Country Representative - Timor Leste
Dili, Timor Leste
Three-year employment term with the potential for extension
The Asia Foundation (TAF) seeks a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as the Country Representative, Timor Leste, based in Dili. This is the senior-most Foundation employee in Timor Leste and leads all programs, external relations, and operations in accordance with organizational strategies, policy, and guidelines. The Country Representative oversees all aspects of the Foundation’s work in Timor Leste, including new program development; design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of program activities; and the development and cultivation of effective working relationships with the host government, donors, partner agencies, diplomatic missions, national and international institutions, and the media. This position also oversees fundraising and the diversification of donor support, financial and grant management, administration, and security, along with recruitment, supervision, and appraisal of staff. The Country Representative reports to the Chief of Operations for Asia & the Pacific.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Program Development and Management
· Tracks and analyzes information on Timor Leste’s socio-economic, political, and foreign policy dynamics and trends. Leads implementation of an integrated country strategy in compliance with the Foundation’s priorities.
· Develops and implements proactive fundraising strategies to diversify funding sources and achieve program objectives.
· Oversees the preparation of programming proposals in accordance with Foundation and donor protocols; builds and maintains effective diplomatic and donor networks to support new program development.
· Oversees comprehensive program management (design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting), ensuring programs achieve donor, Foundation, and partner objectives and financial regulations.
· Assures the quality, impact/scale, and cost-effectiveness of the country program. Works closely with other country offices and headquarters to design and carry out multi-country programs and events. Maintains, updates, and ensures the availability of accurate program information, documentation, and publications, including submission of high-quality plans and reports to donors and the Foundation.
Representation
· Establishes and maintains professional relationships with the host government, national institutions, program partners, development assistance agencies, donors, diplomatic missions, national and international NGOs, and
other stakeholders.
· Establishes and maintains constructive public relations in Timor Leste; assures a positive profile through media coverage of programs and events; takes remedial action where needed in the case of any reputational risk
to the Foundation.
· Leads and engages in Southeast Asia regional and multi-country programming, working closely with other Foundation country offices.
· Participates in meetings and events to enhance public awareness of the Foundation and expand its professional network.
· Prepares articles, written materials, and documentation about Timor and the Southeast Asia regional development programs, issues, and/or trends for publication.
· Participates in Foundation meetings and other relevant professional forums and events.
Office and Operational Management
· Oversees and ensures successful office operations, including compliance with Government of Timor Leste regulations and statutory reporting.
· Provides leadership to staff - maintaining morale, fostering teamwork, and ensuring an understanding of the main elements of the office’s strategy, as well as an awareness of and connection to the broader Foundation.
· Ensures that staff understand and comply with Foundation policies, including ethics, conflict of interest, prevention of fraud, gender equality, child protection, and prevention of sexual exploitation and harassment policies.
· Oversees safety and security of Foundation staff and facilities, ensuring compliance with Enterprise
Risk Management (ERM) standards and all minimum operating safety and security standards as determined by regular risk assessment.
Financial Management and Administration
· Responsible for ensuring the development of project budgets, the fiscal year country budget, and spending projections, making optimal use of resources through cost-effective decision-making, ensuring that budgets and
spending projections are kept up-to-date, relevant, and within the approved budget.
· Ensures compliance with all financial and accounting policies, procedures, and grant and contract requirements; prepares and submits timely financial reports and promotes financial accountability and transparency.
· Establishes and maintains operational, administrative, grant management, and financial policies and practices within established Foundation requirements, ensuring proper systems are in place.
Supervision and Staff Development
· Maintains office staffing to ensure the optimal match between the office’s current work and prospective plans.
· Oversees and complies with appropriate recruitment, orientation, training, and supervision of office staff, consultants, and interns.
· Oversees staff performance evaluation and planning systems and processes; identifies opportunities for individual professional development and staff development.
· Designs and implements an effective staff organizational structure, including clear reporting lines commensurate with the scale and scope of the program and operational requirements.
· Encourages and supports all staff to utilize the Foundation’s knowledge management tools to promote collaboration, teamwork, and an open exchange of ideas.
Other
· The Country Representative should ensure that their performance and values align with those of the Foundation and frequently seek ways to grow their own skills and abilities in technical expertise and organizational management.
· Keeps headquarters and other senior Foundation staff informed about significant developments affecting Timor Leste, the Foundation’s role, the safety and welfare of staff, and any other relevant matter
· Participates in Foundation-led initiatives, task-force teams, committees, and strategic planning processes.
· Provides support to other Foundation offices in program development, proposal writing, and other activities.
· Undertakes other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· A master’s degree or higher in international development, international relations, government, business, public policy, foreign affairs, political science, law, economics, or a related field.
· 10 + years of experience working in international development, international policy and relations, international business, or a related field in Asia (preferably in Timor Leste)
· Strong understanding of Timor Leste, current challenges and opportunities.
· Demonstrated personal capacity to work effectively at a policy level (locally and regionally), including a demonstrated capacity for building trust and influence with officials in government, industry, and policy analysis
circles.
· Demonstrated ability to evaluate and summarize complex information into simple concepts for broad communication to multiple types of audiences and stakeholders.
· Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English.
· The ability to communicate in Portuguese, Bahasa and/or Tetum is welcome.
· Experience working for or with multi-lateral or bilateral organizations or INGOs.
· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop important relationships with key stakeholders.
· Skilled at leading, motivating, and managing teams and running effective meetings.
· Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Who are we looking for?
The ideal candidate is passionate about leading people and programs in a collaborative, innovative, and culturally sensitive way that advances the impact of the Foundation’s work. You are adept at harnessing the talents and ideas of teams and Foundation partners and excel at fostering a culture of mutual respect and learning. The successful candidate is a strategic thinker, an excellent manager, and a clear communicator who establishes shared goals and ensures accountability in carrying out programs to the highest standards. You can build relationships and networks with host country representatives in government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. You are adept at analyzing and solving problems, managing multiple responsibilities, prioritizing issues, and maintaining relationships while addressing competing demands.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025. Applications should be submitted by visiting our website. To be considered, please upload your cover letter and resume/CV.
The Asia Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer.
About Us
The Asia Foundation (TAF) is an international nonprofit organization working to solve the toughest social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. Informed by more than 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, we work with partners across more than 20 countries to improve lives and expand opportunities. Learn more: https://asiafoundation.org/about/
Why Us?
This is an opportunity to work with an innovative organization that has spent more than seven decades tackling the region’s most pressing issues. You will work in a collaborative and dynamic environment with inspiring colleagues and organizational partners. We offer a culture of learning, professional growth, and the opportunity to shape programs that make a real impact.
