Adult Education Project Officer

The ERTP has funding from the All Churches Trust to appoint, on a fixed two year part-time contract, an Adult Education Project Officer. The ERTP formally came into being with the signing of a covenant in 2008 but have a long history in the region of good quality collaborative working relationships in the whole area of education, learning and training. We are committed to integrated regional training. More details about the ERTP are to be found at

Vision: The vision is for a project which will develop a high-profile regional programme of Education for Discipleship. This is vital for the ongoing health and vigour of the church in terms of equipping Christians for their own discipleship as they endeavour to live faithfully in the world. It is hoped that through this programme adult lay Christians in the region will become more confident in their faith and be enabled to make connections between that faith and wider life.

Role: The project officer would implement this vision by setting up and initiating a region wide programme of education for discipleship drawing wherever possible on existing resources. These resources would be based theologically on a three fold approach to developing biblical literacy, church literacy and a cultural literacy which will enable people to make those connections between faith and wider life. The project officer will need to ensure that the programme is owned by the regional churches and practitioner groups. They would identify, and share good practice so that the project is seen both to complement and to add value to existing lay education. It is not proposed that the programme be validated for academic credit.

Job description:

In 2011-12, the job would be to

  • Engaging in a scoping exercise to research possible materials to use in the programme. It is envisaged that a “bite-sized” chunk approach would be useful but one that was flexible enough to be owned locally, for instance in small group learning or study days.
  • Networking with practitioner groups, training institutions, church leaders and other key contacts to gather what resources might be on offer and what is already in use. This will ensure that the project is anchored in the region.
  • To work up a project plan for 2012-13 and for how the programme will be enabled thereafter
  • To enthuse, build up support and to brand the programme within the region.

In 2012-13, the job would be to

  • Set up structures to enable the programme to be run when the project is completed in summer 2013,
  • To set up a number of pilots for elements of the programme spread across the region and train people in the use of them
  • To prepare an evaluation of the project so that good practice can be shared with other RTPs
  • To continue branding the programme in the region through networking and marketing.

Markers of success of the project:

  • Evidence of effective networking with practitioner groups, training institutions, church leaders and other key contacts to gather what resources might be on offer and what is already in use.
  • A finished project plan for 2012-13 and for how the programme will be enabled thereafter
  • The establishment of structures to enable the programme to be run when the project is completed in summer 2013
  • A pilot programme throughout the region in 2012-13
  • A completed evaluation of the project so that good practice can be shared with other RTPs

Person specification

This is attached to these details and expands on the hope that the person appointed will be someone with theological skills, proven adult education capabilities, some technological skills, knowledge of the Eastern Region and ability to network and create partnerships.

Reporting

The project officer would report initially to a Management Group and would be line-managed by either the chair of that group or someone delegated by the group. In turn the Management group reports to the ERTP steering group.

Working base

It is expected that given the size of the region, the person would work from home but there is space within the Eastern Region Ministry Course offices in Cambridge for the post-holder to have a desk.

Term of appointment

This is a two year fixed term appointment from 1st September 2011 to 31st August 2013.

Hours of work

It is expected to be between 15 and 20 hours per week

Salary

The salary is paid at the Lichfield scale rate payable for a tutor within a theological education institution. The full rate for 2011-12 is £23,010 and the regional average full housing allowance is £9,000. The 0.4fte starting salary therefore will be £12,804 (£32,010 pro rata). A pension contribution will also be paid at the pro-rata rate for Church Workers into an appropriate scheme.

Working expenses

There is a budget for both project events and development costs of £3725 per year and an allowance for working expenses of £3000 per year.

Administrative Support for project officer

The RTP has already invested in a 0.2fte administrator based within in an office in the Cambridge Theological Federation who would be able to offer some support to the postholder.

Informal enquiries about this post are very welcome. Please be in touch with the chair of the Project Management Group, Revd Dr Ian McIntosh on 01223 741026 or by email at

Person Specification

Adult Education Project Officer

Attributes / Essential / Desirable
Relevant Experience /
  • Being a worshipping member of a CTBI church;
  • Well organised, capable of working to externally and self-imposed deadlines
  • Proven adult education skills
  • A passion for Theology and lifelong learning

Education and Training /
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent
  • Experience of lay Christian adult education
  • Proven training ability in formal or informal contexts
/
  • Qualification in teaching or adult education

Special knowledge & skills /
  • Oral and written communication and presentation skills;
  • Good IT skills
  • The ability to network with others
  • The ability to project plan
/
  • Good Regional knowledge
  • Experience in marketing
  • Some knowledge of database and website development

Special qualities /
  • Ability to work collaboratively with practitioners within a diverse region;
  • Commitment to working with diverse theological and ecumenical positions;
  • Willingness to work unsocial hours and to travel
/
  • Experience of working ecumenically
  • Experience of teamworking
  • Capacity to train others

1