National Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to improving labor standards and promoting sustainable economic growth. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or background.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the European Union Agroforestry Skills for Employment and Resilience in Timor-Leste (EU Agroforestry-Skills Programme). This initiative aims to foster green and sustainable economic diversification and resilience in Timor-Leste by enhancing private sector development and providing technical and vocational education training (TVET) to facilitate youth integration into the labor market. The officer will be responsible for creating enabling conditions for quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the agroforestry sector, focusing on skills development and private sector growth. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, private sector institutions, and training centers, to ensure that the skills provided align with local economic needs. The officer will also monitor the progress of supported enterprises and contribute to reporting on outcomes related to business performance and job creation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will have a range of general and technical duties. General duties include assisting the Programme Manager and Rural Development TVET Officer in creating conditions for quality employment in the agroforestry sector, leading business development support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), providing hands-on support to strengthen business planning and management, developing support ecosystems for entrepreneurship, monitoring enterprise progress, and undertaking additional tasks as assigned. Technical duties involve delivering business advisory services to MSMEs, designing and implementing entrepreneurship training programs, leading Women's Entrepreneurship Development activities, supporting business start-ups, providing technical support to agroforestry processors and training centers, facilitating the development of viable business models, and ensuring the integration of gender equality and social inclusion in all activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in business, economics, finance, marketing, relevant development studies, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in business development and entrepreneurship skills-related activities is required, preferably in a modern commercial environment. Experience working with MSMEs and start-ups, particularly cooperatives, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in delivering training or mentoring on entrepreneurship activities, knowledge of gender equality and social inclusion approaches, and project management experience with disadvantaged communities, especially in rural areas.

Educational Background:
A university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as business, economics, finance, marketing, or development studies is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the objectives of the EU Agroforestry-Skills Programme.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in business development and entrepreneurship skills-related activities. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in a modern commercial environment, particularly in areas such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and business start-up and incubation. Experience with MSMEs and start-ups, especially cooperatives, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in delivering training or mentoring on entrepreneurship activities and project management experience with disadvantaged communities, particularly in rural settings.

Languages:
Excellent command of English and Tetum is required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, reporting, and delivering training programs. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to fund availability. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria for National Officer positions. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The appointment of an external candidate will typically be made at the first step of the grade, and the ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.