Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department/ Director: Centre for Human Rights, Facult[...]

Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department/ Director: Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law Join the University of Pretoria as Associate Professor/Professor and Head of Department/Director of the Centre for Human Rights in the Faculty of Law. Overview of the Department The Centre for Human Rights is an academic department within the Faculty of Law. It runs five pan‑African master’s programmes, supervises a large cohort of doctoral candidates and engages in donor‑funded research, capacity‑building, advocacy and training projects to advance human rights in Africa. The Centre enjoys 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. Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership on the Centre’s projects and programmes to enhance and advance human rights in Africa and globally. Provide managerial oversight, lead fundraising and strengthen partnerships. Maintain and ensure the financial sustainability of the Centre. Provide intellectual leadership to Centre projects. Ensure a transformative and inclusive institutional culture in the Centre. Frame and implement the Centre’s research agenda. Conduct and publish research outputs in line with Faculty policy. Provide strategic guidance on Centre publications and 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‑resource activities. Provide leadership to the Centre’s academic programmes. Teach on the Centre’s post‑graduate academic programmes and human rights short courses. Supervise master’s and doctoral candidates and post‑doctoral fellows. Minimum Requirements – Associate Professor Doctorate in Human Rights law or a related field. 6 years of tertiary teaching or vocational experience, or 8 years of post‑qualification experience in the legal profession or related field, or a proportionate combination of the aforementioned experience. Evidence of a successful teaching practice, teaching excellence and compliance with Faculty and University performance standards. Substantial experience in curriculum development and transformation. 12 accredited or peer‑reviewed publication outputs, with at least 6 sole‑authored. 6 conference papers delivered at conferences, with 2 international. NRF research rating, positive peer‑review support or other proof of academic standing. Successful supervision of at least 2 research master’s or 4 coursework master’s mini‑dissertations. Strong record of academic and/or legal administration and citizenship, including participation in committees, journal review and editing, external moderation, guest lectures and other engagements. Minimum Requirements – Professor Doctorate in Human Rights law or a related field. 8 years of tertiary or vocational teaching experience, or 10 years of relevant post‑qualification experience in the legal profession or related field, or a proportionate combination of the aforementioned experience. Evidence of a successful teaching practice, teaching excellence and compliance with Faculty and University performance standards. Extensive experience in curriculum development and transformation. 25 accredited or peer‑reviewed publication outputs, with at least 12 sole‑authored. 8 conference papers delivered at conferences, with 4 international. NRF research rating, positive peer‑review support or other proof of academic standing indicating local and international recognition. Evidence of at least 1 completed successful doctoral supervision or co‑supervision, and successful supervision of at least 3 research master’s or 7 coursework master’s mini‑dissertations. Extensive record of academic and/or legal administration and citizenship, including committee participation, journal review and editing, external moderation, guest lectures and other engagements. Required Competencies Academic research and writing. Project planning and proposal writing. Liaison with internal and external stakeholders. Fundraising and management of funds. Knowledge of human rights in Africa. Proven competence in project planning and proposal writing. Appropriate language skills. Communication skills. Strategic leadership skills. Interpersonal skills. Conflict resolution abilities. Added Advantages and Preferences Evidence of completed successful doctoral supervision or co‑supervision. Prestigious scholarly awards, fellowships, research collaborations, contributions to teaching material, citations by courts, membership of national and international academic bodies and keynote lecture invitations. Evidence of community and public engagement embedded in research or teaching. 3 years of management experience after the doctorate. Proven experience raising and managing funds. Experience liaising with internal and external stakeholders, especially within Africa. Competency in any of the AU languages (French, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese). Remuneration The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment. The University subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium. Application Process Applicants are requested to apply online at and follow the link: Required Attachments Cover letter. Comprehensive CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and full employment history. Certified copies of qualifications. Self‑evaluation of suitability for appointment. Vision for the Department. Teaching portfolio including student evaluations. Research portfolio (including citation index scores). Names and contact details of at least three referees (one national and two international). Closing Date 30 November 2025 Contact Prof S Cornelius, , for position‑related enquiries. Ms J Schoeman, , for application process enquiries. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 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. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including qualifications, criminal record, credit record and disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised position. #J-18808-Ljbffr