[Job] Area Executive for East Asia & the Pacific, Application Close: April 30, 2017

*Direct, on-site supervision. As member of CGMB, reports programmatically as well to President, Division of Overseas Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand the needs and priorities of the region, especially as they relate to partners, and explore/develop opportunities for mutual ministries in light of Global Ministries’ vision, mission, core values and strategic directions, including the assignment of missionaries, grant allocations, interpretation resources, and other programs and projects.
• Provide specialized knowledge for the benefit of the CGMB on the nature of the East Asia & the Pacific Office’s work, and the religious, social, economic, political and cultural life of the region; interpret partner programs and public issues related to the region to UCC and Christian Church (DOC) constituencies, and other interested persons through speaking engagements, correspondence, and preparation of printed and on-line resources.

• Participate in the missionary interview selection and orientation process; administer the appointment of missionary personnel in the region and supervise performance; provide counsel on their professional development and pastoral care.

• Participate in budget development and recommend financial support and staffing for Global Ministries in coordination with global partners and other CGMB offices as appropriate.

• Administer the budget, endowments and special funds for the East Asia & the Pacific Office.

• Represent Global Ministries at relevant ecumenical and interfaith organizations, and on boards and foundations in relation to work in the region.

• In consultation with appropriate staff colleagues, hire, train, supervise and assess performance of office administrative assistant.

• Work with the Executive Minister, legal counsel and Wider Church Ministries Controller to oversee property interests in the region.

• Work with partners, staff and constituencies in order to interpret and implement church policies and advance advocacy priorities related to the region.

• Maintain effective contacts with other ministries within the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on concerns related to the region.

• Engage in financial development initiatives, especially as they relate to the region.

• Attend and participate in staff and other church-related meetings.

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study such as theological degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree in international studies or related field preferred.
• A commitment to and understanding of global Christian mission in its broad range of concerns, especially as they relate to the mission, vision, core values and strategic directions of Global Ministries.
• Broad experience of East Asia & the Pacific, especially in the life and work of the church; an understanding of area religions as well as its social/political/economic and cultural issues.
• A commitment to the ecumenical movement and to working within specific ecumenical programs and structures such as the National Council of Churches of Christ and the World Council of Churches, as well as regional ecumenical organizations.
• An understanding of and commitment to interfaith relations, and to working with institutions and organizations of a variety of faith traditions.
• Competence to deal with complex intercultural, international and theological issues as they bear upon the implementation of Christian mission.
• Ability to function effectively and creatively on a staff team and to communicate well with a wide range of constituencies and partners in this country and overseas.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills; experience in program planning, implementation and evaluation, budget development and administration, and supervision of staff.
• Ability and flexibility to travel within the U.S. and region as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to and experience within the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as an understanding of the churches’ polities and structures.Membership in the UCC or Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is preferred.
• Evidence of disciplined Biblical and theological study and ability to articulate and witness to one’s faith perspective;

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the ministry. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder’s responsibility.

It is expected that the person who holds this position will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies of the UCC and in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization. All staff are encouraged to nurture safety within the work performed on behalf of the UCC by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources.

The United Church of Christ, National Setting, is a Multicultural, Multiracial, Open and Affirming, Accessible to All, Equal Opportunity Employer.