WORKING OVERSEAS
World Mission recruits mission partners in response to requests received from our partner churches in Malawi, Zambia, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Israel/Palestine and Pakistan.
Our partner churches are involved in quite specific projects and often ask for highly skilled and experienced people from such professions as ministers, lecturers, nurses, doctors, teachers, social workers, administrators, accountants and development workers.
Recruitment Process 
The recruitment process begins when World Mission receives a request from an overseas partner church, though we also welcome enquiries from people who feel called to overseas service. 
Due to the nature of the positions that we recruit for and the associated level of assessment involved, it should be noted that the recruitment process can take up to 8 months, however this is not the case with all vacancies.
Selection Process
Advertising of posts is currently done through this website, Life and Work magazine, the Ministers’ Mailing and specialist publications and websites depending on the post, for example the Times Education Supplement when looking for teachers.
Interviewing 
Interviewing is carried out by members of the World Mission Council (WMC) and departmental staff. On some occasions people with specialist professional expertise are invited to join interview panels.
Prior to interview, short-listed candidates (and spouse where applicable) will be asked to complete a psychological assessment paper sent out by Edinburgh International Health Centre (EIHC) who act as the Council’s Medical Officers.
If successful at interview
If successful at interview, the candidate will then be asked to attend for a medical at EIHC. This is to assess the candidate’s physical fitness to work overseas. Where spouse/family members intend to accompany the successful candidate overseas they are asked to attend for a medical to ensure their own suitability for living overseas. Follow-up psychological assessment is done by EIHC exploring further the paper exercise completed prior to interview.  Successful candidates may also have a period of training in mission and cross-cultural issues prior to departure.
FAQs 
Q: What is a mission partner?
A: Our mission partners are the overseas personnel of the World Mission Council (WMC). They work in various roles with our partner churches and institutions in Malawi, Zambia, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Israel/Palestine and Pakistan.
Q: How long will I go for?
A: The most common contract length is four years and eight months. Approval of the Council is required for a contract of less than 2 years.
Q: What is the reason behind the contract lengths?
A: Our aim is to use mission partners to build capacity in our partner churches around the globe and not for the partner churches to become reliant on our mission partners. 
These contract terms give the mission partner the ability to settle in and make a difference, but are not too long so as to avoid dependency issues. 
Where the contract is 4 years and 8 months long the time will generally be divided as follows: 
two years overseas; followed by four months leave in the UK (2 months holiday, 2 months deputation/work); followed by two years overseas; followed by  four months leave in the UK (2 months holiday, 2 months deputation/work)
Q: Will my travel expenses be paid for?
A: The WMC will cover the following travel expenses: 
Travel from the UK to the country of appointment
Travel back to the UK every 2 years, or between contracts
Travel home on the completion of the mission partner’s final contract
Q: Will I have to continue to pay National Insurance Contributions?
A: No. National Insurance contributions are paid on behalf of the Mission Partner by the WMC. 
Q: Will I be provided with medical insurance cover?
A: Yes. Mission Partners are provided with a comprehensive medical insurance policy, subject to approval from the WMC’s medical insurance provider.
Q: Do I have the right qualities to become a mission partner?
A: Click here to see a generic person specification for overseas appointments.
Q: Is there a pension scheme?
A: Yes, mission partners are entitled to join the Church of Scotland Pension Scheme for Ministers and Overseas Missionaries, where Employees pay a contribution of 5% of salary.