Welcome to West Africa! Home to somewhere around 420 million people, West Africa is influenced by a wide range of belief systems (including Voodoo and Animism). While those belief systems (and the practice of syncretism) are certainly impactful, the prevalence of extreme poverty also plays a role in West African life. In addition, the history of the slave trade is evident in many West African countries.
West Africa experiences two distinctly different climates: wet and dry. During the wet season, heavy rain (and sometimes flooding) and cooler temperatures (mid-70s to high 80s) are common. However, the dry season is quite the opposite. Dust storms and lack of rain for a couple months are not uncommon. Temperatures in the dry season can easily reach into the 100s. But life goes on! West Africans can be found out and about, living life despite some undesirable weather conditions.
West African culture is all about relationships. Be prepared to sit down for a cup of tea mid-afternoon. Or, take a long lunch for a quick nap or an extended conversation with a colleague. Don’t get too caught up in the idea that you might not finish a task or project one day…it will be there tomorrow. Be encouraged to take the time to build and maintain relationships with those around you.
With radio transmitters broadcasting in a total of 28 languages, our ministry's West Africa Transmitter Station (WATS) is reaching sub-Saharan Africa with the hope of Jesus Christ. The 330-acre WATS property is not only home to two AM antennas (240 feet and 150 feet), but 36,000 white teak trees, 650 cashew trees, 21 bee hives, maize plots, and a man-made lake stocked with tons of fish (literally, tons)! Not only is our ministry in the business of mass media distribution, but the WATS team is passionate about taking care of each other and the community.
Electrical engineers at WATS are responsible for a wide variety of projects. One day you might be running ground conductivity tests while another day you're working on the remote control and monitoring system. Your skills will be put to the test and you will certainly learn new skills from those around you. The important thing is to come with an open mind and unmatched flexibility!
Electrical engineering education and/or experience is helpful
Willingness to be flexible at all times
Ability to take initiative and be a creative problem-solver
Desire to build relationships with a multi-cultural team
Previous knowledge of French is helpful, but not required
Ability to work independently and not be micro-managed