Senior Lecturer

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent higher education institution in Bloemfontein seeks a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Studies and Governance. The role involves teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules, supervising research students, and contributing to community engagement. Candidates must hold a PhD in Public Governance with 7+ years in higher education and a record of published research. Benefits include a pension scheme, medical aid, and educational assistance.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Housing allowance

Study benefits

Qualifications

• PhD in Public Governance or related fields required.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in higher education.
• Proven research record of publications in accredited journals.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Governance.
• Supervise MA and PhD students.
• Participate in community engagement activities.

Skills

Experience in higher education teaching

Research publication history

Postgraduate supervision

Presentation at scholarly conferences

Leadership and coalition building

Education

PhD on NQF Level 10 in Public Governance

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Senior Lecturer: Department of Political Studies and Governance

Job ID: 6324
Organizational Unit: University of the Free State – Faculty of Humanities – Department Political Studies and Governance
Contract Type: Permanent
Occupational Level: Junior Management
Location: Bloemfontein Campus – Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date: 1/2/2026

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

Duties and responsibilities

• Responsible for teaching undergraduate modules in the Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Political Transformation.
• Responsible for teaching postgraduate modules in the Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation.
• Responsible for postgraduate supervision for the MA and PhD qualifications in Governance and Political Transformation.
• Assist with continuous curriculum renewal.
• Execute formal administrative and organisational tasks relating to academic administration and general programme administration.
• Assist with academic advice for undergraduate students, especially during the annual registration period.
• Ensure regular research outputs through publication in accredited academic journals.
• Participate in community engagement activities.

Inherent Job Requirements

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in the field of Public Governance or related fields.
• Proven relevant experience in higher education teaching and learning.
• A record of publication in accredited academic journals.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s-degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher‑education levels.

Recommendations

• Evidence of knowledge of the evolution of Public Governance as a discipline in terms of teaching and research.
• A minimum of 7 years relevant experience in higher education teaching and learning.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in postgraduate supervision.

Key Competencies Required

• Results-Oriented: The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations; The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable, and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to deal with several activities at a time; The ability to be creative and open‑minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen: The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations; Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading: The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others; The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good‑natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions: The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others; The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Assumption of duties: 01 April 2026

Closing date: 1 February 2026

Salary: The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits: pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email at [e-mail]. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979/ 9814 for assistance.

General

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under‑represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.