Applying for and working in a MAF programme requires a lot of commitment and endurance. Sometimes people inquire and think they could be overseas in a few months, but the reality is at least 1 and ½ years of application/preparation before beginning a four year contract. (Only exception to this is, if you are going to fill a critical role, MAF will push your application through). Talk to others, talk to your church, explore the idea fully, explore our website, read MAF stories, attend a MAF Recruitment Retreat. Get in touch with us early! Wherever you are at in your journey with MAF, we would like to hear from you.

STEP 1: INITIAL INQUIRY

Handled through the MAF NZ office to gather further information and to explore opportunities and potential fit to a role.

STEP 2: APPLICATION

This includes submission of application form, CV, technical information and references. This stage will also include initial interviews with candidates focusing on spiritual life, calling and personal maturity.

STEP 3: TECHNICAL & PROFESSIONAL EVALUATIONS

This includes aptitude and technical assessments for pilots and engineers. For those wishing to work overseas, a physical medical and a psychological assessment will be required.

STEP 4: FORMAL INTERVIEW

Focusing on professional skills along with behavioural and competency-based assessments. For spouses wishing to accompany a jobholder on an overseas assignment, there will be a separate interview to establish their suitability and aspirations as part of the MAF family.

STEP 5: ACCEPTANCE & OFFER

For those applying to work overseas this will be conditional on the successful completion of all preparation phases including personal fundraising, technical standardisation courses and a pre-field orientation programme.

STEP 6: PREPARATION FOR GOING

This will include a general induction into the organisation, cross-cultural appreciation and how to maintain personal safety and wellbeing. And once you land in programme, the role induction and training continues, including language training as appropriate, to ensure your journey in MAF continues as smoothly as possible.

Once someone has completed their training to be MAF International staff member and set out for their overseas posting they will receive a living allowance with housing and a number of other benefits. (Please contact our Recruitment Team for further information).

It is important to note that every staff member is required to raise personal funds before leaving for the field. This usually involves a process of presenting your plans and vision to work with MAF in churches, home groups, among friends and businesses with the goal of raising a set amount of sponsorship. We realise that for some the prospect of personal fundraising can be daunting, however, we provide the training, guidance, resources and tools needed to succeed.

All MAF international staff are asked to commit to a minimum four-year term of service. The recruitment process can be long (often 1-2 years) and comes at a significant cost to both the applicant and MAF, so we need to ensure that applicants are committed for at least four years. The exception to this is the occasional short term contract for specific projects, or to fill a gap for a staff member on leave.

The majority of NZ staff who are currently working overseas are located in either Australia (Arnhem Land, Mareeba or Cairns) or Papua New Guinea. Others serve MAF Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Sudan).

It is not uncommon for MAF personnel to be accompanied by spouses and children, and it is important that all members of a family are included in the decision-making process. Families may be required to live in remote locations, even those with young children.