Lecturer in Politcal Studies (nGAP) (V002761) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• The purpose of the nGAP Lecturer position is to contribute to the revitalisation and transformation of the academic profession by developing a new generation academic who will advance high-quality teaching, impactful research, postgraduate supervision, and engaged scholarship in Political Studies and International Relations.
• The position is developmental in nature and includes structured mentorship, reduced initial teaching load, formal research development support, and clear progression milestones toward permanent academic advancement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strengthen disciplinary capacity in core and emerging subfields of Political Studies
• Contribute to transformation imperatives through curriculum renewal.
• Enhance student success through innovative, inclusive research, informed teaching, and supervision.
• Develop a sustainable research trajectory aligned with national priorities and institutional strategy.
• Progress toward doctoral completion (if applicable) and academic leadership within the six-year nGAP developmental framework.
• Contribute to community engagement, academic citizenship, and academic citizenship.
• Solicit research funding from national and international funding agencies, and industry.

Minimum requirements

• A Master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Political Studies and/or International Relations. The master’s degree must be achieved with an average of 70% or above. Please attach proof of the results in your application.
• A minimum of one (1) year undergraduate teaching experience in Political Studies / International Relations as a tutor or teaching assistant.
• Registered and actively progressing towards a PhD (if not yet obtained).
• Applicants must be SA citizens and 40 years or younger of age at the time of appointment.

ADDED ADVANTAGES

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) Political Studies and International Relations.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience teaching large classes (150 students).
• A minimum of one (1) year experience with postgraduate supervision (Honours / Master’s).
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in research and academic writing (e.g. publication, conference paper, research reports).
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in assessment design and moderation (marking, moderation, setting).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:                                     

Disciplinary knowledge with strong grounding in Political Theory, Comparative Politics, African Politics, International Relations, or related subfields. Understanding of South African governance systems and global political dynamics. And familiarity with emerging fields such as climate politics and environmental governance;

• political ecology;
• gender and identity politics;
• disability politics;
• critical security studies;
• global governance;
• urban politics;
• legislative oversight and public accountability
• An emerging research profile and competence in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.
• Ability to conceptualise research problems and design rigorous studies for publication in accredited journal publication.
• Commitment to teaching, curriculum development, integration of African political thought and decolonial perspectives into curricula.
• Ability to teach large classes effectively (200 students), assessment design and moderation competence.
• Competency in digital literacy (LMS platforms, blended learning tools) and student supervision skills.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Intellectual curiosity, scholarly independence and commitment to lifelong learning.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, sensitivity to multicultural and multilingual classroom contexts.
• Ethical conduct and academic integrity, time management and reliability.
• Reflexivity and openness to interdisciplinary engagement.
• Willingness to contribute to curriculum transformation and epistemic diversity.
• Responsiveness to feedback and mentorship.
• Ability to meet deadlines and performance targets.

Apply by: 15 April 2026