Connecting People Coordinator At Mennonite Central Committee

Organization Overview:
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a global non-profit organization that operates as service agency of the Anabaptist churches worldwide. Dedicated to sharing God’s love through relief, development, and peace efforts. MCC prioritizes building meaningful relationships with local partners and churches. Guided by Anabaptist principles, MCC strives to integrate peacebuilding into all its endeavors.

Synopsis:

One of MCC’s core values is “connecting people.” Through its exchange programs—SALT, IVEP, YAMEN, and Seed—MCC fosters mutual learning and interchange between its supporting community and global partners, enabling all participants to give and receive. The CPC will facilitate seamless connections among Zimbabwe, North America, and other regions of the Global South for participants in the Young Adults exchange programs (SALT, YAMEN, IVEP, and Seed). For the Seed program, the CPC will oversee the organization, implementation, and supervision of an intercultural cohort of young adults in the vibrant and complex context of Zimbabwe.

This position offers the opportunity for creative thinking and proactive engagement. The implementation of the CPC roles will be an evolving process, engaging with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and theological perspectives. This will require a high level of tolerance, humility, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt.

The position will be based in the MCC Zimbabwe office and will be supervised by the respective Program Coordinator. The incumbent will also collaborate closely with the GSL Program Coordinators based in North America to ensure consistency in young adult programming and learning tours across MCC.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Requirements:
Invitations to serve with MCC are contingent upon the successful completion of criminal background checks.

Education:

• A college or university degree in a relevant field such as Peace Studies, Christian Theology, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Work, or Psychology.

Relational Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build, foster, and maintain positive working relationships.
• Collaboratively work with others to achieve organizational goals while respecting the needs and contributions of all team members.
• Demonstrate a positive and outgoing personality, even under pressure.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with MCC regional and country teams, local churches, and partners.

Leadership Skills:

• Ability to inspire and engage collaboratively with others to achieve organizational objectives, while respecting diverse perspectives.
• Capacity to work independently and as part of a team; supervisory experience is preferred.

Conflict Resolution:

• Proven capacity for team building and conflict resolution, with the ability to listen, interact, and collaborate with a diverse group of young adults who hold divergent viewpoints.
• Experience in conflict transformation is preferred, with a preference for candidates with a background in Christian nonviolent peacemaking and working with church and grassroots partners.

Cross-Cultural Awareness:

• Strong cross-cultural competency, including the ability to guide others in navigating cross-cultural adaptations and helping GSL participants expand their worldview.
• International experience or a background in working across cultures is an asset.
• Ability to facilitate group processes to enhance cohesion, reflection, and learning.

Worker Care:

• Empathy and Understanding: Demonstrates a strong capacity for empathy and understanding.
• Possesses knowledge of self-care and trauma-informed strategies, with the ability to model and promote proactive self-care among GSL participants.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding worker care issues.

Language Proficiency:

• Proficient in both written and verbal English. Proficiency in a local language is also required.

Computer Literacy:

• Technical Skills: Proficient in using email, navigating the internet, locating online resources, and utilizing Microsoft Excel, Word, and MS Teams.

Flexibility:

• Adaptability: Capable of working effectively in ambiguous or changing situations and with diverse individuals and groups.
• Willing to respond to GSL participant emergencies as they arise, with support from MCC Representatives, respective Program Coordinators, and HR.

Planning & Organizing:

• Logistical Skills: Strong ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and adjust plans to achieve goals and meet deadlines, ensuring efficient use of resources.

Communication:

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen, encourage open communication, and foster goodwill among colleagues, both in person and electronically.

Risk Management:

• Assessment and Management: Skilled in identifying, assessing, and managing risks while striving to achieve objectives.
• Able to work independently while seeking guidance from MCC Representatives and respective Program Coordinators.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel long distances and work extended hours (with time off in lieu). Comfortable with frequent bus travel and the sometimes-challenging realities of the Zimbabwe context.
• A valid driver’s permit and comfort in driving both automatic and manual transmission vehicles is advantageous.

  Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) seeks individuals who demonstrate a commitment to personal Christian faith and discipleship, active church membership, and nonviolent peacemaking. As an equal opportunity employer, MCC is dedicated to employment equity and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.