Community Economic Development Facilitator - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Timor-Leste - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on May 3, 2025
About The Job
Apply by :
October 1, 2025
Know By
December 1, 2025
Depart On
June 16, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, is a nation characterized by remarkable resilience and potential. Gaining sovereignty in 2002, this young and independent Southeast Asian country features a vibrant culture and a population eager to rebuild and propel the nation forward after decades of conflict. Timor-Leste presents a unique opportunity for volunteers to make a lasting impact on its economic landscape.
Heavily dependent on petroleum revenues, the government of Timor-Leste is actively diversifying its economy by promoting agriculture, tourism, and non-petroleum sectors. This effort aims to reduce reliance on oil and create a more sustainable economic foundation. With nearly 70% of the population under the age of 25, there is a strong drive among the youth to acquire skills and develop small businesses.
Community Economic Development (CED) Volunteers support a wide range of initiatives to strengthen local economies and increase opportunities for individuals and communities. Their work focuses on building local capacity, fostering entrepreneurship, and improving financial literacy to help people develop sustainable livelihoods.
Community development work is varied, with Volunteers serving in diverse settings such as vocational training centers, government or non-governmental youth and business organizations, local women's or agricultural groups, and rural or business cooperatives. Many Volunteers begin their service by teaching English at the workplace or forming informal English clubs. Some Volunteers work at vocational training or youth centers, teaching practical skills such as basic computer use, résumé writing, interviewing techniques, and job-related English, which can significantly impact economic opportunities; Timorese who speak English typically earn 30% higher wages than their peers. These foundational skills assist young people and professionals in preparing for careers in hospitality, small businesses, or overseas agricultural work.
CED work is flexible and can take many forms. Depending on the community's needs, a Volunteer might work with local handicrafts groups, providing training in money management, marketing, and strategic planning to help women enhance their financial independence. Some might support a small business, such as a coffee shop. Volunteers who work at agricultural cooperatives help business operators improve their bookkeeping, financial management, and marketing strategies. They may also support government-sponsored annual entrepreneur competitions, guiding participants through concept brainstorming, business planning, and marketing strategies to develop viable business ideas. Additionally, some CED volunteers work at local NGOs and government organizations, where they collaborate with management on strategic planning and grant writing to secure funding and implement sustainable programs.
As Volunteers deepen their community engagement, they may become involved in site-specific projects such as tourism development, training in disaster risk reduction, and nutrition-sensitive initiatives. These projects depend on the unique needs and priorities of each community, allowing Volunteers to apply their skills in meaningful and creative ways. By sharing business knowledge, strengthening practical skills, and promoting self-reliance, CED Volunteers play a crucial role in helping Timorese communities build sustainable livelihoods and create new economic opportunities.
Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Apply by :
October 1, 2025
Know By
December 1, 2025
Depart On
June 16, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, is a nation characterized by remarkable resilience and potential. Gaining sovereignty in 2002, this young and independent Southeast Asian country features a vibrant culture and a population eager to rebuild and propel the nation forward after decades of conflict. Timor-Leste presents a unique opportunity for volunteers to make a lasting impact on its economic landscape.
Heavily dependent on petroleum revenues, the government of Timor-Leste is actively diversifying its economy by promoting agriculture, tourism, and non-petroleum sectors. This effort aims to reduce reliance on oil and create a more sustainable economic foundation. With nearly 70% of the population under the age of 25, there is a strong drive among the youth to acquire skills and develop small businesses.
Community Economic Development (CED) Volunteers support a wide range of initiatives to strengthen local economies and increase opportunities for individuals and communities. Their work focuses on building local capacity, fostering entrepreneurship, and improving financial literacy to help people develop sustainable livelihoods.
Community development work is varied, with Volunteers serving in diverse settings such as vocational training centers, government or non-governmental youth and business organizations, local women's or agricultural groups, and rural or business cooperatives. Many Volunteers begin their service by teaching English at the workplace or forming informal English clubs. Some Volunteers work at vocational training or youth centers, teaching practical skills such as basic computer use, résumé writing, interviewing techniques, and job-related English, which can significantly impact economic opportunities; Timorese who speak English typically earn 30% higher wages than their peers. These foundational skills assist young people and professionals in preparing for careers in hospitality, small businesses, or overseas agricultural work.
CED work is flexible and can take many forms. Depending on the community's needs, a Volunteer might work with local handicrafts groups, providing training in money management, marketing, and strategic planning to help women enhance their financial independence. Some might support a small business, such as a coffee shop. Volunteers who work at agricultural cooperatives help business operators improve their bookkeeping, financial management, and marketing strategies. They may also support government-sponsored annual entrepreneur competitions, guiding participants through concept brainstorming, business planning, and marketing strategies to develop viable business ideas. Additionally, some CED volunteers work at local NGOs and government organizations, where they collaborate with management on strategic planning and grant writing to secure funding and implement sustainable programs.
As Volunteers deepen their community engagement, they may become involved in site-specific projects such as tourism development, training in disaster risk reduction, and nutrition-sensitive initiatives. These projects depend on the unique needs and priorities of each community, allowing Volunteers to apply their skills in meaningful and creative ways. By sharing business knowledge, strengthening practical skills, and promoting self-reliance, CED Volunteers play a crucial role in helping Timorese communities build sustainable livelihoods and create new economic opportunities.
Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any field
- 5 years' professional work experience