Small Business Development Advisor

Post

Timor-Leste

Partner Organization Name

Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including social science, education, business, management and organizational development.
AND
Three or more years of technical expertise in organizational capacity development and training, strategic planning, or results-based project management and reporting.

Desired Skills

All candidates who meet the required skills are encouraged to apply. Additional skills that may make you a more competitive candidate include:

• Experience in designing and delivering business development or entrepreneurship programs, including work in international or intercultural environments.
• Strong analytical abilities, with a track record of using data to inform program design, decision-making, and stakeholder initiatives.
• Effective leadership and communication skills, including facilitation, training, and collaboration with government ministries, public partners, and industry stakeholders.

Living Conditions

The Volunteer will live in the capital where urban conveniences, an array of cultural events, and delicious foods and markets are available. Volunteers live with Timorese host families within a 20‑minute walk or short ride to their worksites, and have regular access to electricity, water, and internet, though outages do occur. Small buses and taxis make travel easy and inexpensive.

Language Requirement

None

Primary Sector

Community Economic Development

Accepts Couples

Yes

Country

Timor-Leste

Assignment Length (months)

10

Accepting Applications?

Yes

Program

PCR

Featured Job

No

Posted on LinkedIn

No

Activities

Conduct field assessments to identify opportunities for incubation and enterprise growth.
Collect and analyze data to inform incubation needs and priorities.
Map supply chain gaps, sector priorities, and workforce skills required for successful incubation.
Research international incubation center models and distill best practices to shape the center’s design and services.
Develop a comprehensive implementation plan and operational manual that outlines the center’s structure, staffing, budgeting, procedures, and support services.
Lead capacity-building workshops for government and industry partners to strengthen project planning, implementation, and long-term enterprise development.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting business English workshops.

Training

After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry staff to assess needs and develop a work plan for the business incubation center initiative.

Peace Corps/Timor-Leste will equip you with Tetum language resources, and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with colleagues and the community.

Job Highlights

Develop advanced skills in data analysis, research, project planning, and cross-sector collaboration.
Deepen your expertise in entrepreneurship development, workforce readiness training, and organizational capacity building.
Experience life in a country rich in tradition, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes, while building lasting relationships within Timorese communities.

Couple Types

Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program.

Couple Sector Combinations

Each person must apply separately and must qualify for a position in either the same or a different sector than their partner.

Couple Training Conditions

Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities.

Couple Living Conditions

Couples who are selected for the same sector will live together but work with different local partners, which may be in the same community or in neighboring communities (not more than 30 minutes apart)., Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.

No Degree Required

No