Associate Professor/Professor (Permanent Appointment) and Head of School at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Participate actively in the management of the Faculty of Health Sciences under the leadership of the Dean.
• Lead the School of Nursing in strengthening research, scholarship, community engagement and transformation as critical foci.
• Build the culture of innovation in the School of Nursing in terms of teaching and learning (inclusive of simulation and technology).
• Facilitate the development/review of the curriculum as per the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and Council of Higher Education (CHE) standards and regulations.
• Take up a leadership role in national, regional and international nursing and health care affairs as appropriate to the benefit of the School of Nursing and its wider community.
• Manage the strategic and day-to-day affairs of the School of Nursing within the Faculty of Health Sciences by applying sound leadership and managerial and financial skills.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to secure third-stream income to support the core functions of the School of  Nursing.

Inherent requirements:
Associate Professor

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Nursing (attach a copy).
• Professional registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Clinical Nurse and Midwife (attach a copy).
• A qualification in Nursing Education that is registered with the SANC (attach a copy).
• A qualification in Nursing Administration/Management that is registered with the SANC (attach a copy).
• Proven experience as a team lead in nursing.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience in Higher Education, of which five (5) years are in academic management (e.g., Head of Undergraduate Programme).
• Proven experience in the supervision of master’s and PhD students to completion commensurate with the level of Associate Professor.
• A substantial track record of accredited research publications in national and international journals. 
• Active scholarly national and international collaboration/s.
• Successful generation of external funding (e.g., research, short learning programmes).
• Standing as a scholar in a chosen area of research (keynote addresses/ plenary lectures). 
• Proven record of academic leadership (e.g., editorial boards, national/ international committee leadership).

Professor

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Nursing (attach a copy).
• Professional registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Clinical Nurse and Midwife (attach a copy).
• A qualification in Nursing Education that is registered with the SANC (attach a copy).
• A qualification in Nursing Administration/Management that is registered with the SANC (attach a copy).
• Proven experience as a team lead in nursing.
• At least ten (10) years’ experience in Higher Education, of which five (5) years are in academic management (e.g., Head of Undergraduate Programme).
• An extensive record of supervision of master’s and PhD students to completion commensurate with the level of Professor.
• A substantial track record of accredited research publications in national and international journals. 
• Substantial active scholarly national AND international collaborations with recognised outputs.
• Successful generation of substantial external funding as a third income stream (e.g. research, short leaning programme).
• Recognition as a scholar in a chosen area of research and/ clinical speciality (e.g. awards, Keynote address, Plenary speaker).
• Track record of leadership (Editorial boards, National/ International committee leadership).

Recommendation

• NRF rating or submission for NRF rating 
• Experience in project management and financial management.

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 deal with several activities at a time.
• 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 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.

Closing date:
20/7/2026