Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) volunteer Teall Crossen, serving as a Climate Finance and Climate Change Advisor with Oxfam, has been a driving force in Timor-Leste’s efforts to create sustainable livelihoods, build resilience, and foster inclusive development. Her work has focused on ensuring that climate finance – essential for strengthening communities – is accessible to everyone, especially marginalised groups like women.
Teall at the Timor-Leste National Climate Change Conference, October 2024
Despite Timor-Leste securing significant climate funding, women have historically faced barriers in accessing and benefiting from these resources. One of Teall’s standout achievements was addressing this gap by leading a scoping study that examined Timor-Leste’s climate policies through the lens of gender equality, transparency, accountability, and disability inclusion. By engaging with government officials, international donors, and local NGOs, Teall ensured that this research was finalised and launched.
Beyond policy development, Teall’s initiative to support local partners engage with rural women has provided invaluable insights into their lived experiences with climate change and their pressing need for financial support. As her counterpart, Lucio Savio, noted, “One of the areas that Teall has significantly contributed to is the research on women’s experiences with climate change...the government will use this data to develop appropriate policies and allocate sufficient resources to support women and other vulnerable groups who are most affected by climate change.”
The assignment has also spearheaded efforts in climate finance tracking, monitoring contributions from 10 development partners, international climate funds and multilateral development banks. The capacity building and mentoring has significantly enhanced Lucio's knowledge of climate justice and finance tracking, equipping Oxfam in Timor-Leste with skills that remain essential to the project’s success. According to Lucio, there is now a structured system that continues to guide Oxfam and the Timor-Leste government in understanding financial flows. The assignment has also helped strengthen Lucio's professional communication skills that has enabled the team to engage more effectively with international partners: “Teall’s patience and guidance not only improved my technical skills but also boosted my confidence in communicating with stakeholders.”
The launch of the report "Towards Transparent, Accountable and Inclusive Climate Change Policies in Timor-Leste"
The assignment’s impact continues to resonate with Oxfam and its partners, ensuring a lasting framework for gender-responsive climate finance. Teall’s contributions have not only strengthened Timor-Leste’s approach to climate finance but have also helped advance gender equality in this space. By ensuring that women’s voices are heard in climate policy and resource allocation, her work has helped to lay the foundation for more inclusive, equitable, and effective climate action. As Timor-Leste navigates the growing challenges of climate change, the methodologies and insights introduced by Teall will continue to shape policies that leave no one behind.