Working with Alliance international workers (IWs) and the relief and development structures of the national church network, the successful applicant will be a community development facilitator focusing on efforts to move IDP response efforts from relief to rehabilitation and long-term development.

Responsibilities:

• Identify the partners on the ground and the target IDP camps
• Use ABCD (asset-based community development) to identify needs and long-term solutions
• Focus CAMA involvement on one or two key rehabilitation/development projects that respond to the identified needs: housing/livelihood/education
• Engage the national church network in response efforts

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of Perspectives Mission Course or other comparable mission course
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• Experience in community development that demonstrates an ability to partner with the local population
• Fluency in French

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or graduate level degree in international development

Biblical Characteristics:

• 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:

Immediate deployment after fulfilling appointment and fundraising process.

General Information, living and working conditions, and status of Christian witness:

Traditionally, this country has been ethnically and religiously tolerant. These values have been challenged recently as ethnic conflict opened the door to international terrorists establishing their bases within the country’s borders. Despite this, the team feels relatively safe and has policies in place to increase security and avoid at-risk locations.

The advantages of this city include neighborly people, a major river, a national park, and a variety of restaurants and shopping. The disadvantages include intense heat, heavy traffic, pollution, and infrastructure issues.

Evangelicals have served in this country for nearly 100 years, yet fewer than 1 percent of the people are evangelical believers. Adherents of the majority religion comprise 87.5 percent of the population. Government officials proactively enforce the country’s constitutional protection of evangelistic ministry.

Language Expectations:

Fluency in French is required.

Health Considerations:

This city will be difficult to live in for people with allergies. Those who are especially sensitive to heat and dust should be prepared to develop coping strategies. Vaccinations are required for malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever. Good quality medical care is available locally and at a nearby Christian hospital.

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, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Private schools, an international school, and homeschooling are good options. A homeschool co-op with children of international workers is also available.