Professor/Associate Professor in Land and Agrarian Studies

Are you an established academic with a passion for land and agrarian studies? The University of the Western Cape (UWC) invites highly motivated and dynamic individuals to apply for the position of Professor or Associate Professor within its esteemed Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS).

About the University of the Western Cape (UWC)

UWC is a globally recognised institution celebrated for its commitment to democratic change in South Africa and for providing quality, accessible education. The university is dedicated to developing centres of excellence that hold national importance. Join a community that values intellectual engagement and transformative contributions.

About the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS)

PLAAS is an internationally acclaimed centre known for its research excellence and postgraduate training. Its mission is to advance just, equitable, and sustainable access to land, fisheries, and other natural resources through rigorous research, training, supervision, and policy engagement. PLAAS offers postgraduate diplomas, Masters, and PhD programmes, alongside various short courses.

Your Role as Professor/Associate Professor

This unique opportunity calls for a high-profile academic with the drive and resilience to make a significant and lasting impact at PLAAS. You will be instrumental in driving the institute’s development as a leading centre of academic and professional excellence.

Key Responsibilities

As a Professor or Associate Professor, your duties will include:

• Conducting impactful research and publishing in the field of land and agrarian studies.
• Actively generating research grants and initiating income-generating projects.
• Facilitating engaging learning and teaching experiences for students.
• Providing expert supervision to postgraduate students.
• Leading curriculum development and assessment efforts.
• Mentoring emerging scholars within the institute.
• Participating in meaningful community engagement and outreach initiatives.
• Contributing to PLAAS’s high public profile both nationally and internationally.
• Providing academic and administrative leadership.
• Contributing to the overall organisational efficiency of PLAAS.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, you should have:

• 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 extensive experience in facilitating learning and teaching.
• Substantial experience in social science research on topics central to PLAAS’s focus.
• A proven capacity for fundraising from international philanthropic foundations, research councils, and public institutions.
• Extensive experience and proven competence in academic leadership and management.
• A strong track record of quality, accredited peer-reviewed publications.
• A track record of successful postgraduate training and supervision.
• Evidence of integrating community engagement with learning, teaching, and/or research.
• Evidence of expertise and national standing in your discipline (with a definite international presence required at Full Professorship level).
• Experience in generating research grants through international partnerships.

Key Competencies

We are looking for candidates who possess:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Adaptability and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment.
• A student-focused approach to education.
• Effective coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent planning and organising skills.
• Proficiency in computer literacy and e-learning technologies.
• Advanced technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline, as well as in core strategic areas such as learning and teaching, research, scholarship, community engagement, and professional leadership.

How to Apply

Applications should include:

1. A detailed covering letter motivating your suitability for the position.
2. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), including details of research grants secured and postgraduate supervision undertaken.
3. Three examples of your published research.
4. Contact details for three professional referees who can attest to your qualifications and experience.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must apply directly via the UWC Careers portal. Highlight your strengths and include anything exceptional you believe should be considered by the selection panel.

For further information (not for applications), you may contact Prof. Ruth Hall at [email protected].

Important Information

UWC is committed to diversifying its workforce; therefore, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with its Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates, and may conduct competency assessments.

For any recruitment-related queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: [email protected].