The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) invites applications for the new position of Executive Secretary for Mission and Advocacy.
Advocacy in the WCRC responds to the call “to stand where God stands.” This fundamental commitment shapes the understanding of its advocacy work, emphasizing the agency of the destitute, the poor, the exploited, the wronged, and the abused.
Advocacy work in the WCRC seeks to amplify the voices of local people in the struggles in which they engage. Having its roots in this tradition, this work encourages, accompanies, and supports activities in member churches to prepare the stage for people to become effective advocates of transformation towards justice and peace in their localities.
“The new executive secretary is not only vital for the work of the WCRC and its member churches but also for the ecumenical movement as a whole in as much as churches have a stronger impact in the public sphere if they join together in witnessing for and lifting the voices of the socio-economically marginalized and the politically disenfranchised,” said Athena Peralta, moderator of the search committee.
The executive secretary will manage WCRC advocacy work, including building an internationally networked platform to promote and support concerns of the WCRC, its member churches, and its ecumenical partners. Key to this work is the creation and coordination of the Global Reformed Advocacy Platforms for Engagement (GRAPE) project, which will launch as its first pilot projects this summer.
“We are looking for someone who is moved by a faith-rooted passion for peace-building and promoting justice in the economic and ecological arenas; who has sharp theological insights on justice and peace; who is blessed with skills and experience in listening deeply, conducting advocacy, and developing campaigns whether nationally, regionally, or internationally; and who is keen to work with local communities, ecumenical and interfaith partners in a spirit of collaboration,” Peralta said.
Applicants must be members in good standing of a WCRC member church, have appropriate educational preparation, possess a personal faith commitment to advocacy and justice, have relevant professional experiences, and be fluent in English. Women from the Global South are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications for the position must include a motivation letter, CV, member church endorsement, and an essay describing the applicant’s definition of advocacy and its importance within church mission. Applications must be submitted no later than 15 July.
The position is made possible through a number of grants from WCRC member churches and ecumenical partners. The new executive secretary will be appointed on a vote from the WCRC Executive Committee and serve a term of five-years, with the possibility of renewal.