Community Development Specialist

We’re looking for a Community Development Specialist who can  volunteer in a hybrid role both remotely (online) and in-country for  24 months. 

• This assignment seeks to develop Team organizational skills, understanding, and practice of effective leadership skills that promote a cohesive and inclusive team
• To be considered for this role, you’ll need Relevant tertiary qualifications in community development or international studies. Substantial practical experience in a related field and similar context
• You will be working alongside the government officials team
• As a volunteer, you will support capacity building, reporting, mentoring 
• Participate in meetings, planning, consulting
• Provide support in Capacity Development
• Work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through [outline specific SDG contribution...] 

About the Partner Organisation 

Ermera is one of the municipalities around the capital Dili. Due to limited funding available, PDIM Administrasaun Autoridade Municipal de Ermera is looking for a reliable and capable Community Development specialist who can assist with developing staff in rural areas.

Friends of Ermera

Over 22 years we have focussed our work on community development principles, responding to needs identified by the local community and building capacity of local people. We have successfully established 3 English Language Study Centres across 3 schools in Gleno, Railako, and Malimea. We have built a competent and confident team of teachers, all of whom have completed their university studies with funding from FoE. We continue to invest in improving buildings that are purpose-built, offer ongoing professional development to the ever-expanding team of teachers. We are currently undergoing a review of our organisation to ensure this work continues and hopefully expands into the more remote sub-districts. We have built positive, respectful relationships with the municipality and the director of Education in Ermera and our programs are in high demand. In early 2025 we will be designing our next strategic plan that will guide our work for the next 5 years. We are actively seeking more ongoing funds to support the expansion of our program and hope to hand over the leadership of this work to those in the country who have shared this experience. We are a committee of 13 people with 4 members forming the executive committee. We also have a membership group that attend the annual AGM and receives a newsletter 4 times a year. We rely on fundraising activities and generous donors. We have DGR status which makes us an official charity registered with ACNC. We adhere to all the relevant protocols to maintain this status. The committee meet 8 times a year and Executive monthly. We have flourished over 22 years and have achieved what we always intended - to build the capacity of our teachers so that they can lead the work into the future. 

About the Australian Volunteers Program  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian government-funded initiative. We support partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change.  

Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer and aim to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can support you to volunteer with us - inclusion@australianvolunteers.com. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion.