Role purpose

This role will be building on strong organisational knowledge and practice in both gender and race. This broader DEIB work also bridges our external programmatic knowledge and internal organisational approaches for application across our global context. We recognise that as people and society evolve, so to does our understanding in these areas. The social construction of identity and their politicisation globally is continually changing. Therefore, we expect this work to adapt as this happens, whilst being grounded in our mission and values. We have a desire to be a learning organisation that ensures our people feel like they belong and diversity in all its forms, is understood, respected and welcomed.

This role leads an evolutionary and values-based approach to our focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, within Christian Aid. Our aim is to ensure that our values are living and breathing examples of who we are on the inside reflecting the commitment to the work we do on behalf of the organisation. Leading a small team but a big community of practice, this role will support the organisation and its leaders in living our values, creating a safe and welcoming place to work so that our people feel like they belong and are respected for each part of their unique identity.

Key outcomes

• Provide expert leadership to our work across Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB).
• Lead, develop and ensure our approach to DEIB is strategically aligned with our values, strategic plan and mission, ensuring that how we work to deliver our impact is driven by who we are committed to be.
• As an organisation that firmly advocates for justice and recognises the role that power, and the imbalance of power, plays in people’s experiences it’s key that this role embeds this awareness and influence in the type of training, culture, education and standards we hold ourselves to.
• Builds the capability of our leaders & managers to create and role model the right behaviours that will develop and sustain an inclusive culture.
• Our culture is clear and intentional and designed to create a safe environment for colleagues of all backgrounds and experiences.
• Data and people insight is harnessed to ensure that we are identifying and proactively responding to emerging issues as well as monitoring the nuance in peoples lived experiences in Christian Aid.
• Working alongside teams, with the support of our People & Workplace Culture team, to ensure processes, systems and ways of working are developed and delivered in a way that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Recognises the Christian faith in our DNA at Christian Aid and is able ensure our values are rooted in our faith whilst recognising we embrace working with people of all faith’s and none
• Provides both strategic direction as well as delivering work in a hands-on way, when required.
• Supports the Directors in working with the Board of Trustees to build strong commitments to this work at all levels.

Applied skills/knowledge and expertise

Essential

• Previous experience working as DEIB Lead in global organisation or similar.
• Expert knowledge and demonstrable experience delivering in the space of DEIB, expertise and developments. Knowledge and awareness of systems of power and how they operate to create and sustain hierarchies and inequalities, globally.
• Expert knowledge of organisational development, culture and values.
• Skilled in providing strategic leadership, cultural competency, conflict resolution, project management and change management. Make change…develop further.
• Empathy, strong active listening skills and ability to develop trust at all levels of the organisation.
• Have a strong familiarity and understanding of legal matters related to diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Ability to exercise effective judgment, sensitivity, while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Understanding of and experience in training methodologies.
• Demonstrable experience in the International Development sector
• High levels of self-awareness and a leadership strength in perseverance
• Strong commitment to developing a deep understanding of the role Christian Aid’s faith plays in the organisation.

Desirable

• Degree or qualification in areas relevant to the essential skills list e.g. organisational development, HR, international development, sociology.
• Previous experience working in a faith based organisation