International Exchange Coordinator job at Mennonite Central Committee

Background

MCC Uganda, an international Christian NGO operating in Uganda since 1979, seeks an energetic and self-motivated person with excellent people skills to coordinate its young adult international volunteer exchange program and host learning tours for the program. In Uganda, MCC supports projects with local partner organizations in food security, health, education, and peacebuilding. Young adults from around the world support partner work in Uganda, while Ugandan participants serve with MCC programs in other countries. The role includes recruitment, placement, orientation, in-country practical and emotional support, coordination with host partners, and homestays. In addition, the position is also responsible for coordinating learning visits to MCC Uganda partners and projects. The position is based out of the MCC Uganda office in Ntinda, Kampala.

Responsibilities

This role primarily supports and mentors young adult volunteers ages 18-30, known as Global Service Learning (GSL) participants, while facilitating their orientation and learning activities.

Active leadership is involved in the following areas:

• Recruitment of up to 6 GSL candidates from Uganda to be sent out to serve in other MCC programs in and out of Africa, including vetting applications, running up to 15 interviews, shortlisting, and follow-up. Hiring decisions are made in a joint decision-making process with Reps.
• Supporting outgoing GSL candidates with the placement process, protocol issues, meeting with their families, hosting an in-country orientation before they depart, following up intentionally during their terms of service away, and leading a re-entry debrief when they return.
• The chief convener of any GSL Alumni gatherings in Uganda, managing relations with Alumni.
• Development of up to 10 job descriptions for GSL participants, working together with MCC Uganda partners and other interested organizations; developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for each GSL placement with a partner; shared decision-making with Reps and Program Coordinators.
• Taking the lead on the placement process in Uganda, and making hiring and placement decisions together with the Reps
• Identifying suitable host families, orienting host families, helping them to understand expectations through an MOU; full decision-making responsibility, following consultation with Reps.
• Leading in-country orientation program for incoming GSL volunteers, and a final debrief before the end of their terms.
• The primary point of contact for support for GSLers during their terms, with weekly check-ins for emotional, moral, professional and logistical support. The Reps and Administrative Assistant provide support to the role but do not take the lead.
• Shares some responsibility with the MCC Regional GSL Coordinator to host global Orientation and Re-entry conferences when held in Uganda.
• Takes the lead to organize and facilitate occasional learning tours and staff visits from MCC global colleagues as requested by Reps.

Qualifications

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active church membership; and nonviolent peacemaking.

An invitation to an assignment is contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Community Development, Project Management, International Relations, Education or related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience, preferably in an NGO
• Excellent people skills, including the ability to mentor young adults with wisdom and empathy.
• Cross-cultural experience (either in Uganda or outside of Uganda)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• English fluency, both written and spoken
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Legal right to work in Uganda.

Personal Characteristics

• Commitment to MCC’s mission and values, including service and nonviolence
• Passion for interacting with young people and with people from other countries
• Maturity and sound judgment
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative
• Good time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Positive attitude and enthusiastic team spirit
• Ability to deal with confidential information in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Flexible, willing to learn and able to accept feedback.
• Willing and available for overtime work, particularly before and during orientations and conferences.

• Recruitment of up to 6 GSL candidates from Uganda to be sent out to serve in other MCC programs in and out of Africa, including vetting applications, running up to 15 interviews, shortlisting, and follow-up. Hiring decisions are made in a joint decision-making process with Reps.
• Supporting outgoing GSL candidates with the placement process, protocol issues, meeting with their families, hosting an in-country orientation before they depart, following up intentionally during their terms of service away, and leading a re-entry debrief when they return.
• The chief convener of any GSL Alumni gatherings in Uganda, managing relations with Alumni.
• Development of up to 10 job descriptions for GSL participants, working together with MCC Uganda partners and other interested organizations; developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for each GSL placement with a partner; shared decision-making with Reps and Program Coordinators.
• Taking the lead on the placement process in Uganda, and making hiring and placement decisions together with the Reps
• Identifying suitable host families, orienting host families, helping them to understand expectations through an MOU; full decision-making responsibility, following consultation with Reps.
• Leading in-country orientation program for incoming GSL volunteers, and a final debrief before the end of their terms.
• The primary point of contact for support for GSLers during their terms, with weekly check-ins for emotional, moral, professional and logistical support. The Reps and Administrative Assistant provide support to the role but do not take the lead.
• Shares some responsibility with the MCC Regional GSL Coordinator to host global Orientation and Re-entry conferences when held in Uganda.
• Takes the lead to organize and facilitate occasional learning tours and staff visits from MCC global colleagues as requested by Reps.

• Excellent people skills, including the ability to mentor young adults with wisdom and empathy.
• Cross-cultural experience (either in Uganda or outside of Uganda)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• English fluency, both written and spoken
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Community Development, Project Management, International Relations, Education or related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience, preferably in an NGO
• Legal right to work in Uganda.
• Commitment to MCC’s mission and values, including service and nonviolence
• Passion for interacting with young people and with people from other countries
• Maturity and sound judgment
• Self-motivated and able to take initiative
• Good time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Positive attitude and enthusiastic team spirit
• Ability to deal with confidential information in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Flexible, willing to learn and able to accept feedback.
• Willing and available for overtime work, particularly before and during orientations and conferences.