August 20, 2021
The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, is inviting applications for a new Director
The University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy at the Centre for Human Rights (an academic department and a non-governmental organisation at the University).
FACULTY OF LAW
CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROFESSOR / ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR: CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (ONE POST)
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
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BACKGROUND
The Centre for Human Rights is, on the one hand, an academic department in the Faculty of Law, running five pan-African master’s programmes and supervising a large cohort of doctoral candidates and on the other hand, engages in donor-funded research, capacity-building, advocacy and training projects to advance human rights in Africa. The Centre has observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights of the Child and consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. While the appointment as Associate Professor / Professor in the Centre is permanent, the appointment as Director is for a renewable term of four years. The Director acts as Head of Department and leads the Centre’s donor-funded work.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will be required to:
- Provide strategic leadership on the projects and programmes of the Centre for Human Rights, to enhance and advance human rights in Africa and globally;
- Provide managerial oversight, lead fundraising and enhance partnerships of the Centre;
- Maintain and ensure the financial sustainability of the Centre;
- Provide intellectual leadership to Centre projects;
- Ensure transformative and inclusive institutional culture in the Centre;
- Provide strategic leadership to frame and implement the Centre’s research agenda;
- Conduct and publish research outputs in line with Faculty policy;
- Provide strategic guidance on Centre publications;
- Represent the Centre in high-profile events;
- Maintain and forge further collaborations with the African Union human rights system;
- Scope and forge new partnerships in furtherance of the mission of the Centre;
- Represent the Centre in international fora;
- Promote African and global research partnerships and collaborations;
- Manage human resources and related activities;
- Provide leadership to the Centre’s academic programmes;
- Teach on the Centre’s postgraduate academic programmes, and human rights short courses;
- Supervise master’s and doctoral candidates and postdoctoral fellows.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Associate Professor:
- A doctorate degree in human rights law or a related field;
- At least eight years’ teaching experience, of which three years in management;
- Experience in curriculum development;
- At least 16 quality publications in accredited journals, books and book chapters, demonstrating regular research output;
- Conference papers delivered internationally;
- Active memberships of academic relevant national and international subject-related bodies;
- Evidence of successful postgraduate supervision;
- Evidence of community engagement;
- Extensive record of academic administration and academic citizenship.
Professor (the same as for Associate Professor, plus):
- Preferably at least 10 years’ tertiary teaching experience, of which three years in management;
- At least 30 publications in accredited journals, books and book chapters, demonstrating regular research output.
Director:
- Proven experience and competence in successfully raising and managing funds;
- Experience in liaison with internal and external stakeholders, particularly within Africa;
- Established national, African and international profile and networks;
- Proven competence and experience in management of sizable projects, including their monitoring and evaluation;
- Experience in partnership building within an African context.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
- Academic research and writing experience;
- Project planning and proposal writing experience;
- Fundraising and competence in the management of these funds;
- Knowledge of human rights in Africa;
- Proven competence and experience in project management;
- Excellent oral and writing skills in English;
- Communication skills;
- Proven strategic leadership skills;
- Interpersonal skills;
- Ability to resolve conflict.
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
At both levels:
- Academic specialisation on African issues;
- Proven managerial experience at a tertiary institution, human rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) or international organisation working in the field of human rights;
- Experience in: Working with African Union human rights bodies; Editing or production of publications; and Litigation before national and international tribunals;
- Competency in any of the AU languages (e.g. French, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese);
- A qualification in management, generally, or project management, specifically Academic specialisation on African issues.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.
In applying for this post, please attach:
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications;
- A letter of motivation, in which the candidate indicates how they meet the minimum requirements for the position;
- A four-year vision for the Centre for Human Rights;
- Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
- Names and contact details of peer reviewers, including international reviewers (academic and research);
- Self-evaluation teaching and self-evaluation research;
- Teaching portfolio.
Candidates are expected to make a 10-minute verbal (no technology) presentation to the Faculty Recruitment and Selection Committee on his/her vision for the Department.
By applying, candidates agree to the appointment process as set out in the relevant UP policy document. This process can be accessed at http://www.up.ac.za/services/personnel/policies/w113E.doc.
Although candidates will be appointed permanently as Professor or Associate Professor, the Directorship is a fixed-term appointment of four years. Preference will be given to the incumbent for re-appointment for a second term if they are available for appointment.
CLOSING DATE: 6 September 2021
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES: Ms Jeanette Schoeman, e-mail: jeanette.schoeman@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Prof E Schoeman, e-mail elsabe.schoeman@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2021, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
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