Fully funded

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Mission and objectives

Independent since 2002, Timor-Leste – an island nation situated between Indonesia and Australia – is one of the world’s newest countries. It has successfully managed to transition out of conflict and become one of the region’s most stable democracies, with opposing political forces maintaining a peaceful dialogue to resolve differences. Its economy is dependent on oil and gas revenues, but with aspirations to develop agriculture and tourism. Timor Leste is a young nation. 59 percent of the population is under 25 years of age and women bear children at very early ages: one in four gives birth before turning 20. The right investments in education, employment and the empowerment of women can accelerate development in the course of a generation. Improved nutrition must underpin these efforts. The Government of Timor-Leste is firmly committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of which it was a staunch supporter during negotiations. However, serious obstacles to the achievement of SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and improved nutrition remain. WFP works in close collaboration and coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste, with a view to strengthening its capacities for delivering social safety programmes, and with other partners including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).

Context

WFP has been present in Timor-Leste since 1999, working in close collaboration with the Government and partners to address poverty, hunger, malnutrition, food insecurity, climate change, and disaster risks. WFP’s current work focuses on strengthening the country’s social sector policies and capacities across food, agriculture, social protection, school feeding, and emergency preparedness and response. Through these efforts, WFP contributes to human capital development and economic growth, ensuring that no one is left behind. As part of its expanding operations in Timor-Leste, WFP is seeking talented and motivated individuals to join its team and contribute to its mission. WFP offers a dynamic work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on food security and nutrition in Timor-Leste. The Programme Assistant within the Timor-Leste Country Office will have the opportunity to support a wide variety of programmes and become familiar with all steps on project management ranging from planning to reporting on implementation. By the end of the assignment, the Programme Assistant will have contributed to key pillars of WFP’s work in Timor-Leste and will have become familiar with WFP’s work

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Head of Programme, the UN Volunteer in collaboration with and under guidance by the relevant technical teams will undertake the following tasks: • Support activity managers in daily tasks and learn about developing social safety net programmes with an emphasis on nutrition-sensitive social protection and home-grown school feeding • Contribute to the dialogue with municipal leaders on the importance to rice fortification and the linkage to the government’s school feeding programme. • Learn and assist with value chain development activities including collaboration with the Secretariat of Cooperatives on connecting farmers to schools • Contribute to Programme data collection exercises (e.g. market functionality studies and price monitoring) • Assist with the learning, communications and advocacy strategy to improve relations between WFP and its partners • Support report writing and project documentation • Participate in field visits to learn and validate assumption and refine programme implementation plan

Living conditions and remarks

Timor-Leste is half of a tropical island on the Australian continental shelf characterized by a rugged mountain chain running east-west that divides the country into a generally warmer north coast and a milder south coast. The capital city, Dili, is located in the north.  Climate: The climate along the coast is relatively warm hot year-round with an annual average temperature of 30°C. There are two distinct seasons: the north-east monsoon season, which runs from November to March, constitutes the rainy season throughout the country. The southeast monsoon season, which runs from March to October, constitutes the dry season with some rain on the southern coast but otherwise dry and windy conditions in the rest of the country. The climate inland with its high mountains can be very cold with an annual aver-age temperature of 15°C.  Health: Public hospital and private clinic provide services to community. Stamford clinic in Dili serves as a recommended medical facility for UN staff. There is a national hospital with some international staff and a limited number of other private clinics in Dili (such as DMC). For more complex medical treatment and assessment, it is necessary to evacuate to neigh-bouring cities/countries such as Darwin or Singapore. There are currently no reported cases of Corona Virus in Timor-Leste.  Diet, Food and Water: Most staple foods can be found in the markets such as rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt and sugar. There is a variety of food ranging from Western to Southeast Asian fare. You can also find several local restaurants with less expensive meals. Drinking water is usually bottled and available in gallons. Telecommunications: There are three telecommunication providers in country, Timor Telecom, Telcomcel and Telemor. While Timor Telecom has been long present, Telcomcel and Telemor were started operating in February 2013. The SIM cards costs $1 and pre-paid/pulsa cards range from $1 to $50. In addition, Starlink entered the market in 2024 and it’s possible to purchase or rent star link sets.Housing: There are numerous compounds in Dili ranging from basic, to full amenity (gym, cleaner, pool). Usually, compounds will have generators that start automatically and many houses come fully furnished. In Dili staff can also find stand-alone houses, but additional features often need to be installed. Dili is considered a safe city and it is easy to get around, for example by taxi (metered – usually USD 3-5 per trip)

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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