Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor: Department of Public Administration and Management (Job ID: 6231) – (1923)

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites passionate and qualified academics to join its esteemed Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, within the Department of Public Administration and Management. We are seeking dynamic individuals at the Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Associate Professor level to contribute to our mission of academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement.

About the University of the Free State

The University of the Free State is a vibrant institution committed to intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, and societal development. Located on the Bloemfontein Campus in the heart of South Africa, UFS offers a stimulating environment for both staff and students to thrive. Our Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is dedicated to producing leaders and innovators in various fields, including public administration.

Your Role at UFS: Key Responsibilities

As a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Associate Professor, your main duties will include:

• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Public Administration.
• Performing academic administration related to learning, teaching, research, and assessments for your modules.
• Contributing to the ongoing development of the department and faculty’s curriculum.
• Supervising postgraduate students (Honours, Master’s, or PhD).
• Conducting high-quality research, publishing in accredited journals, and delivering impactful research outputs aligned with the faculty’s strategy.
• Providing academic leadership in line with the department and faculty’s strategic goals across research, learning, teaching, and engaged scholarship.
• Participating in academic activities such as presenting research at national and international conferences and involvement in departmental/faculty research projects.
• Serving as a member of academic and research committees and undertaking other tasks assigned by the Dean and Head of Department.
• Developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with relevant research bodies, civil society, government, industry, and professional organisations.

Who We’re Looking For: Minimum Requirements

For a Lecturer Position:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Public Administration and Management for a permanent appointment.
• OR a Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Public Administration and Management for a five-year contract appointment, with a commitment to obtain a PhD (NQF Level 10) during this period to convert to a permanent role.
• Proven teaching experience in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Public Administration modules at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering poster or oral presentations at conferences or similar events.
• Evidence of produced manuscripts with potential for publication in accredited journals.
• A strong academic record (please attach a copy).

For a Senior Lecturer Position:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Public Administration and Management.
• Proven experience in presenting papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven teaching experience in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Public Administration modules at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels.
• 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 successfully supervising Honours and Master’s degree students to completion.
• A proven research record with relevant publications in peer-reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals.
• Proven experience as an active member of a national or international scholarly society, committee, or agency involved in higher education research.

For an Associate Professor Position:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Public Administration and Management.
• Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Proven teaching experience in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Public Administration modules at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels.
• Proven experience in presenting peer-reviewed research papers at national and international conferences.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• National recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated Master’s and Doctoral degree students.
• A proven research record with relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
• Served as a member of a national scholarly society, or a national committee/agency concerned with research at higher education levels, or demonstrated active membership in an international equivalent.

Recommended Skills & Experience

• Proven research record of relevant publications in national accredited journals.
• Membership or registration with a professional body (applicable to all levels).
• Experience as a departmental leader/manager in a higher education environment (specifically for Associate Professor).
• Sound knowledge of the South African Public Administration and Management environment.
• Sound knowledge of the South African public sector environment.
• Proven work experience within the South African public sector environment.

Required Competencies

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate the following key competencies:

• Results-Orientated: Ability to adapt to changing environments, cope with evolving situations, and reliably fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to manage multiple activities, carefully analyse information, and use logic to solve problems.
• Business Acumen: Adherence to rules and regulations, proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading: Ability to lead, take charge, offer opinions and directions, and foster cooperation among team members.
• Building Coalitions: Skill in negotiation, influence, persuasion, and establishing strong personal connections.

What We Offer

• Contract Type: Permanent
• Assumption of Duties: 01 January 2026
• Salary: Competitive, available on request.
• Fringe Benefits: Subject to specific conditions, benefits include a pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

Important Application Information

Please Note: Applications must ONLY be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted via any other platform will NOT be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments; we recommend merging documents to avoid upload issues.

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, along with the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained. If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation.
• A copy of your South African Identity Document (ID) or passport for foreign nationals.
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or a recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
• Incomplete applications will NOT be considered!

Closing Date: 21 September 2025

The UFS is a designated employer committed to diversity and redress. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities, in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plan.

The University processes personal information according to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Any personal information provided will be treated as confidential and processed in line with POPIA data subject rights.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Only applications meeting all inherent requirements will be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries: For assistance with your application, please contact 051 401 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additional contact numbers are 051 401 9810 / 9813 / 2979.