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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
ACADEMIC HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 5 YEARS WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF REAPPOINTMENT FOR A FURTHER TERM) (JOB ID: 6624)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences -> Department Public Administration and Management
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Qwaqwa Campus - Qwaqwa, FS ZA
South Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA
Closing Date 23/10/2026
Description
PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY FULL-TIME PERMANENT ACADEMIC PERSONNEL FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT AT THE UFS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.
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.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• 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).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Provide academic leadership by creating and executing strategies to establish the department as a leader in the field of Public Administration and Management.
• Responsible for directing the academic debate in the department.
• Responsible for influencing the department's overall climate and culture.
• Responsible for energising everybody in the department and beyond.
• Responsible for shaping the future of the department.
• Contribute to the overall leadership in the faculty.
• Liaise with public sector bodies such as the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), as well as various tiers of government.
• Responsible for frequent and continuous planning and execution of plans, general organising and coordinating of staff, students, and activities, mentoring, and motivating staff, structing, and exercising overall control.
• Create an atmosphere of collaboration among staff.
• Responsible for effective internal and external communication.
• The Academic Head is pivotal in linking the department’s staff and students with the University’s management and administration through communication, negotiation, and consultation.
• Active participation and involvement in faculty management structures, attending meetings, leading project teams, representing the department and faculty, and fulfilling the roles of liaison officer and marketer, when necessary.
• Active participation and involvement in applicable UFS management structures, e.g., Senate.
• Initiate, formulate, and implement a visionary academic strategy for the department that is aligned with and supportive of the guiding strategic documents of the UFS and faculty.
• Ensure the provision of top-quality, research-informed facilitation of learning at all levels of teaching in the department.
• Ensure relevance of content, material, and presentation in all modules.
• Ensure the enhancement of student experiences and their continuous engagement in academic debates.
• Ensure that adequate rules and regulations are in place to optimally deliver high-quality teaching and learning programmes on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Adhere to all the rules and regulations of the UFS, faculty and department.
• Ensure quality and timely feedback on student work.
• Ensure proper and quality-driven academic advice and support to all under- and postgraduate students in the department.
• Ensure the revisiting and development of fresh learning programmes that will help to position the department as a leader in the fraternity.
• Create and maintain a visionary research strategy for the department.
• Create and maintain an environment that encourages research, leading to strong and active research habits and a culture of inquiry.
• Ensure that every academic staff member is engaged in quality-driven and discipline-specific research.
• Ensure that postgraduate students are recruited to broaden the research base of the department and ethical requirements are met.
• Guide and support senior academics towards acquiring NRF ratings.
• Ensure active engagement with the faculty research committee and the UFS Directorate of Research Development in order to ensure sustainable financial support for departmental research initiatives.
• Plan and implement a fair and reasonable dispensation regarding the workload of staff members in the department.
• Plan and implement a clear and reasonable career path for every staff member in the department, taking account of the strategic plans of the University, faculty and department.
• Implement appropriate mentoring interventions where and whenever it is needed.
• Manage staff performance in accordance with existing university policies and procedures.
• Responsible for recruitment and selection of scholars in the case of vacancies and/or specific strategic needs, whenever strategic repositioning requires expansion of academic endeavours.
• Create and maintain a scholarship-friendly environment in the department.
• Plan and oversee effective and relevant staff development.
• Responsible for financial management culminating annual budgeting, financial planning, allocation of funds and financial control.
• Adhere to the UFS's financial policies and procedures.
• Encourage and actively support academic staff members to apply for external research and other grants.
Inherent requirements:
• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Public Administration and Management or closely related field.
• Full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the Department of Public Administration and Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) at the level of professor / associate professor / senior lecturer.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- 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.
Assumption of duties: 1 March 2027
Closing date: 23 October 2026
Allowance: The AHD allowance is calculated according to a transparent formula approved by the relevant decision-making structures of the UFS. The value of the allowance is available on request.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 2558 or email at ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979/ 9813 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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
Additional Information
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 2 YEARS) (JOB ID: 6620)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences -> Department Economics and Finance
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location QwaQwa Campus - QwaQwa, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 30/10/2026
Description
The University of the Free State’s Restoring Biodiversity and Connection to Nature in the Southern African Mountains Research Chair invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in an interdisciplinary project examining the economic impacts and social uptake of improved rangeland management practices. The project investigates how rangeland interventions and livestock value chain strategies affect livestock owners’ incomes and livelihoods, with an emphasis on pre- and post-intervention analysis.
The study seeks to generate policy-relevant evidence on sustainable land management, livestock value chains, rural livelihoods, and climate-resilient agriculture within communal and smallholder livestock systems in and around the Witsieshoek Indigenous and Communal Protected Areas (WCCA) of Phuthaditjhaba. This research forms part of a broader initiative led by the HANS HOHEISEN Charitable Trust in partnership with Meat Naturally and AFRO-MONTANE RESEARCH UNIT, aimed at reducing biodiversity loss and supporting the rewilding of the WCCA.
Achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires livestock production systems that are environmentally sustainable and capable of supporting food and nutrition security, incomes, and animal welfare under climate change. Globally, livestock supports over 1.3 billion livelihoods and contributes around 40% of agricultural output, with particularly rapid growth in developing regions (World Economic Forum, 2019; FAO, 2023). Yet livestock keepers remain disproportionately poor; in Sub-Saharan Africa, about 85% are classified as poor, with even higher rates in remote mountainous areas (de Glanville et al., 2020). Livestock keepers in these areas battle rugged, infertile landscapes, infrastructure and accessibility constraints, harsh climatic events, and vegetation degradation that undermine productivity.
Phuthaditjhaba is a mountainous area marked by high poverty and food insecurity. Around 70% of Qwaqwa consists of nutrient-poor, non-arable mountain landscapes, limiting crop production. With minimal forest cover, livelihoods rely heavily on extensive grasslands that support livestock farming (Taylor, 2023), on which approximately 36% of households depend. However, rapid urbanisation and land use change threaten livestock viability: between 1989 and 2019, built-up areas expanded by 270% while farmland declined by about 30% (Onaolapo et al., 2022), leading to shrinking and increasingly congested pastures and heightened environmental risks associated with intensification.
Although urbanisation poses significant challenges, expanding markets offer opportunities to strengthen livestock-based livelihoods. Sustaining these livelihoods requires improved rangeland management alongside strategies to enhance livestock value chains. A project led by the HANS HOHEISEN Charitable Trust at the University of the Free State is implementing rangeland management interventions on degraded grasslands in the WCCA. However, robust evidence on how such interventions and market strategies affect livestock productivity, incomes, and livelihoods in Phuthaditjhaba remains limited.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Examine social uptake, perceptions, and behavioural responses to improved rangeland management practices.
• Design and implement impact evaluation frameworks comparing livelihoods and income outcomes before and after rangeland management interventions.
• Design and implement impact evaluation frameworks comparing livelihoods and income outcomes before and after livestock market/value chain strategies.
• Analyse household and community-level socioeconomic data, including income, productivity, and welfare indicators, for smallholder livestock farmers in WCCA and surrounding areas.
• Contribute to original research. This will include analysing both qualitative interview/focus group data and quantitative survey data; helping lead deliberative stakeholder workshops; conducting literature reviews; and applying economic theories related to development economics, resource/environmental economics, poverty, and sustainable development.
• Undertake fieldwork in Phuthaditjhaba, QwaQwa, and surrounding areas.
• Apply appropriate econometric, quasi-experimental, and/or mixed-methods approaches.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed high-impact journal articles, policy briefs, and stakeholder reports.
• The Fellow will be provided with undergraduate lecturing opportunities and will contribute to grant writing for experience.
• Support postgraduate supervision (Honours/Masters/PhD) where relevant.
• Engage with community stakeholders, policymakers, and implementing partners.
• Participate in project-related seminars, workshops, and dissemination activities.
Inherent requirements:
• A PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Studies, or a closely related field (completed within the last five years).
• Strong grounding in applied microeconomics, development economics, or environmental/resource economics.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative data analysis (e.g. Stata, R, Python) and/or mixed-methods research.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts under review.
• Ability to conduct field-based research in rural or communal settings.
Recommendations:
• Experience working on rangeland management, livestock systems, natural resource governance, or climate adaptation.
• Familiarity with impact evaluation methods (e.g. Difference-in-Differences, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Instrumental Variable (IV), and Panel Data estimations).
• Experience engaging with community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) initiatives.
• Knowledge of Southern African rural contexts.
Value of the fellowship:
• A competitive postdoctoral fellowship package will be offered in line with institutional and funder guidelines
Competencies
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 30 October 2026 to Dr Calvin Mudzingiri at mudzingiric@ufs.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 1- 2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience, and how it aligns with the project theme.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
• Certified copies of full transcripts of academic records and of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A SAQA Certificate for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
• Certified copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.
Assumption of duties: 01 January 2027 as soon as possible.
Closing date: 30 October 2026
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact Dr Calvin Mudzingiri at mudzingiric@ufs.ac.za
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.
How to apply to this job
To apply, please email the following documentation by 30 October 2026 to Dr Calvin Mudzingiri at mudzingiric@ufs.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 1- 2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience, and how it aligns with the project theme.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
• Certified copies of full transcripts of academic records and of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A SAQA Certificate for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
• Certified copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.
Additional Information
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP 2026 (2 YEARS, RENEWABLE UP TO 3 YEARS) (JOB ID: 6618)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Health Sciences -> Office of the Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences -> Division of Public Health
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 19/10/2026
Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Division of Public Health. Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in Public Health with special research interest in Mental Health, Digital Health, and Environmental Health (Planetary Health) are encouraged to apply.
The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account the applicants' academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for two years, with an option to renew for 1 year after the contract ends.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct innovative research in Public Health.
• Author/co-author of at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET-accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. Renewal of the fellowship beyond the second year depends on satisfactory performance and submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Division of Public Health (negotiable).
Eligibility requirements:
• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants are required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.
Value of the fellowship:
• R 270 000 annual fellowship.
• R 30 000 additional research expenses fund.
Competencies
To apply, please email the following documentation by 19 October 2026 to email: publichealth@ufs.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 1–2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
• Full transcripts of academic record and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.
Closing date: 19 October 2026
Commencement of fellowship: 2 November 2026
For enquiries, please contact: E-mail: publichealth@ufs.ac.za
General:
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.
How to apply to this job
To apply, please email the following documentation by 19 October 2026 to email: publichealth@ufs.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 1–2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
• Full transcripts of academic record and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.
Additional Information
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE UP TO THREE YEARS) (JOB ID: 6627)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 23/10/2026
Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC). Candidates with a strong research background in climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, environmental sustainability, resilience, climate-smart development, or related interdisciplinary fields are encouraged to apply.
The fellowship will contribute to interdisciplinary research at DiMTEC, particularly in climate adaptation, resilience, and disaster risk governance. The successful candidate will contribute to a Northern Cape provincial project focused on integrating climate change response and disaster management planning. The project aims to generate evidence-based knowledge to strengthen resilience and adaptation planning. The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account academic achievement, publication record, research potential, methodological expertise, and the relevance of prior research experience to DiMTEC's priorities. The fellowship is available for one year, renewable for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and submission of an annual progress report.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct interdisciplinary research and advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis relating to climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, resilience, environmental sustainability, and climate-related development challenges.
• Support the Northern Cape project through data management, literature synthesis, research coordination, and analysis of project data.
• Assist in preparing technical reports, policy briefs, stakeholder reports, and research dissemination materials.
• Participate in DiMTEC research seminars, postgraduate research activities, academic writing initiatives, and capacity-building activities.
• Contribute to research proposals, collaborative projects, funding/grant applications, and tender applications aligned with DiMTEC priorities.
• Develop collaborative research networks and contribute to DiMTEC's national and international research visibility.
• Produce at least two DHET-accredited peer-reviewed journal articles per annum, subject to satisfactory performance.
• Register and reside as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of the Free State and participate in relevant DiMTEC academic and research activities.
Competencies
Eligibility criteria
• Open to South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, awarded within the last five years.
• Relevant fields may include Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Agricultural and Environmental Economics, Climate Change, Sustainability Science, Agricultural Sciences, Development Studies, Geography, Environmental Management, or another closely related interdisciplinary field.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong potential for independent research and scholarly publication.
• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, data analysis, policy research, and interdisciplinary research will be advantageous.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship, and the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of the postdoctoral period at the UFS.
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 23 October 2026 to email: RaphelaTD@ufs.ac.za
Applicants should submit:
• A motivation letter, including a 1-2-page outline of relevant expertise, experience, and proposed contribution to DiMTEC.
• A full CV, including peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
• Full academic transcripts, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and a SAQA certificate where the PhD was obtained outside South Africa.
• A copy of the South African ID document or passport in the case of foreign applicants.
Value of the fellowship:
• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.
Closing date: 23 October 2026
Commencement of fellowship: As soon as possible
General:
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.
How to apply to this job
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 23 October 2026 to email: RaphelaTD@ufs.ac.za
Additional Information
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (one year, renewable up to three years) (Job ID: 6627)
ASSISTANT OFFICER (40 HOURS PER WEEK)(POST LEVEL 13)(CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 6 WEEKS ONLY)(60 POSITIONS) JOB ID: 6613
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Registrar -> Deputy Registrar: Student Academic Services -> Student Academic Services
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 12/10/2026
Description
IMPORTANT! APPLICANTS ARE KINDLY ASKED TO SPECIFY IN THEIR COVER LETTERS WHETHER THEY ARE APPLYING FOR A POSITION LOCATED IN BLOEMFONTEIN OR QWAQWA.
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.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• A cover letter (specifying whether you are applying for a position located at Bloemfontein or QwaQwa).
• 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).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Provide professional, friendly customer service via email, face-to-face, telephone and ensure that queries are dealt with.
• Respond to enquiries via Chatbot.
• Use the FAQ library, website information, and data sources to ensure consistent and accurate response.
• Escalate complaints or non-standard queries to the appropriate team leader.
• Provide guidance to students throughout the registration process.
• Provide students with the required forms to fulfil their requests.
• Assist with the completion of relevant documents.
• Communicate progress updates and feedback on requests to customers.
• Obtain the required approval from the team leader before executing certain processing tasks.
• Troubleshoot errors/complaints received from customers to advise on appropriate action to resolve their queries.
• Assist with data capturing.
• Enforce adherence to policies, procedures, guidelines, and decisions to guarantee compliance.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of forms and documents submitted for processing.
• Quality-assure documents and responses received from the back-office staff within SAS to ensure the correctness thereof before signing off/providing feedback to the requester.
• Ensure that all queries are fully resolved and that customers receive timely feedback or updates.
• Maintain a turnaround time of no more than one business day when responding to customers.
Inherent requirements:
• Grade 12 or national vocational certificate on NQF Level 4 (attach a copy).
• A minimum of six (6) months' experience in a customer service or contact centre environment.
• Applicants must not be registered students.
Recommendations:
• A post-school qualification (attach a copy).
• Minimum of two (2) years of administrative work experience.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- 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 focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.
Assumption of duties: 04 January 2027
Closing date: 12 October 2026
Salary: The salary is a fixed amount of R 12 015.50 per month.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email JardineS@ufsac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558/9813 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:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
LECTURER: TEACHER EDUCATION (JOB ID: 6614)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Education -> Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location QwaQwa Campus - QwaQwa, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 14/10/2026
Description
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.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• 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).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education in general.
• Participate in the Work Integrated Learning programme of the faculty (Teaching Practice).
• Engage in research activities of the faculty and produce research outputs in accredited journals and other outlets.
• Contribute to curriculum development in the field of Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education specifically.
• Supervise and provide consultation sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the faculty.
• Contribute to leadership and administrative tasks related to the faculty.
Inherent requirements:
• A Doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers) or a related discipline (for a permanent appointment)
or
• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers)(contract appointment: five (5) years during which a doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers) MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment).
• Candidates must submit proof of registration for a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers) (attach a copy).
• Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis (or dissertation) to indicate relevance to Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers). (attach a copy).
• A formal teaching qualification with Life Sciences or Physical Sciences as one of the major subjects (e.g. Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent) (attach a copy).
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience in a school environment or at least two (2) years in a higher education or research and development environment.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Provide evidence of manuscript (s) produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication, ideally in an accredited journal.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).
Recommendations:
• Proven research record of relevant publications in national accredited journals.
• Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee.
• Experience in school-based community engagement work.
• Experience in school leadership as either a Subject Head, Head of Department, Cluster leader, Deputy Principal, etc.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.
Assumption of duties: 1 December 2026
Closing date: 14 October 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): 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 051 401 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 9813 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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
Additional Information
SENIOR LECTURER (25 HOURS PER WEEK)(CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 1 YEAR) (JOB ID: 6612)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Zoology and Entomology
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location QwaQwa Campus - QwaQwa, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 15/10/2026
Description
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.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• 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).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Behavioural Ecology, Human Ecological Footprint and other ecology-focused modules in the Department.
• Provide supervision to postgraduate students as needed (Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels).
• Publish research outputs in accredited national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the department.
• Perform general administrative duties.
Inherent requirements:
• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Zoology/Ecology or related discipline.
• Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in Zoological or Ecological fields.
• Proven research experience in ecological research within the zoological sciences.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
Recommendations:
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated MSc and/or PhD students.
• An NRF rating or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• 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 level.
• Active involvement in Zoological/Ecological research.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching Ecological and Zoological sciences at tertiary level.
• Member of or registration at a professional body (attach proof).
• Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based research.
Competencies
Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• 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 maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties: 01 January 2027 or as soon as possible.
Closing date: 15 October 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): 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 051 401 2876 or email SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za orRecruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 2979 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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
Additional Information
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/ PROFESSOR: DEPARTMENT URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING (JOB ID 6610)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Urban and Regional Planning
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Middle Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 22/10/2026
Description
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.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• 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).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Initiate, conduct and sustain quality research outputs in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Provide research leadership and mentorship to academic colleagues and postgraduate students.
• Teach and assess students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels using appropriate contact, blended and online learning approaches.
• Contribute to curriculum development, renewal and assessment.
• Provide study leadership at the postgraduate level.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives where possible.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate students.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external funding and collaborative research projects.
• Contribute to departmental, faculty and University administration, including academic leadership, quality assurance, student support and committee work.
Inherent Job Requirements:
Associate Professor
• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• Experience as external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven 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 degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals
• Served as a member of a national scholarly society OR a national committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels OR showed evidence of service as an active member of an international equivalent.
Professor
• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related field.
• Experience as external examiner for master’s-degree and doctoral students.
• Acted as editorial board member of high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
• Proven international recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a particular area of academic scholarship (for example, regularly serves as a reviewer for international/ISI/IBSS journals).
• An NRF rating of C1 or C2 or equivalent status.
• Proven experience in the supervision of 20 graduated Masters' and 10 PhD students.
• Proven experience in delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
• Served as a member of an international scholarly society OR an international committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.
Recommendations:
• A demonstrated ability to source external research funding or grant opportunities.
Competencies
Key Competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to maintain composure and self-control.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- 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.
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible.
Closing date: 22 October 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): 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 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9329/ 2558 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:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
SENIOR LECTURER: DEPARTMENT URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING (JOB ID 6609)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Urban and Regional Planning
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 22/10/2026
Description
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.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• 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).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Initiate, conduct and sustain quality research outputs in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Provide research leadership and mentorship to academic colleagues and postgraduate students.
• Teach and assess postgraduate students in relevant modules, including the development and delivery of learning materials, assessment activities and feedback to support student learning and academic progression.
• Provide study leadership at the postgraduate level.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives where possible.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate students.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external funding and collaborative research projects.
• Perform relevant academic and general administrative duties at departmental, faculty and University level.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• A PhD on NQF level 10 in Human Settlements, Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field.
• At least 5-10 publications in internationally recognised journals or relevant industry experience.
• 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 publication/s in peer-reviewed national and international accredited scientific 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:
• A demonstrated ability to source external research funding or grant opportunities.
• Proven lecturing or teaching experience
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results-oriented:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to maintain composure and self-control.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• 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.
Assumption of duties: 1 January 2026
Closing date: 22 October 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): 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 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979/ 2558 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:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_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.
