Overview

Lecturer specialising in pastoral theology and praxis / pastoral care and counselling (Contract appointment: 2 years): Department Practical and Missional Theology (Job ID 6445) Jobs in Bloemfontein Metropolitan Area at University of the Free State

Title: Lecturer specialising in pastoral theology and praxis / pastoral care and counselling (Contract appointment: 2 years): Department Practical and Missional Theology (Job ID 6445)

Company: University of the Free State

Location: Bloemfontein Metropolitan Area

Job Title

Lecturer specialising in pastoral theology and praxis / pastoral care and counselling (Contract appointment: 2 years): Department Practical and Missional Theology (Job ID 6445)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Faculty of Theology and Religion -> Department Practical and Missional Theology

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Location

Bloemfontein Campus – Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

15/5/2026

Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll – Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

Requirements

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
  • Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
  • A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
  • Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties And Responsibilities

  • Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in pastoral theology and praxis, which include the pastoral theological practices: pastoral care and counselling and/or therapy in a diverse cultural and African context.
  • Actively conduct research within the broader framework of pastoral theology and praxis and its interdisciplinary potential.
  • Synthesise knowledge through the publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and DHET-accredited journals.
  • Communicate research findings at scientific conferences.
  • Source funding for research from international and national funding organisations.
  • Participate actively in the professional community.
  • Supervise postgraduate students at master’s and PhD levels.
  • Participate actively in leadership and administration at Departmental and Faculty level.
  • Participate in various scholarly engagement opportunities at learning and teaching, research, community engagement, and/or in-service learning levels.

Inherent Job Requirements

Lecturer

  • A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling, evident from the PhD research project, or a PhD in a similar Theology/Religion degree or in Psychology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling or a related discipline

or

  • Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Practical Theology or Psychology with specialisation in Pastoral Care and Counselling or related discipline.
  • A record of undergraduate theological training.
  • Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
  • Provide evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
  • A good academic record (attach a copy).

Recommendations

  • Preference will be given to applicants who have completed an undergraduate theology degree or a BA General degree with both psychology and theology modules.
  • Registration at the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a general counsellor, which implies the ability to supervise counselling students during internships (This suggests a completed honours degree in Psychology)(attach proof).
  • Preference will be given to a Counsel for Pastoral and Spiritual Counselling (CPSC) registration, no lower than Designation Level 4: Religious specialist (Affiliate with the Association of Christian Religious Practitioners (ACRP)) (attach proof).
  • Active participation in local practical, pastoral and/or diaconal academic societies.
  • Preference will be given to at least one (1) year of teaching experience in a higher education environment, on both an undergraduate and postgraduate level.
  • The ability to teach with digital skills and competence.
  • Practical experience in individual counselling and community work in a faith-based environment or with communities in need.
  • Proven research record of relevant publications in nationally accredited journals.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required

  • Results-Oriented:
  • The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
  • Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
  • The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
  • Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
  • Leading:
  • The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
  • Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
  • The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption Of Duties

01 May 2026

Closing Date

15 May 2026

Salary

The salary is available on request.

Fringe Benefits

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email [email protected]. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2876/ 2558 / 2979 for assistance.

General

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

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