Please note that this is a continuation of the search started in 2015 for a theological programme coordinator. CEC extended the search period as it underwent restructuring and completed strategic planning for the 2015-2018 triennium. This new job description is a result of these processes. Candidates who submitted an application for the role of theological programme coordinator do not need to reapply for this position as their applications were kept on file. 

Staff Vacancy Notice

Job title:                      Dialogue Secretary 
Reports to:                  General Secretary
Starting date:              Latest 1 January 2017
Contract:                     Permanent full time contract under Belgian law
Place:                         Brussels

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) an ecumenical fellowship of 114 Member Churches, National Councils of Churches, and Organisations in Partnership. CEC’s membership covers Europe in its broad political sense, from Iceland to Armenia, Canary Islands to Siberia. CEC was founded in 1959 having active associates and networks in most European countries. The mission of CEC is to pursue together the path of growing conciliar understanding by helping the European Churches to renew their spiritual life, to strengthen their common witness and service and to promote the unity of the Church and peace in the world. Our vision is to seek in faithfulness to the Gospel the reconciliation and common witness of the Churches to build a humane, socially conscious and sustainable Europe at peace with itself and its neighbours, in which human rights and the basic values of peace, justice, freedom participation and solidarity prevail. Its task is to help the churches study questions from a theological and socio-ethical perspective, especially those with a European Dimension.

CEC accompanies European churches in their dialogue with each other, other ecumenical and inter-religious partners, and the Institutions of the European Union and the Council of Europe.

The Dialogue Secretary is acting as executive staff member and will report to the General Secretary. The successful candidate will be joining a small team of staff at Europe’s leading ecumenical organisation.

Duties and responsibilities

• To facilitate and resource the theological and dialogue work of the CEC.


• To work closely with other CEC staff in developing dialogue between Member Churches, their theological schools and other institutions, in the areas of doctrine, ecclesiology, spirituality, ethics, pastoral care, diaconia and mission.


• To facilitate dialogue in the above mentioned areas with non-member churches and Christian movements.


• To promote the Charta Œcumenica and evaluate its reception.


• To facilitate interreligious and intercultural dialogue between CEC and other institutions and to accompany the member churches in the same.


• To monitor reception of relevant theological CEC documents.


• To work in close cooperation with the Communication Coordinator to strengthen the mutual understanding of Member Churches.


• To provide fora for issues of doctrine, ecclesiology, spirituality, ethics, pastoral care, diaconia and mission in the work of CEC.


• To cooperate with the General Secretary for the work in liaison with CCEE.

Candidate profile

• be actively engaged in one of the CEC Member Churches


• having substantial experience in international ecumenical dialogue and ecumenical theology, on different levels of the ecumenical movement


• Publications in the field of ecumenical theology and ecumenical dialogue are an advantage


• Positive and constructive attitude in an evolving environment


• Ability to work on own initiative and as  part of a team, and willingness to “pitch in” as required in a small organisation


• Willingness to work outside normal office hours and to be on call as required, willingness to travel


• Holder of a PhD degree in theology is an asset, but not a prerequisite


• Fluency in English, active knowledge of French and German or at least one of these languages having a passive knowledge of the other language, other languages considered as an asset


• Experience in a non-profit or ecumenical organisation is an advantage

We offer

• An international working environment located in Brussels (Rue Joseph II 174, 1000 Brussels)


• A unique opportunity to work with ecumenical and international issues


• A competitive salary package

Applications
Electronic applications:
Motivation letter + CV in English
At least 2 recent reference letters in German, English or French

The complete application file should be addressed to Very Reverend Heikki Theodoros Huttunen at the following email address: cec@cec-kek.org, Reference code CEC-DS by 13 May 2016 .
Interviews will be held in Brussels.

Contact details of the General Secretary:
Conference of European Churches
Brussels Office
Centre Œcuménique
rue Joseph II, 174,
BE-1000 Bruxelles
Tel: +32 2 234 68 34
cec@cec-kek.be
www.ceceurope.org