Delegation

Delegation allows Jira administrators to grant specific users, groups, or project roles the ability to modify Message Field configurations without requiring full Jira administration privileges. This feature enables distributed management of message content while maintaining security and control.

Overview

The delegation feature provides a secure way to:

• Empower project teams to manage their own message content
• Maintain administrative control over delegation permissions
• Restrict access to specific Message Field configurations
• Preserve security by limiting scope to delegated configurations only

How Delegation Works

Administrator Setup

1. Jira administrators configure delegation settings in Message Field configurations
2. Delegation permissions are set per field configuration (context-specific)
3. Delegated users gain access only to the specific configurations they’ve been granted

Delegated User Access

• Delegated users access Message Field configurations through project-specific URLs
• The link is also available on the project administration page
• They can modify message content, conditions, and display settings
• Administrative settings (delegation permissions, user conditions) remain read-only
• Changes are applied only to the configurations they have access to

Setting Up Delegation

For Administrators

To enable delegation for a Message Field configuration:

1. Navigate to the Message Field configuration page
2. Scroll to the Delegation section
3. Enable “Delegate configuration” checkbox
4. Configure delegation permissions:

Delegate to Project Roles

• Select project roles that can modify this configuration
• Roles are context-specific to the projects where the field is used
• Common roles: Administrators, Developers, Project Managers

Delegate to Groups

• Choose Jira user groups with configuration access
• Groups work across all projects where the configuration applies
• Useful for cross-project teams

Delegate to Users

• Grant access to specific individual users
• Most granular control option
• Ideal for temporary access or specific use cases

Best Practices for Delegation Setup

Security Considerations

• Principle of least privilege: Grant only necessary access
• Regular review: Periodically audit delegation permissions
• Project context: Consider which projects use each configuration

Organizational Alignment

• Role-based delegation: Align with existing project role structure
• Team boundaries: Respect organizational team boundaries
• Documentation: Maintain records of delegation decisions

Accessing Delegated Configurations

For Delegated Users

Delegated users access configurations through project-specific URLs:

URL Format:

https://your-jira-instance.com/secure/jiraDelegatedMessageFieldConfiguration!default.jspa?projectKey=PROJECT_KEY&fieldConfigId=CONFIG_ID

Navigation Methods

Through Project Context

1. Navigate to a project where you have delegated access
2. Access the delegated configuration interface
3. Select the Message Field configuration to modify

Direct Access

• Use bookmarked URLs for frequently accessed configurations
• URLs are project-specific and secure

Delegated User Interface

Available Settings

Delegated users can modify:

• Message content (title, body, message type)
• Display settings (view version, show as flag)
• Conditions (JQL, statuses, screens, linked issues)
• JavaScript code (if applicable)
• Publishing schedule (start/stop dates)

Restricted Settings

Delegated users cannot modify:

• Delegation permissions (who else has access)
• User visibility conditions (view for settings)
• Administrative settings

Global Configuration Warnings

When editing global configurations, delegated users see warning messages:

⚠️ Warning: “This field has a global configuration. The message will be changed not only in this project but also in all other projects where it is used.”

⚠️ Advisory: “If you are unsure, please consult your Jira administrator.”

Permission Model

Administrative Permissions

• Jira System Administrators: Full access to all features including delegation setup
• Jira Administrators: Full access to all features including delegation setup

Delegated Permissions

• Project Administrators: Can access delegated configurations in their projects
• Delegated Roles: Access based on project role assignments
• Delegated Groups: Access based on Jira group membership
• Delegated Users: Individual user access grants

Permission Validation

• All access is validated in real-time
• Project context is enforced for security
• Invalid access attempts are blocked with security exceptions

Use Cases

Project-Specific Messages

• Release notifications managed by development teams
• Process reminders updated by project managers
• Status-specific guidance maintained by workflow owners

Organizational Efficiency

• Reduced admin overhead by distributing configuration tasks
• Faster updates without waiting for administrator availability
• Domain expertise leveraged from project teams

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Access Denied

Problem: Delegated user cannot access configuration Solutions:

• Verify user has correct project role/group membership
• Check that delegation is enabled for the specific configuration
• Ensure user is accessing the correct project context

Global Configuration Concerns

Problem: User unsure about global configuration impact Solutions:

• Consult with Jira administrator before making changes
• Review project list where configuration applies
• Consider creating project-specific configurations if needed

Permission Changes

Problem: Previously delegated user loses access Solutions:

• Check for project role or group membership changes
• Verify delegation settings haven’t been modified
• Contact administrator to restore access

The delegation feature strikes a balance between administrative control and operational efficiency, enabling organizations to scale Message Field management across their teams while maintaining security and governance standards.

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