Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.Duties and responsibilities:

• Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules within the broader framework of practical theology, which includes studies in liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership, pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work.
• Actively conduct research within the broader framework of practical theology, with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and at least one of the sub-disciplines within practical theology, e.g. liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership; pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work.
• Synthesise knowledge through the publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and DHET-accredited journals.
• Communicate research findings at scientific conferences.
• Source funding for research from international and national funding organisations.
• Participate actively in the professional community.
• Supervise postgraduate students at master's and PhD levels.
• Participate actively in leadership and administration at Departmental and Faculty level.
• Participate in various scholarly engagement opportunities at research, community engagement, or in-service learning levels.

Inherent Job Requirements:Lecturer

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in at least one of the sub-disciplines within practical theology, e.g. liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership; pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work (or related practical theological fields) (for a permanent appointment).

or

• Master's degree on NQF Level 9 in Practical Theology with specialisation in at least one of the sub-disciplines within practical theology, e.g. liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership; pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work (or related practical theological fields) (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in at least one of the sub-disciplines within practical theology, e.g. liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership; pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work (or related practical theological fields) MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in DHET-accredited journals.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).

Senior Lecturer

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in specialisation in at least one of the sub-disciplines within practical theology, e.g. liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership; pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work (or related practical theological fields)
• 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 the supervision of graduated master's degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer-reviewed national and international DHET-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.

Associate Professor

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in specialisation in at least one of the sub-disciplines within practical theology, e.g. liturgy and homiletics; congregational studies, church leadership; pastoral studies and/or faith formation and youth work (or related practical theological fields)
• Experience as external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• 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 DHET 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.

Recommendations:

• Preference will be given to experience in empirical research (field work) skills and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
• Active participation in local practical, pastoral and/or diaconal academic societies.
• Preference will be given to at least one (1) year teaching experience in a higher education environment, on both an undergraduate and postgraduate level
• The ability to teach with digital skills and competence.
• Practical experience in a faith-based environment and scholarly engagement with faith-communities or communities in need.
• The ability to teach other sub-disciplines in Practical and Missional Theology, such as liturgy and homiletics, congregational and leadership studies, missional studies, faith formation, pastoral and diaconal studies).
• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) related to Higher Education Institutions (e.g., Blackboard) or related experience with institutional systems and the ability to navigate through them.

CompetenciesKey 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 be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- 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.
- The ability to professionally communicate with colleagues and students and transparently share one's work schedule in a culture of teamwork and mutual respect.

• 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 interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.Required DocumentsPlease ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications or proof of qualifications obtained (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• Copies of all academic records (if required).
• A copy of your identity document (SA ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if required).
• A copy of your driver's license (if required).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:
1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.Closing date:
2 June 2025Salary:
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 . Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9810 / 9814 / 9848 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 Policy is available at : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdfThe 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.

University of the Free State