The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has an opening in its Geneva offices for a
PROGRAM EXECUTIVE FOR MEMBER CHURCH PROJECTS (80%)
Starting date: as soon as possible
Duration of contract: initial contract of 5 years
Closing date for applications: 1 December 2019
Work time: 80%
Average travel days per year: extensive (more than 20 days)
Candidates for this position require a church endorsement
Purpose
The Department for Theology, Mission and Justice (DTMJ) is primarily responsible for programs and themes geared towards supporting the presence and witness of the Member Churches (MCs) of the Lutheran World Federation – a Communion of Churches (LWF) globally and locally. DTMJ also houses the advocacy unit of the LWF.
DTMJ develops and inspires theological reflection that articulates the understanding of being Lutheran churches in communion. It discerns and addresses issues that represent theological challenges to the churches today and require global reflection. It supports, equips and strengthens LWF MCs in holistic mission. LWF is a faith-based organization with a strong commitment to human rights and a long-lasting engagement with the UN.
DTMJ programs are related to Theological Studies, Churches in Mission and Action for Justice and cover a wide area of themes, among them building the capacity of member churches and their projects, and contribute to the LWF communion building. The purpose of the work done by the team “Churches in Mission” is to support, equip and strengthen LWF MCs in their holistic mission through reinforcing their leadership capacities and organizational / structural development, including youth and women.
The incumbent is responsible for projects initiated and implemented by MCs but coordinated by the LWF, following LWF guidelines. Hence, s-he is responsible to gather and screen project briefs and is instrumental in monitoring the implementation and presenting the state of affairs and new project for approval by the Committee for MC projects. S-he assists MCs in their efforts to plan, organize and implement LWF-related projects through project management capacity building. S-he cooperates with the Program Executive for Diakonia and Development who oversees the global program work with MCs and ecumenical partners.
Required qualifications:
- University degree or equivalent in development studies, social studies, economics or business administration.
- Training/Diploma in Project Management.
- Proficiency in project management software; conversant in Office Suite.
- Excellent written and spoken English. Working knowledge of German, French, Spanish is desirable.
Additional study and experience
- At least 4 years of proven experience in a position involving project planning, management and administration in an international environment, preferably with MCs, mission society or church related organizations.
- Working experience in a developing country.
- Working experience with international standards in the area of PME and their implication in church projects.
- Working experience in audit reports and processes analysis.
- First-hand knowledge of LWF MCs or other churches within the ecumenical movement.
Core LWF skills
- Analytical thinking – level high
- Initiative – level high
- Working effectively with others – level high
- Leadership – level confirmed
- Achieving results – level confirmed
- Accountability – level confirmed
High level skills required in
- Project management – level high
- Facilitation / negotiation – level high
- Communication – level high
- Innovation – level confirmed
- Resources management / fund raising – level confirmed
- Promotion – level confirmed
Position environment and dimensions
Covers 65 countries / projects
Internally, as a member of the Church in Mission team, mainly interacts with DTMJ Diakonia and Development Team and DTMJ Support Team, with communication staff in DPC, and regional secretaries. Collaborates with other DTMJ program staff and LWF departments on Project Management issues and coordination, in particular with AFJ programs and DWS.
Externally, interacts and cooperates with project holders in MCs, donors and related agencies, ecumenical organizations, and any other LWF stakeholders concerned.
Main duties
Organisational Development Support
Frames organisational needs and develops capacity building activities in MCs on project management accordingly.
Provides coordination for the MC’s projects under her/his responsibility, including conceptual and methodological development.
Engages with MCs and develop the relationships between these churches and the Department for World Service country programs in relation to the projects.
Coordinates and supports the selection, planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and closure of the respective project work.
Coordinates the budgeting process of the projects in close collaboration with the Finance Coordinator, ensures monitoring and reporting of the finances of the project and authorizes all expenses of the program.
Timely and effectively reports on MCs projects.
Learning and Development
Defines, organises and leads/implements trainings on project management needs as necessary, using as much as possible online learning tools like webinars.
Centre of Expertise
Ensures the projects are theologically rooted and development oriented, applying project management cycle.
Performs strategic monitoring on project management issues and resources.
Actively contributes to identify and share good practices for continuous learning and knowledge management purposes, and across regions.
Communication
Ensures a continuous, accessible and appropriate communication flow with all internal and external stakeholders and various audiences, particularly ecumenical organizations and global partners.
In cooperation with the LWF Office for Communications provides content material for and promotes news stories relating to the portfolio.
Project Management, Fundraising and PMER
Collaborates with PMER colleagues on systems implementation, measuring and monitoring, QAA, risk management, and donors’ compliance.
Coordinates the budgeting process of the program in collaboration with the Finance Coordinator, ensures monitoring and reporting of the finances of the program and authorizes all expenses of the program.
Leads the communication with funding partners regarding the programs, in collaboration with the DTMJ Resource Mobilization Officer.
Coordinates further fund-raising efforts for the program, in collaboration with the DTMJ Support Team and Resource Mobilization partners.
Replaces the Program Executive for Diakonia in charge of the “Waking the Giant” program in case of absence.
Special Duties
As may be assigned by the supervisor.
Major Challenges
- To partner and support MCs remotely in their own environment, development state and constraints.
- To reconcile the various interests and constraints between projects holders, donors and LWF, such as funding and reporting.
- To find solutions acceptable by all parties allying pragmatism, accountability, and quality.
- To be a sign of communion solidarity.
To apply, click on the following link:
https://lutheranworld.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk03oob?cjb_hash=O_Pxgw32&apply_now=true
