Executive Officer Uaicc Qld

**The organisation**:
The Uniting Church in Australia (the Church) is a large uniquely Australian Christian denomination in Australia with heritage from historical reformed evangelical denominations. In Queensland, the Uniting Church has around 250 congregations and has early childhood, schools, colleges and large community services (such as UnitingCare Queensland and Wesley Mission Queensland).

The Uniting Church is multicultural, committed to reconciliation with First Peoples, calls for reconciliation across its communities and aims to use its people and property resources wisely and in the furtherance of God’s mission in the world.

**The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) **was established in the early 1980s by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders within the Uniting Church as an act of self-determination. These leaders wanted First Peoples to be able to control ministry with their own people. UAICC is a national body which is governed by a triennial National Conference, and a National Executive Committee. Congress is committed to minister in love to people in all their needs. It seeks to share and embody the vision of God's kingdom proclaimed by Jesus - to offer hope, empower people to break the chains of oppression, and build a community of justice for all. It believes that a relationship with Jesus is central to well-being.

**Position purpose**:
To support the spiritual and cultural works of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Regional Committee Qld (UAICC_RCQ) & the ongoing development and delivery of covenanting and reconciliation throughout the diverse life and witness of the UCA Qld Synod. The role also holds a responsibility of giving life to the strategic hope and direction of the UAICC_RCQ.

To perform this role, it is essential that the person identifies as an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti Discrimination Act 1991.

**Key responsibilities**:

- Performs functions and responsibilities of the UAICC RCQ Development and Outreach Officer.
- Provides culturally informed leadership and senior level strategic advisory throughout the life of the Queensland Synod.
- Facilitating deepening relationships between the UAICC_RCQ and entities within the Queensland Synod, Presbyteries, Congregations, Faith Communities, Agencies and Schools & Residential Colleges to fulfil the Church’s mission.
- Building meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Islander communities state-wide
- Work in collaboration with the National Committee and Conference of the UAICC as guided by the strategic mission priority areas.
- Aid and support in the establishment and development of faith communities & congregations in partnership with presbyteries engaging in ministry with Aboriginal and Islander peoples, fostering their spiritual growth and nurturing their unique cultural expressions.
- Take proactive measures within the Queensland Church and the wider community to collaboratively address the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Islander people, advocating for their rights and social justice working towards self-determination.
- Work with the UAICC_RCQ & the Qld Synod in the stewarding of resources and diversifying funding sources to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Collaborate and partner with the UAICC_RCQ to understand and lead the implementation and delivery of strategic initiatives determined by the UAICC, working collaboratively between the Congress and QLD Synod, Presbyteries, Governing Bodies, Entities and Agencies.
- Support and encourage the exploration and articulation of Christian theology from the perspective of Aboriginal and Islander culture, promoting the integration of cultural values, traditions, and spiritual practices within the Church's theological discourse.
- Support the fostering of relationships and collaboration with Aboriginal and Islander bodies of other churches in Australia, either through direct engagement or via participation in ecumenical bodies, to promote inter-church cooperation and shared initiatives.
- Coordinate the effective communication, collaboration, and mutual support of the Church's relationship with Aboriginal and Islander community-controlled organisations in Australia.
- Provide administration support to the UAICC_RCQ, including preparation of reports for Synod Standing Committee and Synod in Session when required.
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of all culture elements and values. Embody and continually demonstrate the value-based behaviours by setting a clear clean and consistent example for others.
- Provide leadership and development of Covenanting & Reconciliation Action Plans.
- Lead strategic projects and activities as required, such as ministerial education and women’s business
- Model the values of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod in day-to-day work including interactions wit