Overview:

GBGM:

The General Board of Global Ministries is the worldwide mission, relief, and development agency of The United Methodist Church, working with partners and churches in more than 115 countries to equip and transform people and places for God’s mission. Global Ministries connects the church in mission through the sending of missionaries, evangelism and church revitalization, disaster response and recovery led by the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and global health.

About the Role:

The Area Liaison is the primary relational bridge between partners in the region and Global Ministries and Higher Education & Ministry. The role focuses on building, growing, and maintaining relationships of trust so that the agencies can effectively resource partner priorities. This role ensures seamless communication and empowers local and regional entities to achieve their strategic priorities without directly managing or implementing projects. Critical to the effectiveness of this position is close collaboration with the other area liaison in the Mid-Africa region and members of the Africa strategy team. This position reports to the Executive Director for Mission Engagement and will be an active member of the Mission Engagement Unit.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Coordination and Relationship Management: Know, understand, and effectively communicate partner priorities for effective resourcing and coordinating efforts between various partners. This involves actively managing relationships, contributing to partner objectives, and networking among and across program teams in the agencies.
• Facilitation of Communication and Information Flow: A primary goal is to ensure clear, consistent, and timely communication between GBGM, GBHEM, Mid-Africa partners, and regional teams, including administrative matters, reports, and strategic updates. This also involves responding to inquiries and connecting partners or individuals with the appropriate GBGM and GBHEM resources.
• Connection and Network Building: Actively identify opportunities to create and strengthen connections within the region, fostering a collaborative environment. This includes facilitating introductions, identifying potential partnerships in line with GBGM's and GBHEM’s strategic directions, and building robust networks for mission.
• Support for Regional Initiatives and Programs: While not implementing projects, this position plays a crucial role in supporting existing and new programs of the agencies by facilitating communication and coordination among stakeholders. This involves understanding the assets and needs of the region and assisting in aligning initiatives with GBGM and GBHEM’s goals.
• Leadership Development: Driven by partner priorities, understand the matrix of leadership capacity necessary for effective and sustainable ministry and align resourcing available through GBGM and GBHEM to meet desired outcomes. Identify strategic and appropriate opportunities related to the National in Missions program, cultivation of missionary and global mission fellow positions, and resourcing available through educational institutions and programs.
• Administrative Oversight and System Development: Organizing the administrative work efficiently, including proper filing of correspondence and documents, managing contact information, and creating effective working systems for data is critical. This includes providing administrative support for various processes such as grant applications, Nationals in Mission (NIM) positions, and Global Mission Fellows (GMF)/ missionaries, and their placements.
• Empowerment and Support for Missionaries: Facilitate communication and provide support for missionaries in the region by connecting them with relevant information and resources and ensuring timely and appropriate communication with agency staff. This will involve coordinating conversations and addressing issues with placement sites.

Ideal Candidate

• A Collaborative and Proactive Relationship Builder: The ideal role/ person will possess exceptional relationship management skills, demonstrating a proven ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with diverse stakeholders and a deep understanding of global contexts with a focus on Mid-Africa. The role will be proactive in seeking out and nurturing external and internal relationships to promote the mission and ministry of our partners and within the strategic framework of our agencies.
• An Organized and Analytical Facilitator: The person/role should have someone with strong organizational and analytical thinking skills. They will be adept at multitasking, managing varying workloads, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines, all while ensuring clear and concise communication. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required along with proficiency in Swahili and French.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience within The United Methodist Church. Clear understanding of the United Methodist Church and its structure, especially in Mid-Africa Regional Conference.
• Minimum 5 years of experience living in and understanding African cultural and ecclesial contexts
• Demonstrated ability to bridge diverse cultures and develop decolonized approaches to relationships, leadership, and partnership
• Strong diplomacy and relational skills with staff, partners, authorities, and beneficiary communities
• General knowledge of mission theology, education, discipleship, communication, and United Methodist polity within the Mid-Arica and worldwide contexts
• Proficient in English, Swahili and French

Working Conditions:

• Location: Remote, based within Mid-Africa Region
• Hours: 40 hours weekly (Monday - Friday; flexible start/end time between 07:00 - 19:00)
• Schedule: Requires work outside standard business hours and on weekends. Additionally, the person will be working with colleagues across multiple time zones, requiring flexibility. Work style: Extended periods of computer/virtual meeting work
• Travel: Up to 40% domestic and international travel
• Department: Mission Engagement
• Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
• To Apply: visit our careers page at umcmission.org/careers, or scan the QR code

We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible, so don’t wait to apply!

If you have any questions as you complete your application, please contact HRGeneral@umcmission.org

Global Ministries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No outside Firm/Agency calls.