Our aim is for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

Reconciliation is one of the three stated priorities of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Reconciliation Team has three focus areas – Reconciling Leaders Network (which has developed Difference); Peacebuilding (supporting churches in areas of violent conflict); and Women on the Frontline (supporting women in provinces across the Anglican Communion).

This role will focus on managing programmes for both Difference and Peacebuilding. Peacebuilding works to support Anglican leaders in contexts of violent conflict. Difference (difference.rln.global) aims to encourage, support and mobilise a generation to live out their calling as peacemakers and reconcilers, pursing a just flourishing world.

As Reconciliation programme Coordinator, you will support the bold objectives for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reconciliation Ministry.

You will work with the Director of Peacebuilding in supporting the Archbishop of Canterbury’s international reconciliation and peacebuilding work with Anglican and ecumenical leaders in contexts of violent conflict.

You will work closely with the Director of the Reconciling Leaders Network to strengthen and grow the work of Difference. This involves working through global Anglican systems structures and networks, as well as across different Christian denominations and organisations and with civic and community organisations to develop local engagement with Difference across the Anglican Communion and wider.

This role will develop the applicability of Difference in contexts of conflict or unrest, in the UK and internationally.

This post is offered on a fixed term contract expected to last for 2 years (with possible extension funding dependant).

To arrange an informal conversation about the role please contact james.megoran@lambethpalace.org.uk

Interviews will be held on the 10^th May 2023.

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. This is a priority for the Archbishops. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minority Ethnic Backgrounds and disabled people.

We offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The Role

International Peacebuilding

• Work closely with established peacebuilding and reconciliation champions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Anglican and ecumenical leaders in contexts of violent conflict across the world.
• Be an advocate for the important role that the Church can play in peacebuilding strategy and action with diverse partners including government departments, multinational organisations and NGOs.
• Provide timely and well researched conflict analysis and be able to provide bespoke advice to the Archbishop of Canterbury on conflict trajectory and drivers.
• Amplify the call of the Archbishop of Canterbury for peaceful conclusions to conflicts for both domestic and international audiences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with partners and contacts in support of overseas visits of the Archbishop.
• Plan and deliver overseas visits for the Archbishop of Canterbury to complex contexts.
• Convene roundtable events for conflict and peacebuilding experts.

Regional Lead for Difference

• Grow the network of churches and groups engaging with Difference in specific regions outside the UK.
• Identify and resource champions and coordinate their efforts in country.
• Proactively develop and maintain relationships with Anglican and ecumenical leaders to grow engagement with Difference.
• Ensure provision of appropriate resource to support international work, such as translation, low tech requirements.
• Work with champions to identify strategic opportunities for growing engagement with Difference in their contexts.

Develop Difference Champions

• Implement the champions strategy as agreed by RLN director, working closely with the Church Engagement and Relationship Manager.
• Identify mechanisms for resourcing global champions.
• Develop and deliver support for global champions, hosting annual global champion gatherings online as well as regional gatherings.

Difference in context of conflict and unrest

• Coordinate and implement RLN & Difference projects in contexts of conflict and unrest.
• Support the development a community resilience offering for the UK based on Difference and lessons learned from peacebuilding in other contexts.
• Support the Anglican Communion with intergenerational reconciliation, identify where Difference resources can serve local outcomes and provide updates in line with the outcomes of the Lambeth Call on Reconciliation.
• Connect peacebuilders and reconcilers across the Anglican Communion – sharing inspirational stories through the Difference platform and identifying opportunities for mentoring Difference champions.

Other

• Research and write papers and briefs for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
• Support wider initiatives within the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reconciliation Ministry, including Women on the Frontline.
• The team at Lambeth Palace works closely and collaboratively, providing assistance across portfolio areas at times when extra capacity is needed. As such, an important part of this role will be to help out other team areas as required and as capacity allows.
• All employees working at Lambeth Palace share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture with regard to children and vulnerable adults, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

The Requirements

Essential

Skills/Aptitudes

• Strategic thinker, with influencing and negotiating skills.
• Good analytical skills.
• Ability to problem solve and work with perseverance and adaptability.
• Ability to represent the Archbishop of Canterbury’s reconciliation ministry effectively and with confidence.
• High resilience with the ability to work under pressure, to multiple priorities, often to changing and competing demands.
• Ability to shape effective messaging for church engagement and wider.
• Ability to understand and convey Christian theological views in an way that is easy to understand and accessible.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to write clearly and accurately.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Proven track record of experience in international contexts (study/research and /or work).
• Good understanding of international relations and geopolitics.

Education:

• Education to degree level or equivalent relevant professional qualification/equivalent experience.

Personal Attributes:

• Demonstrate a passion for the ministry of reconciliation and desire to mobilise people to live out their calling as peacemakers and reconcilers.
• Operate with discretion and integrity.
• Initiative and is a collaborative team player.
• Proactive and committed to achieving results.
• Flexible in order to meet the demands of the post, and approach to office life (particularly adapting to specific needs and urgent priorities).
• In sympathy with the aims and ethos of the Church of England.

Circumstances:

• Whilst the NCIs are committed to wellbeing and work/life balance, a willingness and availability to occasionally work outside normal office hours is required for which time off in lieu will be given.

Desirable

Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience of working in places of conflict.
• Experience of living in another country/culture.
• Experience of working with senior clergy and bishops.
• In-depth understanding of the Anglican Communion.

In the National Church Institutions (NCIs), we support the mission and ministries of the Church of England. We work with parishes, dioceses, schools, chaplaincies and other ministries, and with national and international partners including mission agencies, and other denominations and faith groups.-.

Find out more about working for the National Church Institutions by visiting Careers | The Church of England

NCI values

• We strive for excellence
• We collaborate
• We act with integrity
• We show compassion
• We respect others

We welcome everyone and we accept and value people for who they are and what they contribute, treating others in the way we would wish to be treated ourselves. We actively listen to and include others, encouraging and enabling everyone’s voice to be heard in discussions and decisions. When we disagree, we aim to disagree well with respect and kindness.

We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you. If there is anything we can do to support you in your application please get in touch via email to hr.recruitment@churchofengland.org.

• As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.
• We are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.