posted on January 25, 2022
aXcess: Software Engineer in France
This role leverages technology to strengthen and support Alliance ministries internationally. As part of the Global IT Team, you would develop software and websites that are used by international workers and their related ministries so that they can be more effective. As an aXcess worker, you would also be asked to develop relationships in the community in order to have a meaningful, impactful presence for the gospel in your host country. Additionally, you must be part of a local church and seek opportunities to serve in that community.

Position Type
- International worker (IW)—aXcess—Vocational Track
- Software development to support Alliance international workers
- Partially funded (requested to raise partial support)
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Learn the local language
- Develop and maintain web applications used in the Global Portal
- Provide regular maintenance and patching for websites and software libraries
- Provide tech training and support periodically for international workers
- Build new church websites
- Be involved in local ministry
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of Certificate level) or equivalent
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field (or equivalent work experience)
- 3 to 5 years of experience as lead developer on software projects with 500+ active users
- High-level competency in HTML, CSS, SCSS and languages such as PHP, Java, Python, and JavaScript frameworks, plus a willingness to learn new ones
- Understanding of the full software development life cycle as well as delivery and maintenance is preferred
Preferred Qualifications:
- Understanding of NGINX/Apache, Kubernetes, Docker, containerization, CI/CD, Git, Linux, basic networking, and DNS
- Strong relational skills
- Strong involvement in the local church
- Experience and participation in discipleship
Biblical Characteristics Desired:
- Kingdom-minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit-dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.
General Information:
The France team is made up of 20 international workers, mostly from the United States, working in four different cities (Paris, Toulouse, Limoges, and Bordeaux). Our primary ministry partner is the French C&MA, the “Alliance des Eglises Chrétienne et Missionaire” (AECM), which consists of about 29 churches with national pastors of many nationalities.
The postmodern, secular environment of Europe is very much present in France. Less than 1% of the population is considered evangelical Christian.
A new French law just passed additional powers grants to prefects, the “surveillance” of certain aspects of preaching, the possibility of churches being closed, and the increased control over church finances. This is going to demand more rigorous and careful behavior from all Christians, including evangelicals.
CIA World Factbook – France
Joshua Project – France
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. The successful applicant(s) will receive two years of intense language study followed by ongoing language and cultural acquisition. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.
In addition, the successful applicant(s) may need to learn a second language at some level of proficiency.
Health Considerations:
France offers excellent health-care options in both the private and public sectors.
Expectations for Spouse:
Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities, as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc. Family ministry is important in this context as the people being reached value family highly.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
Local schools are available, as well as some bilingual schooling options. Homeschooling is not an option in France. Black Forest Academy in Germany is an option for children in high school.
Compensation Package
The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.
Importance Clarification
Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.
Questions?
Please email the IPO office at [email protected].
Whole-Life Health
As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.