UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:

THE KWAME NKRUMAH CHAIR IN AFRICAN STUDIES

The University of Ghana, Legon, is pleased to invite applications for the position of Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies, to begin August 1, 2014.

The KWAME NKRUMAH CHAIR IN AFRICAN STUDIES was established at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana in honour of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Pan African luminary and Ghana's first president, for his contributions to the intellectual life of the African World, and for his projection of Africa on the world stage. The University of Ghana felt that the time had come to create a platform for distinguished (Pan) African scholars and public figures to document and share their intellectual thoughts, experiences and insights.

The University of Ghana, Legon, lies about 13 km North East of Accra, Ghana's capital. With a current student population of over 30,000 the University is both the oldest and largest of Ghana's seven public universities.

Further information on the University of Ghana can be found at www.ug.edu.gh

The Institute of African Studies was established in 1961 as a semi-autonomous Institute within the University of Ghana, and opened in October 1963 by the first President, Kwame Nkrumah, with a mandate to conduct research and teaching on the peoples and cultural heritage of Africa and her Diaspora, and to disseminate the findings. At the time of its establishment this was considered critical and was pursued with passion. In addition, the Institute has always emphasized publishing and teaching, particularly at the post-graduate level.

Further information on the Institute of African Studies and the earlier and current occupants of the Chair can be found at http://ias.ug.edu.gh/

Eligibility

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates in any discipline relevant to the study and understanding of Africa. The successful Applicant will be a scholar or public figure who has a strong understanding of African/Africana/pan-African Studies, has a strong research and publishing record, and has attained distinction in his or her discipline. He or she may also be a public intellectual or artist well versed in the indigenous knowledges and cultures of Africa.

Responsibilities

Applicants should be committed to pursuing their own research agendas, collaborating and sharing their expertise with other researchers, and developing interdisciplinary exchanges.

Specifically, the Chair will be expected to:

• deliver public lectures, including an inaugural lecture which will be published by the University of Ghana
• conduct research and/or create and establish a social or cultural project;
• produce a publishable manuscript on the research emanating from the tenure, where appropriate;
• prepare a report detailing the results achieved at the end of the tenure period;
• assist the University to raise resources to grow the endowment for the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies;
• Assist in publicising, and participate in the Kwame Nkrumah Intellectual and Cultural Festival.

Conditions

Appointments will typically be for one academic year (August 1- July 31) but with the

possibility of extension for a second year.

Salary will depend upon the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant but will typically be at the level of Professor (disclosure upon short listing). The Chair will also be provided with:

• Return business class ticket or equivalent from his/her location to Accra
• Airport pick up
• Office accommodation including a computer, printer, internet access and necessary office materials
• A Research Assistant
• Accommodation and medical insurance
• A research grant

Mode of Application:

Applicants should submit the following to the Secretary to the Search Party, Attention the Registrar, P. O. Box LG 25, Legon, and by email to: [email protected]:

• a cover letter expressing interest,
• a curriculum vitae,
• a proposal for the programme of work to be carried out during the period of the tenure (max 5 pages),
• and arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly to the Registrar.

Application forms (UAB form 1A) can be found at www.ug.edu.gh/hrodd;

Only short listed candidates will be contacted and they may be invited for a face-to-face

interview. The successful candidate will be informed by June 2014.

Closing date: March 31, 2014.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their files are complete by this date.

For further information contact:

[email protected];

[email protected] and

[email protected]

Tel: + +233 (0)302 - 213820/213850 extension 2153