Senior Lecturer in Building and Human Settlements Development (Human Settlements)

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The core purpose of the Senior Lecturer in Building and Human Settlement Development is to create, develop and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills by learners at the undergraduate and postgraduate level in order that they are able to function effectively within the profession and as productive members of the broader society. To participate in, contribute, conduct and lead research and innovation, to develop research capacity, do postgraduate supervision in the department. To contribute to engagement and service to the community, discipline, and the profession, and to be involved in the core functions of the Nelson Mandela University

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Learning and Teaching which involves:

• Teaching, instruction, guidance and facilitation.
• Assisting and supporting students in their learning.
• Refining and developing new learning programmes and modules.
• The professional development of teaching practice and reflecting on the impact of teaching practices on student learning.

Research and Creative Works which involves:

• The creation of new knowledge through own research.
• Contribute to Departmental research output, in accredited journals.
• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Working on the frontiers of a discipline to advance understanding.
• Bringing new and interdisciplinary knowledge together to understand and solve problems.

Academic Engagement which involves:

• Actively contributing to the work of the university (mentoring, planning, governance, leadership, committee membership, administration); that is, internal service.
• Using professional expertise and applying knowledge to advance understanding and solve problems (external service), preferably in partnership with communities/organizations, etc.
• Network with relevant professional bodies and associations, such as the South African Council of Planners, South African Council for the Architectural Profession, Chartered Institute of Housing and the Institute of Human Settlement Practitioners of South Africa (IHSP-SA).
• Respond to calls for presentations at conferences and to other interested parties nationally and internationally.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Learning and teaching:

• Ability to facilitate learning at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• In-depth knowledge in the theory and application of Human Settlements Policy Development and Management.
• Ability to use appropriate teaching and assessment practices.
• Ability to engage in activities to develop & reflect on teaching practices.
• Sound knowledge of the theory and application of relevant software technologies in the Built Environment and Human Settlement space.
• Experience in sustainable and alternative construction technologies.
• Experience in housing and human settlement development policies and implementation.
• Experience of successfully supervising postgraduate research.
• Proven national recognition of expertise especially in the Human Settlement and Management discipline.
• A proven track record of Housing Human Settlement Development and Management related experience and networking.

Research :

• Ability to supervise Honours, Masters and Doctoral Candidates (depending on candidate’s qualification level).

• Ability to contribute to the creation of knowledge by virtue of published research in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, conferences and/or other texts.
• Ability to foster local and international research partnerships, initiate or collaborate in place-making studies.

Academic engagement:

• Ability to network with relevant communities/organizations, etc.
• Ability to participate in professional bodies/associations and academic networks in the field of housing and human settlements.
• Ability to contribute to the departmental administration, including programme coordination, curriculum development and review etc.
• Ability to work well with other members in the department.
• Ability to participate in developing industry partnerships. Have strong interpersonal and communication skills (Applicants will be required to present a short lecture during the interview session to evaluate his/her communication skills).

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum eligibility requirements

To be eligible for consideration for this appointment, applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

• Possession of a relevant doctoral degree from a recognised institution.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant academic and/or professional experience; and
• Where applicable,    current   professional registration with the relevant recognised professional body, or demonstrable eligibility to obtain such registration.

Failure to meet any of the above minimum requirements may result in an application not being considered.

Additional eligibility requirements for appointment at Senior Lecturer level

Applicants considered for appointment at Senior Lecturer level must, in addition to the minimum requirements, demonstrate:

• A sustained record of peer-reviewed scholarly publications appropriate to the discipline;
• Proven experience in university-level teaching and research; and
• Proven experience in the supervision of Honours, Master’s, and/or Doctoral candidates to completion or near completion.

DISCLAIMER:  Nelson Mandela University is a designated employer committed to pursuing excellence, diversity, inclusion, and redress in achieving its employment equity targets. Preference will be given to suitably qualified (Race and Gender) candidates in accordance with the University's employment equity targets.   No applications will be accepted after the closing date Friday,13 November 2026.