L’Arche International is looking for an International Envoy for Aotearoa New Zealand
Part-time (40% FTE)
Start date: Q4 2023
POSITION SUMMARY
The Federation directly supports and supervises communities not overseen by a national structure. This support, oversight and guidance is provided by International Delegates. Under the supervision of the International Delegate for L’Arche in Asia and the South Pacific, the International Envoy supports and oversees the two communities of L’Arche in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The International Envoy represents the International Federation within the community and local board of directors. They ensure that the community lives the values of L’Arche in line with our Identity and Mission and promotes the development of L’Arche’s presence, sustainability and growth in this country.
ABOUT L’ARCHE IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
Two communities of L’Arche currently exist in New Zealand: L’Arche Kāpiti and L’Arche Mount Tabor, as well as a third associated community, Marralomeda.
L’Arche Kāpiti (in Wellington)
L’Arche Kāpiti has people sharing life together across three homes, as well as a day program and garden, all of which offer a place of belonging and a focus on interdependence. There are currently 11
members with an intellectual disability in L’Arche Kāpiti.
https://larchekapiti.org.nz/
L’Arche Mount Tabor (in Auckland)
L’Arche Mount Tabor is a community of 27 members with an intellectual disability, their advocates, formal and national support, community leader, and whanau (family networks and friends). The community life is focused around the people with disabilities who live across seven households in Henderson and Helensville.
https://mt-tabor.org.nz/
The two communities are eager to promote solidarity with other communities in the Federation. They are looking for guidance and support on how to further strengthen their community structures so that they can build sustainable places and spaces.
ABOUT THE ROLE/ ABOUT YOU
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
To accompany and support the two communities in living the L’Arche Charter and Mandate
To ensure that the governance principles, policies and practices are in line with the Constitution and the Charter of L’Arche International
To promote the message of L’Arche in the country under his/her responsibility
To encourage the commitment in the International Federation : especially to help communities build relationships within Aotearoa New Zealand, the SouthPacific and with L’Arche International
To initiate projects that help the communities prepare for the future
To provide support in developing Human Resources as needed
To supervise finances through encouraging, co-creating and supporting fundraising strategies.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE ROLE
Reports to the International Delegate for Asia and Pacific
To be able to visit communities regularly (at least twice a year), to meet with all members, local Boards and Community Councils. A location in the Pacific region, ideally in New Zealand, would hence be preferred.
To help facilitate inter-community gatherings, training programs, and retreats
To foster close partnerships with the local BoardChairs and to have a good relationship with the board as a whole
To participate in the appropriate InternationalMeetings and formations, and in a timely manner invite the communities to do so if appropriate
To be able to connect the community according to their needs to the appropriate people within L’Arche international for formation, accompaniment and other needs
To have an openness to the NZ communities, their wants and needs, their struggles, joys etc., and to be able to be the voice of these communities at the international level.
EXPECTED COMPETENCIES AND QUALITIES
Personal integration of and commitment to theIdentity & Mission of L’Arche with the ability to transmit and communicate it
Personal commitment to spiritual life
Leadership qualities and management skills
Excellent at communication (including facilitation)and relationship building skills, supportive and courageous
Ability to work in a team
Assessment skills: ability to observe, listen and determine response to varied situations
Cultural and communication competence / practice of inculturation: ability to understand, communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures. A specific awareness of the Aotearoa New Zealand culture is required.
Flexibility and creativity in accessing and utilizing resources
Self-awareness of healthy boundaries
If you are interested and want to know more about the job, please contact us and we can send you the full role description and purpose letter for the role.
To apply, you are invited to send your cover letter and CV/resume (including references) to Elisabeth Richard: elisabeth.richard@larche.org before July 31st.
For the nomination team:
Rajeevan CC, Elisabeth Richard
