- Job Title: Director: Centre for Global Change (post level 5) (Contract appointment: 3 years) (Job ID: 6495)
- Organizational Unit: University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies
- Contract Type: Contract
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Location: Qwaqwa Campus – Qwaqwa, FS ZA (Primary)
- Closing Date: 17/6/2026
Description
PLEASE NOTE! INTERNAL ADVERT – ONLY FULL-TIME PERMANENT STAFF FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.
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).
Duties and responsibilities
• Manage, develop, and grow the NRF-funded Centre for Global Change (CGC), focusing on the theme “Water-Energy-Social Nexus” in QwaQwa (with applicability to other parts of South Africa and developing contexts).
• Co-ordinate and lead the multi-faculty cohort of UFS-QQ academics, post-graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows associated with the CGC and grow towards developing a multi-campus CGC in UFS. This may become a “Sustainability Science Hub” aligned with Vision 130.
• Supervise post-graduate students and host post-doctoral research fellows, focusing on the incumbent’s core research strengths and maintaining competency in their core research area.
• Build research collaborations and networks with other CGCs and other thematically aligned research groups domestically and abroad.
• Manage and supervise the CGC Administrator and any CGC Student and Research Assistants (as applicable).
• Take responsibility for the CGC funds and all finances related to the CGC (including external grants).
• Leverage additional funds (external) for the CGC through grant writing and advocacy with industry partners, engaged scholarship, etc.
• Manage all processes relating to the NRF award to the UFS for the CGC, including reporting, attending the CGC Director’s meetings, and any other requirements outlined by DSI-NRF.
Inherent Job Requirements
• A Doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in an appropriate field (e.g., Sustainability, Environmental Management, Chemistry, etc.).
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in research project management (e.g., “Lab” head, departmental leadership, grant project leadership, etc.), post-graduate student supervision, and successful grant writing.
• A valid driver’s license (attach a copy).
• A full-time permanent staff member of the University of the Free State.
Recommendations
• Experience with the UFS online systems, processes, and procedures.
• Experience with NRF online systems.
• Research and engaged scholarship experience in QwaQwa.
• A valid passport (attach a copy) (the successful candidate will be required to obtain a passport, should they not have one at the time of appointment)
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results-oriented.
– The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.
– The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• Strategic thinking.
– The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
– The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• 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 negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
– The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties:
01 September 2026
Closing date:
17 June 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 contact 051 401 9329 or email VermaakM@ufs.ac.za / 051 401 9848 or email TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za.
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.
Additional Information
