The General Secretary (GS) leads the ACT Alliance and its secretariat from Geneva overseeing 26 staff in Amman, Bangkok, Nairobi, San Salvador and New York. As GS, you will be the face of the Alliance leading external relations and communicating the policy agenda. You will work closely with the Board and staff on the development and implementation of the Alliance’s strategic vision, plan, policies and programmes that seek to bring transformative change to those most affected by poverty and injustice.
Internally, you will secure the commitment of members, uniting and motivating them to come together as one organisation that makes use of the enormous assets of ecumenical and faith-based organisations working together.
You will develop a model for funding to secure its financial sustainability, increasing the proportion that comes from external sources, and deliver a strategy to adapt to the new challenges of a world that is changing fast. Leading the Alliance through these changes, combined with your understanding of global trends, will mean ACT is credibly positioned with international bodies such as the UN and the World Bank to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people through humanitarian aid, development and advocacy initiatives.
About You
You have the charisma and gravitas to hold a senior audience—as well as the wisdom to seek advice and the ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds. You are a communicator and negotiator and your insights and questioning will help other people to find answers.
You have a good understanding of the change that is affecting the world—and the causes of that change. You are decisive following consultation and analysis, acting with integrity in a context where faith is an important element of people’s lives.
Essentials
We expect you to be able to demonstrate that you:
- Can manage ecumenical relations with churches and other organisations within and beyond the Alliance.
- Are able to understand the priorities and craft strategies that secure the commitment of staff and 140 member churches and specialised ministries around the world, large and small, to create a universally-supported joint vision across of all parts of the Alliance: ACT members, ACT forums, ACT governance, the secretariat and related expert working groups and communities of practice.
- Lead the staff towards the achievement of the strategic and annual plans.
- Have the diplomacy to take others’ views into account—and to push back in the interests of the Alliance where necessary.
- Are able to build high-level relationships with global bodies including the United Nations and the World Bank as well as other partners and donors.
- Can present a compelling case for funding from members, as well as raising funds from external sources who understand the value of Alliance members working together.
Candidates are expected to share and be comfortable with the Christian faith, as expressed through membership in a member church of the World Council of Churches or the Lutheran World Federation.
Qualifications/ Education
- Masters level or equivalent.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is essential and fluency in French, Spanish or other international languages would be a distinctive advantage.
How to Apply
Applications must be addressed to Mission Talent via email to applications@missiontalent.com stating ACT-GS-CH /+your surname in the subject line.
To apply for this role, kindly attach your CV (in English) and a motivation letter (of 350 words or less) which summarises how your profile aligns with the key requirements, skills and abilities of this role. Please send these to us as Word files only.
After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation. If you do not receive this (check your spam folder as well), please contact Mission Talent via applications@missiontalent.com or via phone: +49 30 76 77 52 75.
