Location:

• Juba, South Sudan

Assignment Includes: 

The assignment offers coordination and administration of programs and activities in South Sudan. This will be accomplished in consultation with the Director for East and Southern Africa and the strategic priorities of the Global Mission Unit of the ELCA.

• Coordinate all programs and activities in Juba, South Sudan funded by ELCA synods and congregations.
• Provide leadership in the identification of future leaders in collaboration with other local leaders.
• Work in collaboration with Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) in planning and monitoring of activities.
• Provide leadership in setting system and structure for the emerging Lutheran church in South Sudan
• Interpret the mission and ministry of companions back to the ELCA through newsletters, blogs, and visits to ELCA congregations and members.

Site Information:

South Sudan, officially named the Republic of South Sudan, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. As the world’s youngest country, South Sudan has experienced decades of civil war, violence and instability. In December 2013, political and ethnic-fueled fighting erupted and once again the country found itself in conflict. In response to this warfare, many of the people of South Sudan are internally displaced or have fled to United Nations peacekeeping mission bases or refugee camps outside the country.

The violence in South Sudan has had consequences for the native tribes and communities of people who reside in the country. The result of the violence means that in South Sudan there are few institutional structures in existence: health Care systems are poor, educational opportunities are lacking and places for spiritual care have been disrupted. The net result is a deep need within the South Sudanese people for structure, organization, community building and the proclamation of hope; the ELCA walks alongside the Evangelical Lutheran Church Africa Mission - South Sudan as they meet these needs.

Experience and Skills:

• Ability to communicate in English.
• Ability to communicate and build on accompaniment model with Communities in South Sudan and the U.S.
• Management and administration skills
• Experience or background in finance and book-keeping
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

Terms and Conditions

This position is supported under the terms of ELCA Global Mission Expectations and Support for Long Term Global Personnel. Those provisions include: international transportation, transportation related to work assignment, pensions and major medical coverage, assistance with schooling for children through high school, housing and cash salary which is adjusted according to the goods and services differential for South Sudan.

If Candidate is Married

Both must complete an application for this position, even if the spouse will not be fulfilling a specific role in the ministry. In the context of global mission service, a spouse is seen as a representative of the ELCA and of the receiving church regardless of their actual role. It is important for the ELCA that both members of a couple understand the role of missionary and are comfortable with that reality. In addition, an accompanying spouse receives an appointment to service by the ELCA and the support package for mission personnel includes compensation for an accompanying spouse.

General Qualifications for ELCA Global Personnel

• Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church
• Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths
• Respect for beliefs, values and customs of church and culture where assigned
• Well-developed inter-personal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion
• Demonstrated ability to carry out the responsibilities and the ability to adapt to different standards and practices
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration
• Adaptable and flexible - sense of humor - good physical and emotional health
• Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA