University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM) is a growing institution of higher learning located at Nyamitanga Hill, Mbarara City South Division. USJM is committed to providing holistic, quality and community-responsive university education aimed at developing competent professionals, ethical leaders and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

In pursuit of her mission of academic excellence, innovation, research, community engagement and service, USJM invites applications from suitably qualified, competent and motivated individuals to fill various academic, administrative and support staff positions. Females are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate(s) will join a dynamic University community committed to promoting integrity, professionalism, excellence, innovation, teamwork and service to humanity. They will be expected to contribute to the University’s strategic objectives through effective teaching and learning, research, student support, efficient administration, institutional development and community engagement.

The available positions include:

ASSISTANT LECTURER – GEOGRAPHY AND RUNYAKITARA

Faculty: Education and Sciences
Department: Education
Reports To: Head of Department – Education
Number of Positions: 1 (One)
Duty Station: USJM, Mbarara City South, Uganda
Terms of Service: Contract, subject to satisfactory and successful completion of six months probationary period
Salary Scale: USJM-5.2

Job Purpose

The Assistant Lecturer will be responsible for teaching, assessment, research, student supervision and community engagement in Geography and Runyakitara. The role will emphasise the integration of geographical knowledge, language, culture, environment and community development.

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong academic competence in Geography together with proven proficiency and/or academic training in Runyakitara.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and, where applicable, postgraduate courses in Geography and Runyakitara.
• Prepare and deliver lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical sessions and field-based learning activities.
• Develop, review and update course outlines, teaching materials and assessment instruments.
• Assess students through coursework, examinations, practical exercises, fieldwork and other appropriate methods.
• Supervise undergraduate research projects and, where qualified, postgraduate dissertations.
• Conduct original research in Geography, Runyakitara, language and culture, environment, community development and related interdisciplinary areas.
• Publish research findings in recognised peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly outlets.
• Participate in curriculum development and review for Geography, Runyakitara and related programmes.
• Integrate local language and indigenous knowledge into geographical and community-based teaching and research where appropriate.
• Participate in community engagement, outreach, consultancy and extension activities.
• Participate in departmental and University committees, quality assurance activities and academic administration.
• Keep abreast of developments in Geography, language studies, education and related fields.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department, Dean or relevant University authority.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A Master’s degree in Geography, Education, Linguistics, African Languages, Literature or a closely related field from a recognised university.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Education with Geography, Languages, Literature, Linguistics or a closely related discipline as the teaching subject.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in Runyakitara.
• Evidence of experience teaching Geography and/or Runyakitara at university, tertiary or other appropriate educational level.
• Evidence of research and scholarly publication will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of GIS, environmental studies, physical and human geography, regional development, language documentation, translation, literature or cultural studies will be an added advantage.
• Membership of a relevant professional or academic body will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of Competence-Based Teaching will be an added advantage.
• PhD track in a relevant discipline from a recognised university will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies

• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Runyakitara.
• Strong knowledge of geographical concepts, theories and contemporary issues.
• Ability to use learner-centred and competency-based teaching approaches.
• Ability to connect Geography with local language, culture, environment and community development.
• Strong research, academic writing and publication skills.
• Competence in digital teaching and learning technologies.
• Ability to supervise student research and fieldwork.
• Commitment to academic integrity, professional ethics and continuous professional development.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic environment.

Key Areas of Teaching Competence

Geography:

• Physical Geography
• Human Geography
• Economic Geography
• Development Geography
• Environmental Geography
• Population and Settlement Geography
• Regional Geography
• Urban and Rural Development
• Geography of Uganda and East Africa
• Cartography, GIS and Remote Sensing
• Research Methods and Field Studies

Runyakitara:

• Runyakitara Language
• Runyakitara Grammar
• Oral Literature and Folklore
• Runyakitara Literature
• Translation and Interpretation
• African Languages and Culture
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems
• Language, Culture and Community Development

Application Requirements

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit a signed formal application letter clearly indicating the position applied for, an updated Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts, evidence of relevant professional experience, contact details of three referees, a copy of the National Identity Card, and copies of relevant appointment letters and awards for positions of responsibility held.

Applications should be addressed to:

The DVC/Human Resource Manager

University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM)

P.O. Box 218, Mbarara, Uganda

Deadline for submission: 4 September 2026.

For more information and inquiries, applicants may contact the University on +256 706 680 / +256 393 224 635. Incomplete applications or applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.