Mozambique is twice the size of California, stretched along the Indian Ocean. Beira is located in Sofala Province, on the low-lying Indian Ocean coast, in the center of Mozambique. It has a hot, tropical climate, with lots of rainfall, mostly November-March. Seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables are available, varying with the season. With some 430,000 people in 2007, the last official census, it is the second-largest city in Mozambique, but the vast majority are unemployed and poverty is widespread. Basic supplies are available locally, and there are several modern supermarkets; but specialty items sometimes need to be brought from elsewhere. A government medical system provides care, though in a poor country all services are stretched and level of care is very minimal. Higher levels of care available at private clinics but are somewhat costly.
Schooling for children up through 9th grade is available in small private English or Portuguese schools (which use curricula from either Mozambique or Portugal). Government schools are seriously overcrowded and poorly resourced, though the government is working hard to improve the system. Some churches have services in Portuguese, many in local languages, and there is an English-language international fellowship.
People travel by car, on mini-bus routes, a few larger inter-city buses, bicycle, or taxi. Traffic is lazily disorderly, and as Beira is flat, bicycle transport is easy. Airline flights connect Beira to major Mozambican cities and to Johannesburg. One must use good “street smarts” as in any place in the world, but violent crime rates are low in Mozambique compared to neighboring countries.
In 2013, political instability became pronounced. The population experienced military confrontations, political kidnappings and assassinations. Travel by road became unsafe in certain areas. However, by the end of 2016 the political factions entered into a cease fire and there is currently (April 2017) a cautious peace.
MCC has the benefit of a long relationship with the Christian Council of Mozambique (since the 1970s) and with other partner churches and the government of Mozambique is genuinely working to foster development, rather than hinder it. There is a growing Brethren-in-Christ Church, and several Mennonite churches, both MCC constituent denominations.
The Portuguese language is essential for work and relationships in the country. Initial language study may take up to three months, depending on one’s prior language knowledge. Language training will be provided by MCC.
The MCC Mozambique program currently has 12 projects, 9 partners, and 8 personnel.
An essential part of this position is relationship management with the government. Registration and personal work permit applications take meetings and/or documentation from all government department MCC programming falls under. Attention to protocol and changing government requirements is essential.
All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active membership or participation in a Christian church; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.
1. Relational Skills: Ability to form, foster and maintain positive, working relationships with MCC service workers, MCC staff, local churches and MCC partners, building trust by demonstrating integrity in actions and communications and modeling the values of the organization;
2. Supervisory Skills: Ability to manage/supervise personnel, which includes staff appointments and terminations, performance appraisals, interpreting and enforcing policies, conflict resolutions/problem solving and development of staff (in cooperation with the Human Resources Department);
3. Computer Literacy: Ability to use email programs, navigate the internet, locate resources, use Microsoft Excel and Word. Ability to navigate and use MCC specific databases for the purpose of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and recording;
4. Adaptability: Ability to adapt as needed to work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations and with diverse individuals and groups;
5. Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze and synthesize information to understand issues, identify options and support sound decision making;
6. Planning and Organizing: Ability to develop, implement, evaluate and adjust plans to reach goals, ensuring the optimal use of resources;
7. Initiative: Ability to be proactive and persistent in efforts, identifying opportunities and needs then taking action for resolution;
8. Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals, taking actions that respect the needs and contributions of others;
9. Communication: Ability to listen, to model open communication and foster good will among others;
10. Self-awareness: Ability to understand one’s own emotional framework, maintain a non-defensive posture and manage personal reactivity when leadership is challenged;
11. Cross cultural/multi-cultural awareness: Ability to work with issues of equity in a cross-cultural setting;
12. Financial Management: Ability to successfully manage MCC resources within a country program;
13. Program, Monitoring and Evaluation: Ability to understand and implement Program, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Results based management;
14. Previous experience in making well-informed, effective and timely decisions, taking into consideration impact and implications within local and regional context;
15. Demonstrated ability to serve as MCC Representative without bias or conflict of interest, with ability to withstand intense pressure from local constituents.
For this specific assignment: