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Timor-Leste

Public Sector Planning Mentor

Policy, Governance, Monitoring & Evaluation

Closing date: 1/9/2026

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Job description

Kia ora, Bon dia and warm Pacific greetings,    Te Whāinga | Our Purpose is Te Hono Tangata - Te Huringa Ora.   Ka hono a Te Tūao Tāwāhi i ngā tūao pūkenga ki ngā whakahaere me ngā hapori i te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa me tua atu, hei tautoko i ngā wawata kua tautuhia ā-rohe, ā, kia tutuki ai te panoni toitū.  Connecting People – Transforming Lives.  Volunteer Service Abroad connects skilled volunteers with organisations and communities in the Pacific and beyond to support locally identified aspirations and achieve sustainable change.   Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role: This is your opportunity to become a VSA Volunteer to share your experience, skills and knowledge to serve and build capacity in Timor-Leste.    We are looking for someone with experience in leadership and public sector planning, who also understands and shares the spirit of volunteering with a keen interest in building capability in the Pacific. This assignment is set to run for 12 months and would primarily be based in Dili. Please note the VSA would support a volunteer selected for this assignment by funding and organizing flights, visas, insurances, accommodation, living allowance and utilities for the duration of a deployment.    Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako – Essential skills/experiences for the role:


If you are interested in this opportunity, below are some of the key skills and experiences that we’re looking for.


  • Ability to navigate changing priorities, adapt to the local context, and respond effectively to evolving needs within the organization.
  • Comfort in working with diverse teams and in environments where resources may be limited.
  • Ability to identify challenges or inefficiencies within systems and propose practical, context-appropriate solutions.
  • Critical thinking skills to assess situations and develop strategies for improvement.
  • The ability to approach challenges with a seasoned perspective, bringing historical context and tried-and-tested solutions.

   Our Partner Organisation – Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment:


The Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment (MPSI) is one of the government institutions and it was established in 2015. The MPSI of Timor-Leste is the government department responsible for the Timor-Leste economic and social development. Its mission is to design, coordinate and evaluate policies that promote the economic and social advancement of Timor-Leste through strategic and integrated planning across various sectors; ensure the rationalization of available financial resources to maximize development impact; oversee the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan (SDP), especially infrastructure and urban and territorial planning. MPSI’s specific goals are to promote strategic and integrated planning, attract investments, economic diversification, environmental sustainability and social inclusion, and improving governance and transparency. The Assignment: The Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment (MPSI) currently faces several strategic and operational challenges that the proposed VSA volunteer assignment is well-positioned to help address. The main goal for this assignment would be by the end of the volunteer’s placement, the Integrated Planning Unit (UPI) of MPSI has improved its capacity to lead national-level monitoring of the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2011–2030 and to coordinate the development of the upcoming National Medium-Term Plan (NMTP). Further aiming to have at least 10 technical staff will have received structured mentorship and training in areas such as results-based planning, project appraisal, monitoring and evaluation, and sector coordination.    The Country – Timor-Leste: There are 1,225,000 people living in Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor). Timor-Leste is one of the world's newest nations and the newest in Southeast Asia with history of colonisation and occupation.   Timor-Leste became independent in 2002, after it suffered a violent history through decades of struggle for independence from Indonesia. As a young nation, Timor-Leste is moving from a post-conflict fragile state to quickly transition as a developing resilient nation.    Me pēhea te tuku tono| How to apply: Please apply for this opportunity through our website. For more information or if you have any questions on this assignment, you are welcome to email our recruitment team at: volunteer@vsa.org.nz. Noting that due to VSA funding requirements, our volunteers must be a NZ citizen or NZ Permanent Resident to progress further in our recruitment process.      


What’s included

Included when you join us

VSA organises and fully funds return economy-class international flights between New Zealand and your host country, plus any approved domestic travel connected to your assignment.

You’re covered under VSA’s comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy, which also includes emergency evacuation and personal belongings coverage. Before departure, you’ll receive full information on what’s covered and how to access support.

VSA arranges and funds safe, furnished accommodation throughout your assignment, whether you're in a capital or rural location. A housing checklist ensures your needs are met for comfort and security.

You’ll receive a modest monthly living allowance, paid into a local bank account, designed to cover essentials like food, transport, and utilities. This is in line with VSA’s cost-of-living support for volunteers.

Before you leave, VSA provides a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington, fully funded by VSA. This includes cultural orientation, language training, health and safety guidelines, and logistical preparation to get you deployment-ready

From your first day on assignment, you’ll have strong in-country support from VSA staff, Programme Managers and Coordinators, who provide orientation, security briefings, pastoral care, and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.

Preparation

How to prepare?

Be prepared for a comprehensive recruitment journey. This includes initial screening, background checks, and two interviews, one of which is a panel interview with a subject matter expert. Only after successfully completing these steps will you receive a provisional offer and begin the onboarding process. It’s essential to wait for VSA’s confirmation before making significant life changes, such as resigning from your job or selling property, as there may be delays in immigration or medical clearances.

Once accepted, you'll be invited to attend a multi-day residential briefing in Wellington. This course equips you with tools for success, covering cultural orientation, safety protocols, health preparation, and assignment logistics. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with other outgoing volunteers.

Volunteering abroad can be both deeply rewarding and personally challenging. Conditions may be unfamiliar, and change is often constant. Bring flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to learn from others, you’ll grow alongside the community you’re there to support.

You’ll need to complete a health screening and ensure all required vaccinations are up to date. VSA provides medical and travel insurance, but you are also responsible for managing your day-to-day wellbeing. Think about how you'll maintain mental and physical health while overseas.

VSA asks volunteers to become ambassadors for the kaupapa. You will be asked to fundraise $1,000 to support the programme and raise awareness about your assignment. We provide resources and guidance to help you share your story and connect your networks with the impact of your work.

The platform we ask you to use is Raisely.

From visa applications to police checks and health forms, there are a few critical administrative tasks before departure. Our team will guide you through the steps to make sure everything is completed on time and with ease.