MCC Service Opportunity - Mennonite Central Committee

MCC Service Opportunity
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Assignment Title: Partnership and Relations Facilitator
FTE:
1
Agency:
Location:
Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Term:
3 years
____________________________________________________________________________________________
All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship;
active church membership; and biblical nonviolent peacemaking.
MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites
all qualified candidates to apply.
Synopsis:
The Partnership and Relations Facilitator will regularly meet with colony leaders/individuals to identify areas of
collaboration with Low German Mennonite (LGM) communities, between LGM communities and/or LGM to non-LGM
entities. This position is to continue crucial MCC Bolivia LGM work by partnering with willing Bolivian LGM
communities in building their capacities for improving quality of life through enhanced mental health, education,
knowledge of and access to basic tools needed to address community needs. Furthermore, this position is to shift the
methodology of MCC's LGM work in Bolivia closer to MCC partnership models. The shift towards partnership seeks
to strengthen local structures/leadership rather than mostly strengthening MCC structures. At its core it is a shift from
“doing things for,” towards “doing things with.” The Partnership and Relations Facilitator will provide leadership for the
six-member Low German Mennonite Work (LGMW) team. This position is supervised by the MCC Representatives
for Bolivia.
Qualifications:
1. Proficient language skills in Low German, English, and Spanish and/or determination to learn quickly.
Fluency in Low German is essential. Willingness to learn Spanish is a must. English fluency is helpful for
intra-MCC relationships.
2. Must have a willingness to learn, know and understand LGM culture, with sensitivity to their beliefs and
traditions. Must have an appreciation of and sensitivity to cultural dynamics (e.g., the willingness to wear
long skirts (women) or long pants (men) when working).
3. Good people skills and habits. The willingness and ability to visit with people on a daily and informal manner.
4. Ability to dialogue patiently with partners and constituents that have differing and/or conflicting worldviews,
goals, or visions.
5. Ability to bring people together.
6. Must have/develop working knowledge of overall MCC relief, development, and peace
principles/methodologies in the face of restructured and changing MCC-wide LGM programming.
7. Strong organizational skills and habits.
8. Experience in Christian ministry, development, or church leadership. Counseling interest and skills are an
asset.
9. Experience supervising others. The LGMW team will probably consist of six members. Two members will be
located in Charagua. New team members may possibly be added by means of secondments to partner
organizations.
10. Must be able to differentiate between the methods of “providing services” and “capacity building” through
partnerships.
11. Ability to write articles for the Menno Bote,the High German language periodical published by the LGMW
team. The articles can be written in English and later translated into German by a Menno Botetranslator.
12. Basic computer skills (primarily Microsoft Office and email communication).
13. Ability to drive or ride in rugged terrain to make colony, partner and work-site visits.
14. Ability to thrive in the midst of multiple demands, to work with a flexible schedule, helping with projects as
needed, and be self-motivated to find new ways to lead.
15. Interest to connect LGMs with information from the local, regional, and national levels of Bolivian
government.
16. Participate in and coordinate with the broader MCC in Bolivia program activities and planning.
Assignment Narrative:
The focal responsibilities of the Partnership and Relations Facilitator include regularly meeting with colony
leaders/individuals to identify areas of collaboration between LGM communities and or LGM to non-LGM entities
(connect people, work as a catalyst for collaboration, not a service provider).This position will also identify and
develop potential partners to assume responsibility of the long-time Centro Menno activities. The group of LGMW
trained colony documentation workers will continue to be resourced by this worker. This person will also
organize/facilitate workshops on key subjects. This person will explore possibilities of researching/gathering solid
baseline information of LGM needs. This includes follow up on school pack and depression manual activities.
The Partnership and Relations Facilitator will spend the first year shifting the bookstore and publications
subscription/delivery activities in such a way that they evolve into the partnership model. The worker will discuss the
situation with several colony leaders, Die Mennonitische Post editor, the advisory council, the Low German
Mennonite Program Coordinator (MCC Canada, in Winnipeg, MB), and supporters – especially from within colonies
where exists a large readership and ask them whether they would be willing to plug in to retain these “services.” This
worker will discern to what extent LGM be willing to provide the resources (financial or workers or both) in order to
maintain the bookstore and publications services (if they want them). By the end of the assignment the new system(s)
will be in place or at least a concrete direction will have been discerned. If after a year a significant non-MCC
partner/system has not been discerned for the bookstore, bookstore activities will be halted and inventory will be
liquidated or donated to interested parties.
The Partnership and Relations Facilitator will provide leadership for the six member LGMW team. The worker will
help the team traverse the changes in the new three-year plan (Apr. 2014-2017). They will impact the relational
aspects of partnership discerning/building, collaboration building, workshop opportunities, and education and mental
health resources follow-up. This position is accountable to the MCC Representatives for Bolivia. Place of residence
will be within commuting distance of MCC offices in Santa Cruz. The rhythm of work is full, consistent, and constant
throughout the year.
Duties:
1. Identify opportunities for further partnership and capacitization of LGMs. Identify strengths and growth areas
of the different groups, focusing on the strengths with the goal to nurture the growth areas.
2. Give direction for the move towards partnership-based programming.
3. Investigate/assess scope of need and potential partners.
4. Meet regularly with colony leaders or partners to assess willingness or interest.
5. Stay in contact with colony religious and civic leaders. At least once a month make a colony visit with the
goal to identify new program possibilities and spaces for inter-colony coordination.
6. Distribute depression manuals and follow-up according to LGMW three-year plan (2014-2017).
7. Meet with the LGMW Advisory Committee members at least twice a year to share with them the work of
MCC, and to ask for counsel regarding the context and the appropriateness of LGMW response. Inform
them of Bi-Hemispheric LGM meetings.
8. Maintain contact and good relations with the MCC Low German Mennonite Program Coordinator in MCC
Canada (Winnipeg, MB). Attend Bi-Hemispheric LGM Networking meetings.
9. Assure that required program activities are adequately completed.
10. Monitor program activities and staff concerns.
11. Weekly contact LGMW workers stationed outside of Santa Cruz (e.g., Charagua).
12. Give direction to the implementation of the LGMW 3 Year Plan: 2014-2017. Know and understand the MCC
Latin and Central America (LACA) regional plan, MCC Bolivia strategic plan, the recommendations of the
2007 & 2013 MCC Bolivia Program Reviews, and the Bi-Hemispheric LGM Program Vision Statement, all of
which inform the 3 Year LGMW Plan.
13. Submit all required program plans and reports. Ensure that LGMW team members submit required program
and service worker plans and reports. Ensure that partners submit required program and service worker
plans and reports. Review submitted LGMW worker plans and reports and give appropriate feedback.
14. Serve as the MCC in Bolivia representative on the Guía de Paz Board of Directors. Fulfill duties of Board of
Directors (e.g., bi-monthly Sunday visitation of patients).
15. Continue to facilitate the training of LGM community documentation workers. Serve as the liaison between
LGM documentation workers who do not have telephones or email and the Canadian Embassy. Continue to
serve as official Warden of the Canadian Embassy for LGM in Bolivia. Periodically connect with other MCC
documentation workers.
16. Spend time in the Centro Menno reception area visiting with people.
17. Lead monthly LGMW team meetings as well as special meetings as needed.
18. Write articles for the Menno Bote(maximum one per month).
19. Organize workshops on key topics (two to four per year).
20. Review and be responsible for LGMW financial budgets and monthly reports.
21. Know, be responsible for and annually review the contracts and financial arrangements of the three
periodicals that the LGMW team in MCC Bolivia are currently responsible for printing (MCC Bolivia’s Menno
Boteand MCC Canada’s Die Mennonitische Post and Das Blatt). The MCC Representative signs and has
final consent over contracts.
22. Maintain relationship with periodical printer and make an annual review of the printer's performance
23. Maintain relationship with land owners, know, monitor, and annually review contracts related to
housing/offices of LGMW personnel.
24. Coordinate education-related workshops for teachers and other interested individuals.
25. Model non-violent peacemaking in the workplace and community through respectful interactions with others.
26. Attend MCC meetings and events as appropriate, including devotional and prayer time led by staff.
27. Attend a local church.
Location Description:
Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the capital city of the department of Santa Cruz (similar to a state or province) in the
tropical lowlands of eastern Bolivia. It is the center for the oil and gas industry as well as for agricultural production of
the eastern half of the country. Although Santa Cruz has a 400 year history, it has developed as a growing metropolis
only in recent years. It is said to be one of the fastest growing cities in South America, with a feel of growth and
economic vibrancy. The current population is estimated at roughly 2 million people. As a growing city, the crime rates
have grown rapidly as well over the past decade. Violent crime rates are still low compared to other large cities, but
common sense is required not to expose oneself unnecessarily to danger.
Bolivia is officially a Spanish-speaking country, though over 30 indigenous languages are also spoken, the most
common being Aymara, Quechua and Guarani. There is also a significant population of Low-German speaking
Colony Mennonites roughly 65,000 in the department of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is a place of much cultural diversity
due to high rates of migration from various regions of Bolivia, as well as colonies of foreigners (Japanese, Russian,
and Low German Mennonite). As a result, the political and cultural divisions of Bolivia are felt acutely in Santa Cruz.
Regionalism is a large issue throughout the country and Santa Cruz is no exception. At times one encounters strong
opinions and attitudes about current events and other regions of Bolivia.
Most of the year is hot and humid, but south winds and rains during the winter months of June through September
can bring temperatures down to 10–15C (50's F). Santa Cruz has a modern, international airport and has bus and
railroad links to other parts of Bolivia and South America. Travel within the city of Santa Cruz is predominately by
public micros (small buses). Taxis are also available at affordable rates.
The city and surrounding department offers plenty to do and see including: a zoo, parks, outdoor markets, performing
arts centers, movie theaters, soccer stadiums, swimming pools, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. Traditional foods in
the Santa Cruz region include a variety of soups, meat with rice, potatoes and yucca. Fresh fruits and vegetables are
available year round.
The MCC center is located near the center of Santa Cruz and includes an office, kitchen and guest rooms, library,
basketball/volleyball court, and outdoor space. MCC Bolivia includes approximately ten foreign workers and ten
Bolivian workers. Spanish is the language of the MCC office; some people also speak English. All MCCers are
expected to know or learn Spanish.
There are at least 75 LGM colonies and communities in Bolivia with a population of roughly 65,000 people. The
majority of the colonies are within two to five hours of the city of Santa Cruz. Roads are improving but in many
locations are rough, dusty, and difficult, especially during the rainy season when the dust turns to mud.
At least 80% of Bolivian LGMs are Old Colony Mennonites. Over 70% are Bolivian citizens with many having
additional claims to Canadian, Mexican, Paraguayan, USA, and or Belizean citizenship. In an effort to maintain a
simple and responsible lifestyle according to their understanding of scripture, the use of phones, media players,
motor vehicles, rubber tires on tractors, etc., are viewed as unnecessary for a fulfilled family and community life and
therefore often prohibited. Colony communities tend to isolate themselves from what they call the “World,” strictly
adhering to rules intended to preserve distinct community boundaries. They prefer to describe themselves as the
Stilleim Land (Quiet in the Land). The LGM understanding of unity principally requires that community/church
members have the same beliefs and customs, which define them as a distinctive group. Changing a custom (or rule)
often causes disunity. Because children are being prepared for life on the farm, they learn many skills by helping their
parents on a daily basis. As a result, there is less emphasis placed on formal education. Colonies usually offer six
years of formal education. LGMs in Bolivia have struggled economically due to drought, economic instability,
documentation status, unsustainable farming practices, land title issues, and land availability. In recent years several
social problems have made international news (i.e.,substance, sexual, and physical abuse), and colony leaders
continue to grapple with the ramifications.

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