Responsibilities:

• Conduct asset-based surveys to determine skills, talents, and giftings of local individuals to help move them to self-sustainability
• Work with local population in vocational training and job [re]creation
• Educate church members and others on best practices in community development
• Build capacity among local members of the target community being reached by the national church
• Be active in evangelism and discipleship among those in the target community

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of Perspectives Mission course or another comparable mission course
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 80
• Two years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working cross-culturally in community development 

Biblical Qualifications:

• Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to gospel ministry
• Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8)
• Theological alignment with The Alliance
• Demonstrated flexibility and grace in all aspects of life
• Vibrant spiritual life with consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
• Ability to learn and recover from failure

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:

This country’s multi-religious setting is both a source of national pride and frustration. Politics and society are deeply influenced by the history and interaction of the different faith groups in the country; no one group has decisive control. There are multiple expressions of Christianity (followed by a minority of the population) and multiple forms of the region’s majority religion. While there are tensions between the groups, there is also a large degree of religious freedom. The evangelical church is small—less than 1 percent of the population—but the religious freedoms allow for active ministry. This country is a regional center for Christian media, publishing, and theological education.

More than 1.5 million people live in the capital city, and an influx of refugees has stretched thin the available resources and public services. Even before the explosion, the general population faced regular electricity, water, public education, and affordable housing shortages. Demonstrations occur regularly, and roads can become impassable at short notice. Coupled with the effects of the ongoing pandemic, several additional crises have impacted the economic situation in the country.  

In this culture, it is important for international workers to be comfortable visiting in people’s home and welcoming people into their homes for visits and meals.

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. Because Arabic is a difficult language, the applicant(s) will receive two years of intensive language and cultural study. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Health Considerations:

In general, the climate is moderate but hot and humid in the summer and cool and damp during the winter months. Pollution, dust, and mold can be problematic for people with pulmonary issues. The ongoing crises are affecting many people, including international workers, not just the vulnerable population. As an example, pharmacy items such as medications, generally available in the past, may not be so now.

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 team objectives, depending on the nature of the family roles, children’s needs, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Several quality private schools and international schools are available locally. Families also have the option to send their older children to school in Europe where the children of other Alliance international workers attend.