Alert to its African and international context, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) strives to be a place of excellence in teaching, learning and research, nurturing the cultural diversity of South Africa, and responding in creative and critical ways to the developmental needs of the country. Through its academic project, UWC continues to play a leading role in helping to build an equitable and dynamic society in South Africa.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (the Department) is implementing the ninth phase of the ‘New Generation of Academics Programme’ (nGAP) of the ‘Staffing South African Universities’ Framework. nGAP involves the recruitment of new academics who display significant potential for scholarship in teaching and research. The programme consists of a 6-year development programme, including short courses on research and teaching development. As a permanently appointed Academic, employment will commence with a reduced teaching load. The workload will increase to a full load within the 6-year period with a spread of responsibilities and levels. Applicable support will be provided by an appointed coach, mentor and all UWC structures and systems, while progress will be monitored to ensure successful completion of the nGAP. As this is a partnership between the Department and UWC, successful candidates will have to comply with the normal employment conditions of UWC, as well as the requirements of the Department.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that educates the students across multiple disciplines including Accounting, Finance, Management, Economics, Industrial Psychology (Human Resources Management), Information Systems, Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), Institute for Social Development, Political Studies, School of Government (including Public Administration) and the Academic Literacies Progamme.

The Department of Information Systems takes pride in developing highly qualified professionals and researchers in Information Systems and related fields. Given UWC's strategic thrust, the Department is experiencing growth and is inviting appropriately qualified and experienced individuals to join its ranks. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive Department and Faculty that is dedicated to teaching, research and community engagement, as well as to the overall student experience. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and committed to making a significant contribution to the Department’s academic programmes and research agenda.

The successful candidate for Lecturer in the information systems will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Facilitate learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Information Systems, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence
• Design and deliver modules related to AI-enabled information systems
• Conduct research in the information systems domain and publish in accredited, peer-reviewed journals
• Undertake undergraduate and postgraduate supervision in areas including AI applications in organisations
• Contribute to academic leadership, governance, and departmental administration
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment aligned with advances in artificial intelligence
• Participate in community engagement and outreach
• Perform department-specific duties, supporting the strategic growth of AI within the Information Systems discipline, and the department

• A relevant Master’s qualification in Information Systems or a closely related field (with a minimum average pass mark of 70%)
• Demonstrable exposure to artificial intelligence
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning in information systems, with evidence of teaching or applied knowledge in AI-related topics, OR at least 2 years of work experience in an AI-intensive area.

Key competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment
• Student-focused approach
• Planning and organisational skills, including time management
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership

For further information (but not applications) about this position, please contact the Head of the Department of Information Systems, James Njenga on jkariuki@uwc.ac.za