Log In
Sign Up
Job Title
Associate Professor/Professor (permanent appointment) and Head of School (contract appointment: 5 years, with the possibility of serving a second term) (Job ID: 6526)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Faculty of Health Sciences -> School of Nursing
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Middle Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus – Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date
20/7/2026
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:
• 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 oriented.
– 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 implement the vision and mission of the school.
– The ability to create an environment that stimulate innovation and growth for all staff and the school.
• Business acumen.
– Knowledge of the Higher Education regulatory landscape and ability to understand, interpret and implement related policies, regulations and standards including those of the regulatory authorities.
– The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations
– Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading.
– The ability to drive the adoption and practice of the UFS value including transformation and social justice.
– The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
– The ability to lead, take sound decisions, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• Building coalitions.
– The ability to create a respectful partnerships with all stakeholders.
– The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.
Closing date:
20 July 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 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.