Join a team of Alliance Missions aXcess workers serving immigrants and refugees in the cosmopolitan city of Sarajevo. Some areas of expertise preferred for this position are English as a Second Language (ESL), mental health counseling, and small business management/development services.

Responsibilities:

• Learn the local language and adjust to the local culture
• Work alongside aXcess colleagues, helping with ESL training, small business training, or mental health counseling—dependent upon the applicants’ expertise/experience
• Develop and implement new programs based on the community’s needs

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of World Perspectives Mission Course or other comparable mission course
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 45 or higher

Preferred Qualifications:

• TEFL/TESOL certification or recognized degree
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in mental health counseling
• Experience working with immigrants/refugees
• Experience teaching ESL to children and adults
• Experience training small business owners

Biblical Characteristics:

• Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to 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
• Consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
• Ability to learn from and recover from failure

Timeline for Deployment:

Summer 2022
Once appointed and fund-raising 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:

World Factbook—Bosnia-Herzegovina
The Joshua Project—Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a cultural blend of the East and West. About 25 percent of Bosnia’s population lives within a half-hour of Sarajevo. Bosnia is similar to most European countries but has a strong Eastern influence and a bureaucratic system left over from the Socialist era.

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. For those who do not know the language, two years of intensive Bosnian language study is required. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the local majority language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Health Considerations:

Hospitals, pharmacies, and public and private clinics are available for most healthcare needs. However, those with ongoing health conditions may need to consider medical services outside of the country.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s giftings, 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’s needs, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Sarajevo has local, international, and English-speaking schools. Bosnian law does not permit homeschooling. Black Forest Academy in Germany is a great educational option for high school-age children.