The Department of Social Service Professions, seated in the Community and Health Sciences Faculty, is committed to excellence in education, practice and research. Currently, the department offers degree programmes for two Social Service Professions (Social Service Professions Act 110 of 1978 as amended in 1998), namely the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Bachelor of Community Development (BCD). Both professions are practice-based and academic disciplines requiring interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and work (International Federation of Social Work & International Association of Schools of Social Work, 2014). As such the BSW and BCD programmes work closely together.

The department has two vacant lecturer positions in the BCD degree programme. The purpose of the programme is to provide graduates with specialised education and training that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and equips graduates with the competencies needed to address the diverse and complex challenges facing communities through collaborative, inclusive, and context-sensitive approaches. By fostering collaboration, advocacy, and cultural competence, the qualification prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to the enhancement of community well-being and the promotion of social equity. Particular emphasis is placed on core competencies in community development models, frameworks, and approaches, the profiling of and engagement with communities and stakeholders, their capacity building, empowerment and practice. These competencies are aligned with regional and international norms and standards in community development and are intended to enable graduates to facilitate transformative change, promote active citizenry, and support a cohesive and participatory approach to development.

The successful candidates will be expected to join the programme on 1 January 2027.

The successful candidates will have the following key performance areas and responsibilities:

• Facilitate excellent learning and teaching through lecturing a combination of lectures, seminar courses and workshops, and following a student-centred approach to learning and teaching
• Facilitate and coordinate Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
• Supervise postgraduate students.
• Portray a commitment to high-quality research. 
• Engage in academic administration and leadership (i.e., module and programme specific administration and representation of the Department on committees).
• Engage in the scholarship of community development and contribute to community development practice through publications, presentations, research and community engagement activities.

Required Competencies:

• Client/student service and support
• Building interpersonal relationships
• Teamwork / collaboration
• Conceptual thinking
• Analytical thinking / Problem solving
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication
• Planning and organizing / work management
• University awareness
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, online platforms: Google Meet, Teams, Zoom, etc.)

Added advantages

• Experience in work placement (service learning) coordination and supervision.
• Experience in modern e-learning technologies

Minimum Requirements for lecturer position

• A Master’s degree in a related discipline with emphasis on Community Development, with active enrolment in a PhD programme.
• Experience in teaching at undergraduate level.
• Knowledge and experience in at least three of the following fields:
  • Community Development Theories;
  • Frameworks, Approaches and Processes of Community Development;
  • Institutions in Community Development (e.g. local government, CBOs, NGOs);
  • Community Development practice; and
  • Community Development research
• Experience in research supervision on the fourth year-level (Honours)
• A minimum of 1 peer-reviewed or accredited publication
• Evidence of ongoing research
• Experience in the practice of community development
• Experience in academic administration
• Evidence of early-stage engagement in academic or professional networks

Required application materials:

1. Letter of application
2. Curriculum vitae (indicating academic and practitioner experience as well as minimum of 3 selected fields of expertise)
3. Proof of registration for PHD where relevant
4. List of three references with telephone numbers, addresses as well as email addresses

Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed to the Head of Department, Prof Marichen Van der Westhuizen, email address: mvanderwesthuizen@uwc.ac.za

To be considered for this vacancy, applicants must submit the required materials indicated above via the ‘Apply for this Job’ link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at: +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756.

EQUITY DISCLAIMER: In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with Employment Targets of the University. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

Application closing date: 23 October 2026