MCC Representatives for Colombia

Job Synopsis

The MCC Representatives for Colombia facilitate, coordinate and provide direction for all of MCC’s involvements in Colombia. This large country program partners with Anabaptist churches and focuses on peace‑building, food security, and the accompaniment of migrants and internally displaced people. The representative works under a LACA Area Director (AD) and is a salaried, full‑time employee (1 FTE).

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to MCC values: personal Christian faith and discipleship, active participation in a Christian community, and non‑violent peacemaking.
• MCC is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to employment equity.
• Minimum education: BA/BSc or equivalent.
• Minimum experience: international experience and MCC experience preferred; criminal background check required.
• Essential skills:
  • Relational skills – build trust with MCC staff, local churches, partners, and local communities.
  • Supervisory skills – manage staff appointments, performance, policies, and conflict resolution.
  • Computer literacy – email, internet, Microsoft Office, and MCC databases.
  • Adaptability – work effectively in ambiguous or changing situations.
  • Analytical thinking – analyze and synthesize information for sound decision‑making.
  • Planning and organizing – develop, implement, evaluate, and adjust plans.
  • Initiative – proactively identify opportunities and act decisively.
  • Teamwork – collaborate with others toward organizational goals.
  • Communication – open listening and foster goodwill.
  • Self‑awareness – manage personal reactivity under pressure.
  • Cross‑cultural competency – address equity issues in a multicultural setting.
  • Financial management – oversee resources within a country program.
  • Program, monitoring & evaluation – implement results‑based management.
  • Conflict transformation – bring conflicts into the open and find constructive solutions.
  • Risk management – assess and manage risk while advancing objectives.
  • Strategic thinking – understand complex information and exercise sound judgment.
  • Team leadership – help others achieve excellent results.
  • Writing skills – communicate ideas and information effectively in writing.
  • Language skills – fluency in Spanish and English.
• Assignment‑specific preference: experience in Latin America.

Key Responsibilities

1. MCC Vision and Mission
   • Represent MCC to local partners, churches, government, and other NGOs.
   • Reinforce MCC values and spirituality among MCC workers.
   • Plan, organize, and facilitate team retreats.
2. Oversight of Country Program
   • Build and maintain relationships with partners and oversee regional priorities.
   • Develop and administer long‑term country strategies.
   • Plan, monitor, report, and evaluate projects with ADs and PMER staff.
   • Coordinate and respond to disasters, adapting plans as needed.
   • Ensure compliance with local laws and oversee financial coordination.
   • Strengthen local advisory committees.
   • Implement PSEA mechanisms and safeguard against abuse.
   • Coordinate security guidelines with the Global Security Coordinator.
3. Management of MCC Resources
   • Monitor annual goals and budgets in line with strategic plans.
   • Maintain financial records and record‑keeping, taking corrective action as necessary.
   • Develop inventory lists for equipment and coordinate replacements.
   • Ensure resource stewardship across the country.
   • Prepare and monitor project reporting and receive worker reports.
   • Maintain personnel records and other MCC archival documents.
   • Distribute material resources as needed.
   • Provide information on the country situation through reports and communications.
   • Manage contract renewal and payments for global and regional staff.
4. Select, supervise, and motivate MCC workers
   • Negotiate service assignments and write assignment descriptions.
   • Recruit and select qualified staff based on criteria and values.
   • Orient new workers, including language study.
   • Create an environment open to concerns and opinions.
   • Provide spiritual, emotional, and professional support.
   • Monitor relationships between workers and partners.
   • Implement MCC HR policies and assist with policy interpretation.
   • Conduct performance appraisals and end‑of‑term reports.
   • Ensure compliance with MCC values and witness.
   • Develop and monitor compensation, benefits, and policies for national staff.
5. Team building
   • Clarify expectations and monitor relationships.
   • Lead the team in decision‑making.
   • Resolve difficult situations with available resources.
6. Hospitality
   • Arrange hospitality for MCC program and support staff, including constituents from North America.
   • Organize and guide learning tours.
7. Represent the country to MCC and constituents
   • Maintain awareness of political, economic, social, cultural, and historical contexts.
   • Provide information on needs and resources to the Area Director and MCC constituency.
   • Coordinate advocacy initiatives with MCC offices and regional communication staff.
8. Relate to the local church
   • Maintain good relationships with local Anabaptist churches through visits and meetings.
   • Attend local congregation regularly.

Location Challenges

High levels of pollution, political instability, and security issues may arise. Overnights and occasional sporadic conditions can affect daily work. Local support for LGBTQ+ persons is limited, and occasional armed group activity may impact safety. The urban environment has varying quality of public services and climate conditions may fluctuate.

Start Date

Flexible start date after October 1, 2026.

Salary Details

Compensation for international roles is calculated based on prior experience and anticipated living expenses of the household in the location of service. MCC Reps receive a monthly compensation amount based on relevant allowances and benefits.

Benefits

• Travel expenses to and from assignment
• Housing assistance
• Transportation related to work
• Education for children benefit
• Retirement plan

Location Description

The MCC Colombia office is located in Teusaquillo, a neighborhood near downtown Bogotá. The city has a diverse population of about 8 million people, with varying socioeconomic conditions, public transportation, and climate. Traveling to rural areas may present poor road conditions, limited potable water, intermittent electricity, and limited internet access. Colombia’s climate varies from cool in Bogotá to warm or hot in other regions, with differing altitude ranges.

Living in Colombia involves risks related to armed groups, gangs, and illegal economic activities. In Bogotá, main risks involve theft and political protests. MCC workers rely on local partners for safety decisions and must comply with collective safety procedures.