CAFOD DIOCESAN OFFICER

CAFOD mission: to promote human development and social justice in witness to Christian Faith and gospel values.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job purpose

The post holder is responsible primarily for maintaining an efficient CAFOD base in the diocese. This is in support of the development and delivery of CAFOD’s programmes across the diocese in line with core objectives and key performance indicators. S/he supervises the work of office volunteers, provides resources for and records all volunteer activity across the diocese.

Job scope:The post holder works closely with volunteers and with colleagues from other dioceses and specialist teams across the organisation.

Accountability: The role reports to the CAFOD Diocesan Manager (CDM).

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The highest priorities for this job are:

  • Managing and administering the Diocesan Office
  • Organising and managing the work of office volunteers
  • Taking an active role in maintaining good relationships with local parishes and schools, promoting CAFOD’s policies, programmes and resources when opportunities arise
  • Communicating effectively with different audiences (parishes, schools, young people)
  • Responding warmly to those who call in person or on the phone

Very important are:

  • Appreciating and supporting volunteers in their various roles
  • Maintaining accurate records on CAFOD’s database
  • A good working knowledge of ICT e.g. Word, Excel, Publisher, email, internet

The post will also involve:

  • Bookkeeping and accounts for a small office
  • Occasional travel to diocesan events and cluster/ training/ regional events
  • Occasionally deputising for the CDM
  • Keeping up to date with CAFOD issues, campaigns, activities etc. and being confident to explain these to other people
  • Working with the CDM in developing and implementing CAFOD’s strategic and operational plans for the diocese
  • Taking part in cross-organisational meetings, task teams or working groups as appropriate

CHILD PROTECTION

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect. CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children and young people and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children, seeing these interests as paramount. This post involves responsibility for people who will have contact with children or young people and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to child protection issues. The post holder is required to obtain a Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.

COMPETENCIES

Very important for this job are:

  • A good understanding of and active support for CAFOD’s Vision, Mission and Values
  • Sympathetic knowledge of the life, culture and structures of the Catholic Church and an ability to work effectively with it. This is most likely to have been gained as an active member of a Catholic parish or network
  • Support for a culture of mutual respect, trust and transparency, where partnerships flourish
  • A willingness and ability to contribute to the long-term development of CAFOD
  • An ability to manage effectively: time and resources; emotions and stresses
  • Sound judgement and decision-making, an ability to analyse and diagnose problems with depth and insight, a capacity for creativity and innovation
  • An ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with others, helping them achieve goals and resolving conflicts successfully

It is important that the post holder show:

  • An outward-looking perspective which takes account of other people’s priorities
  • A willingness to take ownership and be openly accountable, to show drive and initiative, to adapt easily to change
  • The ability to delegate tasks to others efficiently and effectively
  • The capacity to manage resources prudently

A current driving licence would be an advantage.

A commitment to CAFOD’s Vision, Mission and Values is essential for all staff.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contract:A permanent contract, including a six-month probationary period.

Salary:Grade L: £19,563 p.a. with five annual increments of £453 to £21,828 p.a.

Salary will be pro rata for part-time staff.

Hours:21 hours per week (part time), according to the diocese. Normal CAFOD office hours are 9.30 to 5.30 with one hour for lunch. This post may require occasional weekend and evening work for which time off in lieu may be taken.

Holidays:20 working days per annum (pro rata for part time contracts) plus statutory holidays plus 6 days determined by CAFOD at Christmas/Easter.

Notice period: One month either way after completion of the probationary period.

Pensions:There is an optional contributory pension scheme (10% employer and 5% employee contribution). Alternatively, CAFOD will make a similar contribution to a Personal Pension Plan.

Other benefits:Life Assurance and Permanent Health Insurance cover, Ride 2 Work Scheme, Option to buy additional annual leave, Employee Assistance Programme, Childcare Vouchers, and Payroll Charity Giving.

Access:The office may be accessible to people in wheelchairs.

Disabilities:We are committed to making every reasonable adjustment to the workplace or working arrangements so as to accommodate people with disabilities.

LocationThe post will be based in the local CAFOD office.

CAFOD is an equal opportunities employer.

Recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to child protection.

Application forms to be returned to:

Closing date for applications: 13th July 2010

1st round interviews: 23rd July 2010

Additional Information

COMMUNITIES DEPARTMENT

The purpose of the Communities Department is to engage Catholic communities across England and Wales with CAFOD’s work. It includes the Regions and Wales Section, the Education Section (including schools, youth and spirituality teams as well as responsibility for the development education fund) and the Community Fundraising team. The Department is closely linked to the Campaigns Section and facilitates communication between CAFOD’s overseas work and its constituency in England and Wales. Departmental staff and volunteers work closely with teams and individuals across the organisation to raise funds and awareness within its core constituency.

REGIONS AND WALES SECTION

The Section consists of Region East, Region West and Wales. The staff and volunteers of the Regions and Wales Section are the local face of CAFOD in the dioceses of England and Wales. They develop plans and strategies to raise CAFOD’s profile within dioceses and to achieve organisational objectives focused on fundraising, education and campaigns.

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CAFOD Diocesan Officer, July 2007