Community Economic Development Facilitator

Post

Timor-Leste

Required Skills

Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field

OR

• 5 years' professional work experience

Desired Skills

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any business discipline;
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field with professional business experience;
• 5 years of professional experience in business management;
• Demonstrated experience in supporting entrepreneurship, teaching business skills, and/or youth development;
• Commitment to serving a community at their pace, level, and according to the community’s priorities, as demonstrated through experience coaching, mentoring, and/or organizing community activities.

Living Conditions

Peace Corps Timor-Leste requires Volunteers to reside with a host family during Pre-Service Training and for their entire two years of service at their permanent site. This connection with a respected family in the community serves as a cornerstone for Volunteers to establish meaningful relationships, laying the groundwork for effective service. Homestays align with the intercultural goals of the Peace Corps, providing Volunteers with a culturally immersive, supportive living environment that fosters language practice, learning, and deeper intercultural exchange. Many Volunteers consider their host family relationships—both during training and at their permanent sites—among the most rewarding aspects of their service.

Host families in Timor-Leste are typically large and multi-generational, often including four or more children. In towns with better schools, school-aged relatives from rural areas may also live with the family during the academic year. Most Timorese identify as Catholic, and church attendance plays a significant role in community life.

Smoking is common, and some elders may chew betelnut. While alcohol is occasionally served at weddings and certain community events, its consumption—especially among women—is generally discouraged. Public intoxication can harm one’s reputation and credibility in the community.

Timor-Leste comprises 13 municipalities, each with populations ranging from 50,000 to 120,000. Most Volunteers serve in rural areas, typically in villages (sucos) or sub-villages (aldeias) with fewer than 2,000 residents. A smaller number of Volunteers may be placed in district capitals (vilas). Except for third-year Volunteers, all are assigned outside of Dili, the capital.

During the rainy season (December to April), roads can become impassable, requiring Volunteers to walk or cycle up to an hour over rugged terrain to reach public transportation (small trucks or minibuses) to larger towns. Frequent road construction may also impact travel times.

Amenities such as electricity, running water, and cell phone reception vary by site. Electricity may be intermittent, and while mobile coverage is improving, some areas still experience limited reception. Many Volunteers rely on their cell phones for internet access, often using multiple SIM cards to maximize data coverage and service options.

Outside their host communities, whether on public transportation or in Dili, Volunteers may experience unwanted attention. While these situations can be uncomfortable, Peace Corps Timor-Leste provides training and strategies to help Volunteers navigate and respond effectively.

Language Requirement

None

Primary Sector

Community Economic Development

Accepts Couples

Yes

Country

Timor-Leste

Assignment Length (months)

24

Accepting Applications?

Yes

Program

PCV

Posted on LinkedIn

No