About URI
Founded in 2000, the United Religions Initiative (URI) is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world. We implement our mission through the support of grassroots interfaith groups called Cooperation Circles of which there are more than 700 in 85 countries. URI’s global network supports local and global initiatives that build the capacity of our member groups and organizations to engage in peacebuilding activities such as conflict resolution and reconciliation, intercultural and interreligious dialogue and understanding, environmental sustainability, education, health, women’s and youth empowerment, and advocacy for human rights.
With regional offices dispersed around the world, URI’s work is guided by a Global Council of Trustees elected by the 8 global regions, and is coordinated by the Global Support Office located in the Presidio National Park in San Francisco, CA. There are 16 global support staff in San Francisco, two outside of the USA, as well as 18 regional coordinators around the world. URI believes in a bottom-up approach to social change and peacebuilding that focuses on the grassroots, and also in a shared leadership model in which each person is essential to success of URI’s purpose: to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated violence, and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the earth and all living beings.
For more information, please visit www.URI.org.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Global Programs and Network Development helps build and strengthen URI’s vital global network that connects, educates and empowers its CC members – local groups and organizations throughout the world. The Associate Director is responsible for the day to day management and implementation of systems and tools aimed at supporting URI’s Cooperation Circles (CCs) and increasing their impact in grassroots interfaith peacebuilding efforts. In addition, the Associate Director is a key member of the Global Programs Team that provides oversight and operationalizes organizational development, evaluation and learning initiatives. These include: Regional Leadership Team evaluation, Regional Analysis Reports, CC Profiles and capacity building and training programs for regional staff and CCs. The Associate Director upholds the values stated in URI’s Preamble, Purpose and Principles. The Associate Director reports to the Co-Directors of Global Programs and is a member of URI’s global staff.
Regional staff/CC Training and capacity building
Work with Global Programs Co-Directors in identifying regional staffing needs, and strengthening Regional Coordinator and CC Liaison positions.
Implement ongoing capacity building for URI staff in Energizing the Network concepts, including strengthening CC outreach, engagement, support, and information collection/sharing.
Assist with design and implementation of assessment and learning processes that support regional teams in successfully delivering benefits of URI network membership to CCs.
Support Global Programs Co-Directors in implementing core trainings for CCs and staff.
Implementation of network development and learning initiatives
Work with Global Program Co-Directors, managing and improving tools and systems that energize and strengthen network development and performance. For example, a CC Assets and Needs Analysis will provide needed information to encourage CCs to connect for mutual benefit. Manage CC Profile process including collection, editing, and dissemination.
Assist implementation of surveys.
Regional Oversight and Strategic Planning
With supervision by Global Programs Co-Directors, oversee and support Regional Coordinators and Leadership teams in selected regions
Manage Regional Analysis Reporting process. Identify common themes present in regional work, create pathways to share best practices and initiate enriching exchange between Cooperation Circles and regions.
Collect, collate and share feedback from the regional offices regarding what additional tools and support are required to further their work.
Qualifications
Prior experience in program development preferably in an international context
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Excellent administrative, organizational and interpersonal skills
Enthusiasm about being a part of a team
Desire to co-create and pioneer innovative network systems at a global level
Comfortable working in a fast paced, dynamic environment
Experience in working in a multicultural and multireligious environment
Language proficiency in addition to English – a plus
Holder of passport or able to obtain one
How to apply
Send a cover letter detailing why you believe your qualifications are a match for the position, your resume and two references to hr@uri.org