarian Studies

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university seeks an established academic for the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS). The role involves conducting research, facilitating learning, and providing academic leadership. Candidates should have a PhD and a strong track record in social science research and community engagement. This position offers the chance to contribute to sustainability and equity in land access, working in a dynamic academic environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and teaching.
• Extensive experience of social science research.
• Proven capacity for fundraising.
• Track record of quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Successful postgraduate training and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and publish in the field.
• Generate research grants and initiate projects.
• Facilitate learning and teaching.
• Undertake postgraduate supervision.
• Provide mentorship to emerging scholars.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Adaptability

Coaching and mentoring skills

Planning and organising skills

Technical professional knowledge

Education

PhD or NQF equivalent in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa and for making quality education accessible to all South Africans and developing centres of excellence of national importance. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and willing to make a significant contribution to the University, the Faculty, and the Institute.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that educate students across multiple disciplines including Accounting, Finance, Management and Entrepreneurship, Economics, Industrial Psychology (Human Resources Management), Information Systems, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), Institute for Social Development, Political Studies, School of Government and the Academic Literacies Programme.

The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies is an internationally recognised centre of research excellence and postgraduate training. PLAAS conducts research, provides training and supervision, and pursues policy and community engagement to advance just, equitable and sustainable access to land, fisheries and other natural resources. PLAAS offers training at postgraduate level only, through a Post-Graduate Diploma, Masters and PhD, as well as short courses. PLAAS currently has 16 staff. All posts, except three Professors, are supported by donor-funded projects.

The position offers a unique opportunity for an established academic with a high profile, someone who has the energy, drive and resilience to make a significant and enduring contribution to PLAAS, and is motivated to drive the development of PLAAS as a centre of academic and professional excellence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and publish in the field of land and agrarian studies
• Generate research grants and initiate income-generating projects
• Facilitate learning and teaching
• Undertake postgraduate supervision
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment
• Provide mentorship to emerging scholars
• Participate in community engagement and outreach
• Contribute to a high public profile for PLAAS nationally and internationally
• Provide academic and administrative leadership
• Contribute toward overall organisational efficiency

Qualifications

• A PhD or NQF equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. sociology, anthropology, geography, environmental science, development studies, politics, economics) from a reputable university
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and teaching
• Extensive experience of social science research on topics relevant to the core focus of PLAAS
• A demonstrated capacity for fundraising from international philanthropic foundations, research councils and other public institutions
• Extensive experience and proven competence in academic leadership and management
• A track record of quality accredited peer-reviewed publications
• A track record of successful postgraduate training and supervision
• Evidence of the integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research
• Evidence of expertise and national standing in his/her discipline (as well as definite international presence at Full Professorship level)
• Experience in generating research grants through international partnerships

Key competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment
• Student focused approach
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership

Information for applicants

Applications should consist of a covering letter, a full CV including details of research grants and postgraduate supervision, three examples of the applicant’s published research, and contact details for three contactable referees.

For further information (but not applications), please contact Prof. Ruth Hall on [e-mail]