Coordinator Roles – Vacancies at the National Office
National Spiritual Assembly
nsa@bahai.org.uk
24 November 2016
3 Qawl 173 B.E.
To all believers in the United Kingdom
Dearly loved Friends,
The National Assembly remains keen to hear from those friends able to apply for the two new Coordinator roles first advertised in September. The role descriptions set out below are summaries and idealised: there is flexibility to re-shape both roles to reflect the capacities and interests of individuals with appropriate experience.
Both roles require of course a caring and loving attitude combined with the ability to take initiative. Good communication skills and the ability to work well with others are essential.
Coordinator of Information Services
The Coordinator of Information Services will lead an existing team of two IT Officers. The National Assembly’s systems are increasingly supporting the work of the Regional Councils, the Training Institute Boards and the Cluster agencies – as well as the National Assembly’s own committees and agencies. In total, there are around 200 individuals and institutions, across the UK, using systems provided by the National Assembly – and this number continues to grow.
Much progress has been made in the past year in systematising the IT Support work. This has ensured greater vigilance in IT security, and has enabled the rapid growth of users; but much remains to be done.
The new Coordinator will focus on continuing to streamline the IT Support function while accelerating progress in the replacement of critical core systems. The Coordinator will also play a leading role on data protection, serving as the National Assembly’s Data Protection Officer
Ideally, the IS Coordinator will work full-time and at the National Office. There may be flexibility where necessary to accommodate individual circumstances; the roles might be four days per week, for instance, and remote working from home on certain days of the week would also be possible.
Coordinator of Services
The re-shaped role of Coordinator of Services will lead a team of three staff members comprising the Records Officer, the Custodian and the Assistant to the Office of the Secretary. In addition to the duties associated with these roles, the Services Department will continue to be responsible for welcoming and assisting all who call or visit the National Office as well as coordinating activities required to support the Bahá’í electoral cycle and other events. The Services Department will continue to rely heavily upon the devoted services of many volunteers who provide hospitality for visitors as well as supporting events and projects.
The Coordinator of Services will continue to serve the National Assembly Secretary in matters of personnel administration, and will serve as the National Assembly’s Health & Safety Coordinator. In addition, the Coordinator of Services will continue to nurture the systematisation of the work of the National Office through the continuing development of procedure manuals and task support materials that will make it easier for staff and volunteers to contribute effectively from the start of their service, and to play their part in continuous improvement.
Ideally, the Coordinator of Services will work full-time and at the National Office. There may be flexibility where necessary to accommodate individual circumstances; the role might be four days per week, for instance, and remote working from home on certain days of the week would also be possible.
As usual, a salary is offered to enable successful applicants 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.
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 current 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.
Your prayerful consideration of this opportunity to serve in these valued roles is deeply appreciated.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Patrick O’Mara
Secretary