Service positions at the National Hazíratu’l-Quds
National Spiritual Assembly
nsa@bahai.org.uk
26 June 2015
3 Raḥmat 172 B.E.
To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
The National Assembly is seeking to strengthen the Services team at the National Office, so that it may better serve the UK community and accelerate progress in the development of new procedures and systems to equip us for the future.
The Services team strives to:
- Provide communications and information services to support staff working at the National Office as well as other institutions of the Faith
- Support the Secretariat in managing the flow of incoming and outgoing communications
- Maintain the UK records database
- Coordinate the recurring activities in the cycle of Bahá’í community life, such as elections and conventions
- Ensure that the Hazíratu’l-Quds is appropriately maintained, both as a National Office and as a treasured spiritual home for the UK Bahá’í community
- Coordinate the work of the hospitality volunteers to ensure that callers and visitors to the Hazíratu’l-Quds are welcomed and helped appropriately; that visitors are able to enjoy an informative and uplifting tour of the building, and that all can benefit from a well-stocked bookshop
- Undertake ad hoc projects as required, such as the digitisation of much of the National Assembly’s archives.
The National Assembly invites friends with the relevant skills and experience to consider applying for the three positions in the Services team outlined below.
IT Projects Officer
The IT Projects Officer will work both on IT support (20%) and on IT development projects (80%). The principal focus of the IT development projects will be major upgrades of the records and finance systems, but there will be a wide range of smaller projects and enhancements as well. The IT Projects Officer will be expected to assist with IT support work as required, to provide operational cover and to cope with peak loads; this though is expected to amount to no more than 20% of their time. The principal focus for the IT Projects Officer will be to progress the strategic projects which will underpin future improvements.
The National Office can be very busy at times, and fast-changing, so flexibility is essential. Ideally, the IT Projects Officer will be a hands-on IT support person but also have experience in a business analyst or process improvement role, and be comfortable with managing IT projects through to successful outcomes. Familiarity with Sharepoint, Office 365, Sage, SQL Server, MS Access and Windows Server 2012 would be very helpful.
Administrative Aide
The Administrative Aide will be involved in, and often manage, many of the projects undertaken by the Services team – frequently collaborating with volunteers. This person will be at home with Outlook and MS Office and able to use the Services calendar to drive the many routine tasks throughout the year; able to drive the upgrade and maintenance of procedures manuals; able to take on aspects of Personnel admin; and able to cover for the Records Officer, the Secretariat Assistant and the Custodian when necessary.
Custodian
The Custodian is responsible for ensuring high standards of cleanliness and beauty in the premises, and for fostering a warm, courteous and hospitable atmosphere for visitors. As such, the role requires a caring and loving attitude combined with the ability to take initiative in managing the day-to-day maintenance of the building. Good communication skills and an ability to work with people are essential in order to train and co-ordinate the services of hospitality volunteers, and to oversee the bookshop.
The primary function of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds is to serve as the seat of the National Spiritual Assembly and the administrative centre of the Faith in the United Kingdom. The Universal House of Justice has indicated that its function also includes serving “as the central spiritual home of the British Bahá’í community” and “as a rallying point for the friends and a centre of unity.” Further, the House has advised that it is a “point towards which the friends would naturally gravitate when they visit London, both British Bahá’ís and those from overseas.” With London having a position as an important international centre, the premises have a vital additional dimension as “a place in which eminent visitors, representatives of the media and the general public can be received.” The building, therefore, plays an important part in the life of the community and the role of the Custodian is central to this.
All three roles are full-time positions, based at the National Office though with the possibility of some remote working in part. There are some qualities and capacities which are highly desirable for all of these positions:
- A spirit of joyful service, a willingness to consult, and the ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- A willingness to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
- A sound understanding of Bahá’í teachings and laws
- A good understanding of the current series of global plans of the Faith and experience in applying their elements in the work of expansion and consolidation.
- A salary is offered to enable a successful applicant to carry out their service. As with all service to the Faith, there is also the opportunity to undertake it on a voluntary basis or part-voluntary basis. The initial service period would normally be for two years, though it may be possible to arrange a one year service period for the Administrative Aide.
Individuals who would like to apply for these positions are asked to kindly submit a copy of their Curriculum Vitae, together with a letter sharing their reasons for applying for this service, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the UK, 27 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PD or by email to nsa@bahai.org.uk. The Coordinator of Services, who is available to answer questions about these roles, can be contacted by telephone at the National Office or by email at services@bahai.org.uk.
The closing date for applications is 15th July 2015. Interviews are expected to be held during the second half of July or early August.
Your prayerful consideration of these opportunities to contribute to the work of the Services Team is deeply appreciated.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary