The Lutheran World Federation is looking for an Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations

Place of assignment: Geneva, Switzerland

Starting date: 1 January 2027

Contract period: initial contract of 5 years, renewable once

Work time: 100 %

Average travel days per year: extensive (more than 20 days per year)

Organizational Context

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a global communion of 153 churches in 99 countries that collaborate on matters of theology, Christian unity, holistic mission, humanitarian and development aid.

In pursuit of the LWF’s ecumenical commitment to further unity in the body of Christ, the Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations (AGS) holds primary responsibility for bilateral and multilateral interaction and cooperation with other Christian World Communions and ecumenical organizations, on delegated authority from the General Secretary, who is the Chief Ecumenical Officer of the LWF.

Purpose

The AGS identifies areas and themes for theological dialogue and represents the LWF in ecumenical interactions and platforms;

S-he supports the ecumenical dimensions of programs implemented by the LWF Communion Office;

S-he supports the development of capacity among member churches for ecumenical dialogue and cooperation locally, in line with the LWF Ecumenical Commitments.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Theology (preferably in ecumenical studies or ecclesiology).
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Member of an LWF member church.
• A member church endorsement is required for this position.

Additional Study and Experience

• Successful experience of at least 5 years in a position involving ecumenical dialogue and/or studies.
• Detailed knowledge of the history and current status of the LWF’s bilateral dialogues and related theological topics, and of the multilateral ecumenical processes as carried by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Global Christian Forum.
• Proven ability of working through networks with collaborative style, diplomatic skills and commitment.
• Proven ability to animate and conduct multi-cultural and multi-professional teams (up to 20 members) to promote goals of common interest.
• Ordination in an LWF member church is an asset.
• Knowledge of German, French and Spanish is an asset.

LWF Core Skills

• Analytical thinking — Level advanced
• Initiative — Level resource
• Leadership — Level resource
• Achieving results — Level resource
• Accountability — Level resource
• Working effectively with others — Level resource

Required Skills

• Communication — Level resource
• Networking — Level resource
• Diplomacy/ Facilitation/ Negotiation — Level resource
• Advocacy/ Influence — Level resource
• Strategic intelligence — Level advanced
• People management — Level advanced

Position Environment and Dimensions

Internally, works directly with the General Secretary. Cooperates with colleagues in-house as it relates to ecumenical relations.

Externally, works with the designated staff and offices of LWF’s ecumenical partners, bilateral and multilateral, with the Lutheran co-chairs of bilateral dialogue commissions as well as with Lutheran theological institutions as they relate to his-her portfolio.

The AGS works closely with the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, which supports LWF in carrying out its ecumenical dialogues.

Main duties

Ecumenical leadership and representation

• In cooperation with the General Secretary, the AGS coordinates and leads LWF’s ecumenical relations as carried out by its Communion Office.
• Follows up the developments within the Ecumenical Movement, and in cooperation with the General Secretary and other internal stakeholders, defines the LWF stand accordingly.
• Represents the LWF in ecumenical settings and interactions, in support of the General Secretary.

Coordination of dialogues

• Assumes responsibility for the organization and planning of ecumenical dialogues, providing coherence and mutual accountability, serving as a co-secretary in each dialogue.
• Takes responsibility for the communication of ecumenical agreements and helps to create structures for their reception at all levels in the LWF.

Promoting ecumenical relations

• Serves as a resource person in the Communion Office on current ecumenical developments and relations.
• Promotes an ecumenical spirit, in line with the LWF Ecumenical Commitments, in the Communion Office and among LWF Member Churches.

Leadership

• The AGS is a member of the Communion Office Leadership Team (COLT).
• The AGS manages the Support Officer.

Special duties: Any other duties may be assigned by the General Secretary.

Major challenges: Navigating a complex ecumenical landscape during times of increased polarization across the world. Ensuring strong reception of the outcomes of ecumenical dialogues, in particular at the member church level.

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