Associate Professor in Sociology - (A804.1) at University of Mpumalanga (UMP)

Job Primary Purpose

• The main purpose of this position is to teach, research, engage with the community and perform administrative duties pertaining to Sociology. The position requires teaching, researching, community engagement and administration of Sociology modules in line with the University’s strategic and operational plan.

Key Performance Areas:

Teaching & Learning

• The provision of leadership in teaching & learning at School and / or Programme level and teaching Sociology modules using modern and appropriate pedagogies.
• Programme development and accreditation.

Research

• The provision of leadership in research at the Programme and / or School level.
• A substantive level of research activity and the production of accredited research outputs in national and international journals.
• A good record of Postgraduate supervision and the graduation of Masters’ and Doctoral students in the minimum time.

Engagement

• Engagement and leadership in engagement, through which knowledge and skills are used to benefit the discipline/ profession and the community.

Leadership and Administration

• The provision of leadership at the level of the School and / or Discipline / Programme.

Minimum Requirements:

• Doctoral (PhD) qualification in Sociology.
• 10 years of teaching experience at University with at least 3 years in a leadership position.
• An extensive record of research outputs including publication in accredited national and international journals and invited presentations at national and international conferences. A substantial record of postgraduate supervision at Masters’ and Doctoral level with some of these students publishing their research.

Key Competencies

•  Excellent participative management and leadership skills.
• Excellent judgement, analytical and critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Creative mindset with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive situations.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to represent the University externally.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• The ability to function effectively in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

Personal Attributes

• People-oriented, hardworking, responsible, reliable, creative, and innovative.
• Respectful, honest, punctual, and understanding of protocol.
• Proven attributes of transparency, integrity, and teamwork.

Advert Closing Date

• 15/1/2026