Desk Director - South and East Africa

Description:
• About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,600 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.
• Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world.
• The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
• The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of approximately 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries.
• Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation.
• Through the Service and Justice unit, the ELCA Churchwide Organization fosters and facilitates this church’s engagement in service and promotes efforts to call and act for justice.

Requirements:
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree or equivalent, M. Div/MTh preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience; extensive coursework, knowledge and ability to articulate understandings of mission, particularly accompaniment as a lens and methodology for global mission.
• Lived experience in the region.
• Collaborative work style within and across teams and skill in collaborative decision making; facility in building and maintaining strong relationships with international companions, ecumenical colleagues, ELCA synods and congregations, and in inter-faith relationships; demonstrated and well-developed competencies in intercultural ministry.
• Knowledge and commitment to the global mission of the ELCA and an appreciation for the church in all its expressions; in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the values, customs and decision-making processes in cultures specific to the region; articulate in expressing the strategic intent and commitments of this church.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic planning, program implementation, project management and evaluation, budgeting; able to meet the unit’s tight work deadlines while maintaining demanding travel schedules; able to maintain high volume of e-communication in a timely manner.
• Ability to both supervise and provide support to mission personnel and staff.
• Proficiency in English and French, and language, preferably a language of the region; effective verbal, written, and listening skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.).
• Appreciation for the mission, vision, values and goals of the ELCA.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Benefits:
• The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer paid health premiums for employees,
• health and dependent care FSA’s,
• a health savings account (HSA) with an employer contribution,
• life insurance,
• and a substantial employer contribution to 403b retirement plan (no match required).
• We also offer a generous paid time-off policy including 17 paid holidays.
• All benefits commence on your start date.

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