Imam (Islamic Prayer Leader)

Job Title: Imam (Islamic Prayer Leader)
Department: Student Support & Wellbeing Directorate
Grade: Grade 6  
Salary range: £27,929 - £34,308 per annum (pro rata)  
Working arrangements: 7 hours per week - Usually Friday 9am-5pm with flexibility during Ramadan
Closing date:  19th September 2022 - 11:59pm         
Potential interview date:  3rd October 2022  

The University 
 
At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.  

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.  

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here .

 
The Role and the Department 

The Colleges and Student Experience Division includes the 15 Maintained Colleges, Experience Durham, the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate, and the Wider Student Experience Operations Directorate.

The Imam will lead in the provision of prayer and worship in the University’s two Islamic Prayer Rooms, including leading and preaching at the Friday Jummah prayers, daily Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan, and the annual Eid prayers. The Imam will work collaboratively with the Islamic Society and Muslim Chaplain, and will be responsible to the Lead Chaplain. They will be involved in a wide range of activities aimed at furthering the University strategy, especially in relation to the personal development of students.

 
Working at Durham   
 
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:  
 
•    27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year.  The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. 
•    On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays. 
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). 
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.  
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community 
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.  
•    We offer generous pension schemes.  

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values 

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.   As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 
 
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification 
 
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterix* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.   
 
Your application should cover the following criteria: 

 
Essential Criteria

1.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

2.    Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning, financial systems.  

3.    Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).   

4.    Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience in theology, religion or religious philosophy.*

5.    Accreditation by an appropriate faith or belief community.*  

5.    Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.

6.    Experienced service provider with knowledge and expertise used to contribute to the delivery and development of services, events and activities within the organisation.

7.    Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

8.    Experience of implementing policy and procedures and involvement with future changes for a service area.

9.    Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions. 

10.    Ability to effectively network and exchange advice and information for development purposes.  

11.    Ability to contribute to planning at operational level. 

How to apply 
 
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). 
 
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.   
 
Submitting your application  
 
We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.  
  
What you are required to submit: 

• A CV  
• A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification   

  
Contact details  
 
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, the Revd Gavin Wort (Lead Chaplain) would be happy to speak to you. Email: [email protected].
 
Typical Role Requirements 

Service Delivery

• Planning, coordinating and leading the Friday Jummah prayers in the University's Islamic Prayer Rooms as well as the daily Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan and annual Eid prayers.
• Foster the prayer and worship life of the University's diverse, international Islamic community, supporting people from all Muslim traditions.
• Attend the Chaplains' meetings and Chaplaincy & Faith Steering Group meetings.
• Specialist support with problem solving and query handling. 
• Interpret, curate, design and present artefacts, information, data, equipment and resources. 
• Implement and monitor protocols, procedures, processes and regulations. 
• Monitor and report incidents. 
• Carry out more in-depth investigations, searches and research information and data to identify trends and patterns. 
• Take responsibility for day to day decision making within own area of responsibility for operational aspects of service delivery, translating external requirements into practical application and advice. 
• Implement and monitor recognised procedures to ensure compliance and meet University values of inclusion, diversity and participation
• Accountable for managing/maintaining financial and budget records and reconciling consumable expenditure queries. 
• Involved in the purchase and return of goods and services. 
• Responsible for curating the set-up, order, display and information pertinent to the service area and / or activity.  
• Ensure the safety and security of service and public areas, responding to incidents and providing reports. 
•  Act as first point of contact for student welfare issues where required.  
•  A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

Planning and Organising

• Reactive and proactive service provision with others to deliver an excellent stakeholder experience. 
• Support the capture of business requirements from users and work with colleagues to translate these into recommendations for future service provision. 
• Identify potential service improvements, make recommendations.

 
Communication/Networking/Stakeholders

• Relationship building, network participation internally and externally to build and update knowledge and skills. 
• Engage with external peers and specialists to exchange knowledge and information. 
• Supervises service users and stakeholders undertaking activities, events, project work and exhibitions. 
• Contribute to business meetings, working groups and committees to help shape service delivery and stakeholder expectations. 
• Manage frontline stakeholder services in a variety of different buildings and environments and outlets across the University. 
• Act as a recognised point of contact between the University and key internal and external stakeholders, including donors and employers. 
• Carry out internal and external presentations and public relations events promoting the Durham reputation, and encouraging participation and income generation. 
• Gather, record and analyse customer feedback from all service users. 
• Develop, plan and deliver events and activities for students, staff and visitors. 
• Work with other functional areas and families across the University to ensure the most diverse and accessible promotion of services, events and activities. 

Knowledge and Experience

• Experienced service practitioner, planning and co-ordinating of projects and work streams with inter-related activities. 
• Plan and organise own workload with or without involvement with project work streams. 
•  Any other reasonable duties. 

 
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   
  

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.