Lecturer: Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development (Job ID 5197) at University of the Free State

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide formal teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Food Systems and Economics for Agriculture.
• Perform research that can be submitted for publication.
• Lecture undergraduate and postgraduate modules and develop curriculum and module materials where relevant or required, specifically related to economics and management in agricultural practices.
• Supervise postgraduate students.
• Participate in community engagement projects.
• Serve on committees relevant to the departments and partake in departmental activities.
• Perform general administration duties as applicable at university level.
• Lecture planning, preparation and research, present contact and teaching time with students, both online and fact-to-face.
• Encourage personal development vie tutorials or pastoral work.
• Balance presentation of theoretical and practical course work with students.
• Write research proposals, papers and other publications and reading academic journals.
• Supervise students and research staff, manage research budgets.
• Attend and speak at conferences and seminars.
• Prepare bids for funding for departmental research projects.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD in Sustainable Agriculture or related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment)
• or
• Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture or related discipline on NQF Level 9 (for a contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Sustainable Agriculture or related discipline MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position). 
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

Recommendations:

• Extensive knowledge on all elements related to economic and product packaging/branding.
• Knowledge of strategy management and implementation of all the elements and complexities of the food system.
• Experience in using agricultural extension to boost agricultural productivity and food production.
• Knowledge of the practical implementation of agricultural extension for agricultural innovation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Desire and ability to teach and advise university students, up to Master’s degree level, as well as farming economic dynamics and agricultural farm management.
• Expertise in agriculture economics.
• Teaching experience.
• Excellent knowledge of farmer development projects.
• Proven experience in gender issues especially women advancement.
• Proven experience in the use of Blackboard and PeopleSoft.

Competencies
Key Competencies required:

Results oriented.

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

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 lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 

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
14/5/2023