Professor- Political and Conflict Studies

The Department of History and Political Studies at Nelson Mandela University seeks a full professor in Political Studies with scholarly experience/research intersections in Conflict Theory, Conflict Management, and Peacebuilding. The candidate must demonstrate high-level scholarly capabilities in teaching, research and engagement. The preferred candidate must be an independent scholar who understands the critical role of senior scholars in the life of departments, particularly the role of the professor in the training of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The professor will contribute actively towards the academic life of the faculty as well as its strategy of the revitalization of the Humanities and play a senior role in the workings of the faculty. In the context of the complexity and dynamism of the higher education sector globally, the department invites candidates who have strong self-management skills, strong administrative skills, and visionary insight for the discipline and its ongoing development in South Africa, as well as a team spirit and ability to work in a collegial manner.

• Facilitate the teaching, learning and assessment of a diverse group of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of Political and Conflict Studies.
• Promote, guide and supervise the research of Masters and PhD students.
• Lead, teach and supervise in the Master's programme in Conflict Management.
• Conduct research independently and in a team on areas of Political and Conflict Studies.
• Independently and collaboratively present at national and international forums.
• Publish on national and international scientific platforms.
• Initiate and promote cross-, multi- and trans-disciplinary work and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Participate in academic and community engagement activities that focus on the fields of Political and Conflict Studies.
• Play a leading role in faculty management, including curriculum development and administrative activities as required.

• Have a sound knowledge and expertise in the fields of Political and Conflict Studies.
• Ability to facilitate teaching, learning and assessment activities for a diverse group of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Possess the ability to develop a curriculum and teaching resources for modules on Political and Conflict Studies.
• Possess the ability to be a programme leader/coordinator in academic areas underpinned by the scholarship of Political and Conflict Studies.
• Ability to promote and supervise the research of Masters and Doctoral students.
• Ability to conduct research independently and in a team and produce scientific scholarly outputs in the fields of Political and Conflict Studies.
• Maintain an active research profile nationally and internationally.
• The ability to mentor and support younger faculty staff members.
• Possess effective communication skills (verbal and written), good facilitation, training and presentation skills.
• Advanced skills in academic and course administration.
• Be a critical thinker that has leadership and management skills.
• Must have at least five to eight years of teaching experience at a higher education institution.

• Recognized leader in the fields of Political and Conflict Studies both nationally and internationally.
• A doctoral degree in Political or Conflict Studies or a related field of study.
• An established track record of postgraduate supervision at the Masters and PhD levels in the fields of Political and Conflict Studies.
• A strong and consistent record of publications in the fields of Political and Conflict Studies, with at least twenty articles in accredited journals.
• Evidence of academic and administrative leadership.
• Strong track record of socially responsive scholarship, community engagement and public service.
• At least five to eight years of teaching experience at a higher education institution, including a minimum of two years at the Associate Professorship level.

Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University's employment equity targets. No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday, 08 May 2026.