Join our MAF family of over 1,500 staff who are using their skills to bring help, hope and healing to isolated people across the globe. From pilots and engineers to teachers, chaplains, IT specialists, communications officers and maintenance managers, we all bring our skills and passion to live a life of impact.
See how you could use your skills to bring hope, help and healing to the world's most isolated people.
Learn more about opportunities to serve with MAF around the world on a short-term mission placement.
Find out more about how we support Pilots and Aviation Engineers to prepare to work with MAF.
See what it's like to work for MAF on the frontlines and be inspired by the stories of MAF staff who are using their unique skills to bring help, hope and healing to isolated people.
FAQs about working with MAF
What are the first steps?
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.
What is the process?
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.
Is working for MAF paid or voluntary?
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.
How long do most people work for MAF for?
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.
Where do most MAF staff work overseas?
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).
Do whole families go overseas to work for MAF?
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.
I have a student loan, will that affect working for MAF?
MAFNZ will accept applicants with student loans of any reasonable amount as long as the person accepts full responsibility for their obligations regarding that student loan whether in New Zealand or living and working overseas. MAF NZ will not accept any responsibility for the management or repayment of an international staff member’s student loan. This includes any application or notification to IRD. Obligations for loan repayments are outlined on Inland Revenue website www.ird.govt.nz/studentloans
Student loansRepaying and managing your student loanwww.ird.govt.nz. When a borrower moves overseas for longer than 183 days, interest is charged on the loan from date of departure at the rate of 2.8% per annum (correct as 1 April 2023, reviewed annually).
Mission Aviation Fellowship of NZ Incorporated is a “named” organisation for the purposes of Section 38AE (1B) of the Student Loan scheme therefore working for a humanitarian organisation, MAF staff can apply for a two-year exemption during which time they do not need to make any repayments.
Do you have any flying positions in NZ?
No, all of our pilot positions are seconded overseas.
I don't have NZ citizenship, can I still work for MAF?
Unfortunately, the MAF NZ office is only able to process applications for people with NZ Citizenship or Residency. You will need to contact your home MAF office (home in this context means your country of citizenship), please see the MAF International website for worldwide MAF office contact details. https://mafint.org/contact-us/mafi-programmes
How long does it take to get out onto the field?
Applying for and working in a MAF programme requires commitment and endurance. The application process can take up to 1½ years before beginning a four year contract. (The only exception to this is for staff going to fill a critical role, in which case MAF will expedite an application).
Is Bible college a requirement?
Time at a suitable Bible College is important in helping potential staff prepare to communicate the Bible to others with a very different world-view. Most people really appreciate their time at Bible College and the lessons they learn there. There are a number of options available to achieve this.
We require equivalent to 6 months (i.e. four papers) as a minimum. Most important for MAF is that all potential staff demonstrate an appropriate level of spiritual maturity and a clear sense of God's leading into missions which is endorsed by your home Church.
We recommend the following Colleges because of the courses they run; Eastwest College, Laidlaw College and Carey Baptist College. But if you have another in mind, we're open to considering what they offer in terms of Mission and Biblical studies.