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The Centre for Human Rights earlier this year went though the process of recruiting a new Director, after the current Director's second term in that position had come to an end. However, the University’s selection committee did not shortlist any of the applicants.

The University Management subsequently decided that the University would fund a permanent position in the Centre of an Assistant Director, if the incumbent Director agrees to serve for another term. The Director (Frans Viljoen) happily agreed, and is looking forward to contribute further to advance the Centre’s vision.

We are now embarking on a process of recruiting a suitable person for the permanent full-time position of Assistant Director in the Centre.

This new position will be in addition to that of the current position of Assistant Director, which is funded by the Centre from external funds (held by Norman Taku). These developments reflect the Centre's thematic and institutional growth over thirty years.

FACULTY OF LAW
CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
PROFESSOR / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR / HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (ONE POST)

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes it one of the top research Universities in the country.

This vacancy and the procedure to apply is available online: https://goo.gl/BILvxi

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful applicant will be responsible for:

  • Handling the strategic, academic and operational management of the Centre for Human Rights, which is a department in the Faculty of Law;
  • Promoting, planning, organising and managing academic and research programmes and the Centre’s research profile;
  • Recruiting and managing personnel;
  • Overseeing externally funded projects, including reporting under various contracts;
  • Fundraising for the Centre’s externally funded projects and programmes;
  • Playing an active role as academic leader of the discipline at a national and international level;
  • Representing the Centre in international fora and with donors;
  • Marketing and growing the Centre on all levels;
  • Aligning the Centre with the strategic plans, goals and policies of the University and the Faculty;
  • Teaching on the Centre’s postgraduate programmes;
  • Supervision of master’s and doctoral candidates;
  • Conducting and publishing research outputs in line with Faculty policy.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Associate Professor:

  • A relevant doctoral degree in International Human Rights Law;
  • Recognised academic status as a champion of human rights in Africa, of which a suitable NRF rating or equivalent serves as a strong indication;
  • A proven record of research and publications;
  • Proven managerial experience at a tertiary institution, human rights non-governmental organisation (NGO) or international organisation working in the field of human rights;
  • Proven experience and competence in successfully raising substantial funds and management of these funds;
  • Experience in high-level liaison with internal and external stakeholders, particularly with African Union (AU) institutions;
  • Established national, African and international profile and networks;
  • Proven competence and experience in project proposal writing and project management;
  • Some experience in supervising postgraduate students (master’s or doctoral students);
  • Local and some international recognition as researcher.

Professor (same as for Associate Professor, plus):

  • Significant experience in the supervising of postgraduate students (master’s or doctoral students);
  • Substantial local and international recognition as researcher.

 
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

  • Strong leadership and communication skills;  
  • Both the ability and commitment to contribute to the development of UP as a research-intensive academic institution.

 
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

  • Competence in any of the other AU languages (French, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese);
  • Academic specialisation on African issues;
  • Experience of working with AU human rights bodies;
  • Experience in editing or production of publications.

 
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 medical aid scheme 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:

  • Completed and updated Curriculum Vitae;
  • A brief self-evaluation by the candidate;
  • The candidate’s vision for the Centre;
  • Details of three contactable referees of which at least one must be an international referee who can attest to the candidate’s academic leadership qualities; and at least one who can attest to the candidate’s managerial and fundraising experience and competence.

Candidates may be expected to make a 15 minute presentation to the Appointments Committee on his / her vision for the Centre.
 
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 in the Centre, the headship is a fixed-term appointment of four years. Preference will be given to the incumbent for re-appointment for a second term.
 
STARTING DATE: 1 August 2017, or as soon as possible thereafter
 
CLOSING DATE: 31 May 2017
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
 
ENQUIRIES: Prof A Boraine, Tel: (012) 420 4126
 
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 May 2017, 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.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.