Job Description MAO Northern Ireland (MAO(NI))
Background/Introduction
Northern Ireland’s busy commercial fishing industry is home to many hundreds of
fishermen. The Fishermen’s Mission maintains a strong ecumenical Christian
presence around the coast in order to provide emergency, practical welfare and
pastoral support to active and retired fishermen and their families of all faiths and
none.
MAO (NI) is currently assisted by a part-time Centres Manager based in Kilkeel
supported by 2-3 part time centre caretakers, who also assist with emergency and
welfare elements. Further additional posts are under active consideration to improve
the extent and consistency of our outreach work. There are also a number of
volunteers and supporters who assist in many aspects. MAO (NI) is responsible for
planning and coordinating the work of staff and volunteers to support their roles.
The core work is peripatetic outreach activities that involve significant amounts of
travel around the area to build relationships, unearth suffering and deprivation and to
deliver event or life changing outcomes for our beneficiaries. We also operate three
small centres for fishermen at Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie for which MAO (NI)
has overall responsibility through the Centres Manager.
Commercial fishing faces many often daunting challenges, from strict legislation on
fisheries, catch size and days at sea to bad weather and shoe string margins. By
some measure, fishing is the most dangerous occupation in the UK.
The Fishermen’s Mission prides itself on offering a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week,
365 days per year emergency service and this comes as part of the role. A
willingness to respond swiftly to fishing emergencies and accidents remains at the
heart of our purpose. In addition to our emergency work, the Fishermen’s Mission
seeks to provide a comprehensive welfare service – dealing with the full range of
issues. All our staff undertake training as caseworkers and develop skills in
assessing need and making relevant applications for grant support. Most of our port
staff work particularly closely with the Shipwrecked Mariners Society and will usually
act as their agents.
The Fishermen’s Mission is motivated by its historic and ongoing commitment to
share the love of God. This is done with deep sensitivity and with a focus on practical
action – “Christianity with its sleeves rolled up”. The Fishermen’s Mission has no
denominational affiliation and an ability to work ecumenically is important. We seek
to work closely in co-operation with local churches in our Christian ministry to the
fishing community. The spiritual support we offer will include willingness to lead
funerals and other services as appropriate.
This is an exciting and challenging post and the successful candidate will be part of a
dynamic UK-wide team at a time of significant development within the Fishermen’s
Mission.
Key responsibilities
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To respond to all emergencies at sea around your area involving fishing
vessels.
To build strong and proactive relationships with the fishing community, active
and retired, including widows and families
To maintain strong relationships with the wider fishing industry, with key
community leaders and relevant organisations – especially RNLI and
Coastguard
To deliver cost effective and appropriate facilities at our three centres
To maintain a programme of harbour and boat visits
To offer welfare support and advice, including at home and in hospital as
appropriate
To arrange financial support and make grant applications where required
To provide leadership and support to local Fishermen’s Mission staff and
volunteers
To explore, in discussion with Head Office, the possibility of special projects
which might be relevant to the area
To maintain strong relationships with local churches and appropriate
community groups
To lead and preach at funerals and other services as requested
To liaise closely with Fishermen’s Mission colleagues
To attend Fishermen’s Mission conferences and undertake appropriate
training as required
To maintain close contact with Head Office and to fulfil administrative tasks as
required
To lead port fundraising in your area
The Mission Area Officer is expected to wear the Fishermen’s Mission uniform.
Desirable qualities
The following would be an asset
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An ability to relate to people with confidence and ease
Some experience of welfare work and advice
Some experience of preaching and public speaking
Some experience of facilities management
Familiarity with IT, especially e-mail and social media
Kindness, warmth, compassion
Organisational and administrative abilities
Confidence to work independently
An ability to motive and support a team
A willingness to explore new ideas and develop projects
The Fishermen’s Mission is a Christian Organisation. It is an
occupational requirement that the person appointed to the post is a
practicing Christian.
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It is important that candidates are able to drive
Appropriate training opportunities will be provided and will include visits to other
ports.
Practicalities
Appointment: Permanent full time contract with a twelve month probationary period
Salary: £28,845.60 per annum plus use of Fishermen’s Mission Car
Holiday entitlement:. 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays
Pension scheme: The Fishermen’s Mission offers auto enrolment in the Group
Personal Pension Scheme after completion of 3 months service.
Life Assurance: Offered to employees on joining the Group Personal Pension
Scheme
Uniform: Will be provided
Line management: The successful applicant will be responsible to the Chief
Executive.
Application and interviews
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Application forms are available on the Fishermen’s Mission’s website or
through Hanna Taylor at hannataylor@fishermensmission.org.uk or via
telephone on 01489 566916
The closing date for applications will be Tuesday 3 November
Interviews will be held at our Head Office, Mather House, 4400 Parkway,
Solent Business Park, Whiteley, Hampshire PO15 7FJ on 12 November.
It is hoped that the successful candidate would be able to commence on
Tuesday 1 December
All offers are subject to adequate references and DBS checks being received.
Closing date for application is the 3rd of November and interviews will be held
at Head Office on the 12th November.
October 2015