Methodist Liaison Office Jerusalem
Stakeholders
The General Board of Global Ministries of the UMC (GBGM)
The Methodist Church in Britain (MCB)
The World Methodist Council (WMC)
Vision
To engage the world Methodist family in Christ’s ministry of peace, justice, truth, and mercy among all peoples living
in this land in partnership with the Palestinian Christian community
Mission
The Methodist Liaison Office (MLO), located at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, in the Wesleyan tradition;
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resources the world Methodist family for informs active engagement and advocacy,
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connects with local initiatives supported by Methodist and ecumenical partners,
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encourages and facilitates theological reflection and dialogue,
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facilitates “encounter” visits for pilgrims and volunteers to experience and be transformed.
Context
The Methodist family, through the World Council of Churches, maintains a tradition of ecumenism, supporting the
ministries of the historic churches in this region. The Methodist presence is also building interfaith relations with
Jewish and Muslim communities.
Methodists from around the world, particularly those who visit the region, are increasingly aware of the political
realities affecting Palestinians and Israelis. Methodists have heard the call of the indigenous Christian community as
outlined in the Kairos Palestine document.
The Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem is a partnership of the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Church in
Britain and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church.
Staffing
There is a need to increase the staffing. A variety of skills and experiences could be utilised including administration,
website development, social media, networking, advocacy, etc. as well as someone to share in the leadership of the
work.
The MCB wishes to appoint two Mission Partners to work in the MLO to complement Rev Kristen Brown, a
Missionary from the United States, ideally as soon as possible.
The most likely length of appointment is two years due to visa restrictions. For some of these roles previous
experience in the region would be desirable, for others less so. These appointments are standard Mission Partner
roles and, as such, are in line with the standard terms and conditions for mission partners serving in the MCB.
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The following job descriptions are not exhaustive and candidates may be able to fulfil specific areas of work from
different sections of the job descriptions.
Job Description/s:
The MCB’s intention is that each person will be able to fulfill at least two of the following sections of the job
description
Networking and Advocacy
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External representation: In collaboration with GBGM and MCB, develop and maintain constructive,
collaborative relationships with stakeholders and key players, both Palestinian and Israeli, and other relevant
international bodies on Israel/Palestinian issues
Build and maintain relationships with local organisations and individuals, including assessing for potential
partnership
Deliver presentations to Methodist and/or other groups visiting the region
Represent Methodist Liaison and its vision/purpose at churches and events in the UK to inform and inspire
congregations and others about the ministry of the Methodist Liaison Office.
Represent, where relevant, Methodist Liaison Office at local and international conferences and
consultations
Maintain and develop ecumenical relations with indigenous churches including in the North of Israel
Engage with CAPAD-Nigeria Programme on Responsible Tourism
Liaison and Coordination
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Develop and maintain constructive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders and colleagues across the
Methodist Church in Britain, World Methodist Council, Global Ministries and any other Methodist offices.
Provide tailored information, advice and effective guidance to Methodist colleagues and members of the
Methodist community on regional issues and developments as appropriate
Coordinate, with Tantur Programme Director, mutual “encounter” events
Liaise with local travel agencies in country
Oversee individual and team volunteers’ placement and itineraries
Office Management and Administration
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Respond to postal, telephone and email enquiries and requests
Compile and maintain contact database
Prepare and update information packs for distribution to visitors and volunteers (inc electronic pre-visit
packs)
Maintain “shared” electronic calendar so that visitor schedule can be shared with MCB, GBGM and WMC
Update and maintain resource lists (websites, DVDs, reading lists, etc.)
Keep abreast of local and international events and advocacy initiatives for promotion
Maintain filing and office equipment
Liaise with office suppliers (computer repair, maintenance etc)
Provide hospitality for guests and visitors
Communications and media
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Develop, oversee and circulate the production of regular briefings and resources to enable the Methodist
Community to engage on Palestine/Israel issues
Create and coordinate circulation (including via social media) of promotional materials for the Methodist
Liaison Office
Create, develop and maintain website for the MLO
Compile electronic photo album for documentation and circulation
Promote local partners and alternative tourism via circulation of information, articles and updates
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Write articles and updates on a regular basis and maintain Facebook page to communicate with the
Methodist Community
Share experiences by sending quarterly newsletters, blogs and contributing knowledge and perspectives to
Connexional initiatives whenever possible
Other responsibilities may include cross MCB/GBGM partnership projects, media work etc and any other
responsibilities as they arise and in agreement with the line manager
Person Specification
Essential
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Excellent communication skills (written/spoken) for networking and presentations, and awareness of
political sensitivities related to the region
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Demonstrated ability to engage and influence in discussions with senior figures and opinion formers
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Working knowledge and understanding of the region and of the current policies and issues relating to
Israel/Palestine
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High level conceptual and analytical skills, able to summarise complex issues clearly for a range of internal
and external audiences (inc media and public audiences)
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Proven ability to work well both in a team and independently, to take initiative and work under pressure
with limited supervision
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Experience of working in and with people from different cultures and religious contexts
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Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders across the Methodist Community
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Cultural sensitivity and the ability to build relationships and deliver outcomes across a range of contexts
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Excellent project management skills
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Self starter, motivated, pays attention to detail
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Ability to deal with difficult circumstances with integrity and tact
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Strong inter-personal skills
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Ability to prioritise, plan and organise work in a complex setting, balancing multiple demands and working
flexibly
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Fluency in written and spoken English
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Ability to work irregular hours
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Willingness to learn Arabic
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Christian Commitment and active member of church
Desirable
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Educated to degree level or equivalent
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Experience of working or living cross culturally
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Experience of living in or visiting the region
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Working knowledge of Arabic and/or Hebrew
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