Program Executive for Global Lutheran Theology

Purpose of the Position :
The Program Executive for Global Lutheran Theology coordinates and facilitates the work of transformative theology that is contextual, critical, creative, and concrete.
The primary role and responsibility of the position is to strengthen the LWF’s confessional
Lutheran identity, communal life, and global witness by:Advancing Theological Reflection and Foundations: Defining and developing priority theological issues for global Lutheranism identified and highlighted at the 2023 Assembly in Krakow and leading towards the 2030 LWF Assembly in Augsburg.
Fostering Global Theological Education: Supporting strategic initiatives that strengthen theological institutions and theological faculty members as well as theological scholarship holders, innovative learning, countering harmful theologies/ideologies, and providing constructive theological resources for a polarized world.
Enabling Communion-Wide Collaboration: Serving as the focal point for Lutheran theology, enriching discourse with theologians from the LWF and facilitating trans contextual reflection.
Strengthening Theological Integration: Embedding responsible theology across DTMJ programs and promoting interdepartmental cooperation.

Key Focus Areas :
Theology for Transformation Program (70%): Coordinating shared theological themes, partnerships with theological institutions, and priority-setting.
Leadership for Thriving Churches Program (30%): Strengthening theological formation for church leaders, lay leaders, women and youth.

Required Qualifications :
Theology degree from university (PhD or equivalent).
Conversant in the Lutheran theological tradition with a good knowledge in systematic theology as well as other classical theological disciplines relevant to this position.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a diverse, global, and intercultural environment.
Excellent dialogical working skills and knowledge in coordination and facilitation methodologies, including excellent communication and facilitation skills to lead/facilitate theological reflection, foster respectful dialogue, and promote mutual learning across varied groups and regions.
Ability to work effectively to promote theological work through conducting online, hybrid
and in-person events.
Proficiency in English, a working knowledge of German, French, Spanish, or another language that is frequently used in LWF work is an asset.
Knowledgeable about the Office Suite, CMS, and social media.
Church Endorsement.

Additional Study and Experience :
A minimum of three years of experience working in an international setting for a church that is a member of the LWF, a university, a seminary, or a center for theological or ecumenical research.
A good understanding of the rich variety of cultural, historical and sociological realities that have shaped the lives of the LWF member churches.
Demonstrated ability to make the complex theological and confessional tradition of Lutheranism relevant to contemporary social, ethical, religious, and technological challenges, with particular sensitivity to diverse contextual expressions of Lutheran theology.
Experience in developing innovative learning resources and facilitating participatory learning events.
Experience writing grants for theological initiatives where religion plays a significant role.

Place of Assignment: Geneva
Starting date: ideally January 2026
Contract period: initial contract of 5 years, renewable once
Average travel days per year: more than 20 days