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Coordinator Friedenshaus Ludwigshafen 
FTE: 1.0 Start date: as of June 2018 Term length: 3 years   

The Friedenshaus Ludwigshafen is seeking a new project coordinator or coordinator team beginning in June 2018. 

The Friedenshaus (Peace House) is an urban community initiative in the Ludwigshafen Mennonite Church. It is a project of the German South-West Conference of Mennonite Churches (ASM) and is supported by Mennonite Church Canada and other Mennonite organizations. Serving as a bridge between the church community and the surrounding neighbourhood, the Friedenshaus promotes relationship building and a culture of peace in the city. Established in 2016 in the wake of the refugee crisis in Germany, our work has primarily focussed on the refugee and immigrant population of the city. Through volunteer-taught German courses, a quilting circle, homework help, potluck meals, and more, we offer a safe haven and meeting place for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
The new project coordinator(s) will bring their own gifts and vision to the Friedenshaus to build upon existing programs and encourage new development. 

Location description
Ludwigshafen is a mid-size German city of about 100,000 residents and is situated on the Rhine River. It is a part of the greater Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan area, which includes the neighbouring city of Mannheim (250,000) across the river and the university town Heidelberg. The largest employer in Ludwigshafen is the chemical concern BASF. Heavily bombed in World War II, the city had to be nearly entirely rebuilt. There is a large immigrant population since the 1960’s, mostly from Turkey, Italy and the Balkans. The recent refugee population is predominantly from Syria, Afghanistan, and various African countries. 
The Ludwigshafen Mennonite Church has existed since 1703 and currently has approximately 50 members. Unusually for the area, where most Mennonite congregations are in rural areas, the Ludwigshafen church is located in the city centre in walking distance from public transportation and shopping centres. The public transportation is excellent, and the city is easily walkable and bikeable. 

Qualifications
1) Strong German language skills, or a commitment to reaching a high level rapidly.
2) English language skills, other languages (French, Arabic, Farsi…) a plus. 
3) Experience navigating cultural differences; openness to other cultures and religions. 
4) Strong organizational and management skills. 
5) Self-motivation and the ability to work independently and creatively. 
6) Readiness to invest in relationships outside of working hours. 
7) A personal Christian faith and discipleship and a commitment to non-violent peacemaking. 
8) Readiness to become actively involved in Ludwigshafen church life. 

Responsibilities 
1) Running the day-to-day programs of the Friedenshaus. 
2) Finding and managing a team of volunteers. 
3) Exploring new directions and initiating new activities. 
4) Building and sustaining a network with church and other organizations within and outside of Germany. 
5) Attending German Mennonite meetings and events; preaching and presenting in local churches. 
6) Writing and submitting funding applications. 
7) Managing website and social media. 

Website: https://www.friedenshausludwigshafen.com

Questions and applications (cover letter and resumé) can be sent to Wolfgang Seibel at asm.buero@gmx.de and FriedenshausLudwigshafen@gmail.com.