At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the General Assembly's administration and strategy while fostering collaboration.
- Company: Join the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, a community focused on Christian ministry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and engagement in diverse events.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in church leadership and community outreach.
- Qualifications: Must be an ordained Elder with relevant experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Department: General Secretary's Department
Responsible to: The General Assembly, through the General Council
Reporting to: The Convenor of the General Council
Salary Grade: £58,344-£75,048 per annum (Executive 7 Under review)
Hours: 37.5 per week minimum
Main Function of Job: To contribute to the Christian ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland through the delivery of the duties outlined. To work collaboratively as part of the Senior Leadership Team in Assembly Buildings, and to be its Team Leader. To lead in the effective administration of the work of the General Assembly and in the development of strategies and plans for the delivery of its agreed objectives in a manner in keeping with the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. To ensure the implementation of decisions of the General Assembly through its Courts, Commissions, Councils and Committees and to carry forward its delegated responsibilities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- To develop through the General Council the overall strategy and planning of the work of the General Assembly.
- To lead the management of change throughout the structures of the General Assembly.
- To arrange meetings of the General Assembly, including its Commissions, and to oversee the production and retention of reports, minutes, necessary correspondence, and other records.
- To convene an appropriate group to identify priorities for the work of the General Assembly and assign tasks as required.
- To coordinate the work of General Assembly Councils and ensure that work which is not the direct responsibility of any Council is properly allocated.
- To advise and support Conveners and Council Secretaries, including through regular face-to-face meetings, ensuring that the decisions of the General Assembly are implemented.
- To ensure that the voice and decisions of the General Assembly are heard in wider society and communicated to government, other Churches and relevant bodies.
- To advise on the application of The Code and on policies set by the General Assembly.
- To be available to Clerks of Presbytery, Ministers and others in leadership positions for advice and support.
- To represent the Church, as appropriate, at national, international and ecumenical events.
- To act as Line Manager for Council Secretaries and Heads of Department, as agreed by the General Council from time to time, and with due regard to the responsibilities of Council Conveners.
- To ensure that the work of Council Secretaries is coordinated in order to achieve the General Assembly's objectives and priorities where these apply across the remits of Councils.
- To perform such other duties as may be required by the General Assembly, including any necessary interim responsibilities and duties.
Criteria:
Essential Qualifications and Knowledge:
- An ordained Ruling or Teaching Elder of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- A degree level qualification
- A detailed knowledge and understanding of the Code of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- Detailed knowledge of the ethos, practice, structure and governance of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- Detailed knowledge of the work and programmes of the Councils of the Church
- Knowledge of inter-church, governmental, political and statutory structures in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
- Knowledge and insight regarding the changing landscape of Christian ministry and mission in Ireland.
- Appropriate computer skills i.e. Word Processing, emailing and utilising databases
Desirable:
- A degree in Theology
- A broad understanding of all relevant legislation as it applies to the running of a charity.
Essential Relevant Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years post-ordination experience as a Ruling or Teaching Elder in a Congregational setting
- Proven experience of leading or managing a number of staff and volunteer leaders, including line management experience
- Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team of colleagues in related roles
- Experience in leading in PCI roles at denominational or Presbytery level
- Experience of servicing committees and writing reports
- Experience leading in strategic development
- Experience of management of change
Desirable Experience:
- Experience as a Clerk of Presbytery
- Experience as a Convener of a General Assembly Council or Committee
- Experience of contributing to policy development
- Experience of representing an organisation in the media e.g. TV and radio
- Experience of interacting with politicians and government bodies
- Experience of setting and managing budgets
Personal Attributes:
Essential:
- Demonstrable ability to lead and motivate others through engagement, fostering good working relationships at all levels both within and outside the Church
- Demonstrable ability to understand and empathise with those working in parish ministry
- Demonstrable trust and respect within the wider Presbyterian Church in Ireland
- The proven ability to respond to confidential and sensitive matters appropriately
- Good written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
- Strong organisational skills
- Good conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Proven teamwork skills
- Ability to take initiative and manage own time effectively
- The ability to manage change effectively
- Personal resilience in challenging situations
Special Circumstances:
Essential:
- Willing to subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith in terms of the General Assembly's formula; I believe the Westminster Confession of Faith, as described in the Code (Chapter 1, Section 3 Pars 9-13) to be founded on and agreeable to the Word of God, and as such I subscribe it as the confession of my faith
- In full sympathy with the doctrinal position and ethos of the PCI and willing loyally to implement all decisions of the Courts of the Church
- Available for irregular working hours, travel throughout Ireland and on occasions in Great Britain and beyond
- A valid passport, or be willing to obtain one
- A full driving licence
- Access to a car, with appropriate insurance cover for business purposes
Please click the apply button to apply. Closing date for this post is Monday 23 March 2026 at 4:00.
Clerk of the General Assembly in Belfast employer: Presbyterian Church in Ireland
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland offers a unique opportunity for meaningful employment as the Clerk of the General Assembly, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the church's mission and administration. With a strong emphasis on collaboration within a supportive leadership team, employees benefit from a culture that values personal growth, community engagement, and the chance to make a significant impact both locally and nationally. Located in the heart of Northern Ireland, this role not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to work within a faith-based environment that prioritises ethical values and community service.
Contact Details:
Presbyterian Church in Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Clerk of the General Assembly in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Presbyterian Church community. Attend events, engage in discussions, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for the role of Clerk of the General Assembly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the General Assembly's recent initiatives and challenges. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the ethos of the church but also ready to tackle its current needs head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! As a potential leader, you’ll need to communicate effectively. Join local groups or workshops to boost your confidence and refine your message.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Clerk of the General Assembly in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and mission of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Be Clear and Concise:When detailing your experience and qualifications, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your application without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! Share specific examples of how your experiences align with the Christian ethos and mission of the Church, and why you’re excited about contributing to its work.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Before hitting that submit button, give your application a thorough once-over. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message, so make sure everything is polished and professional. We want to see your best self!
How to prepare for a job interview at Presbyterian Church in Ireland
✨Know Your Church Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, its ethos, and governance. Brush up on the Code and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the church's mission and values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and management experience. Think about times you've led teams or managed change effectively, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since the role involves developing strategies for the General Assembly, come prepared with ideas or insights on how to enhance its work. This shows initiative and a proactive approach to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics. Remember, you might also need to engage in public speaking, so confidence is key!
