Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to achieve food security and nutrition for all. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO’s work in Timor-Leste is guided by its Country Programming Framework (CPF). The current CPF is focused on three key areas: (1) Nutrition, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture; (2) Economic Opportunities and Decent Work for All; (3) Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Resilience to Climate Change.

On 19 November 2025, the CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) approved FAO Timor-Leste’s request for a Project Preparation Grant for a project concept on: “Restoring Degraded Landscapes for Biodiversity and Resilient Livelihoods through building Biodiversity-friendly Agrifood Systems in Timor-Leste” (Project ID 759020). Indicative GEF Project Financing from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is $1,777,420. The CEO Endorsement Request should now be submitted within nine months.
The project aims to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen biodiversity-friendly agrifood systems in Timor-Leste, with a focus on the Seloi Craic Lagoon and the Loes catchment area. The project concept has three components:

Component 1: Enabling framework for restoring and sustainably using biodiversity in Timor-Leste

Component 2: Community-led spatial planning and biodiversity-friendly practices

Component 3: Knowledge management, learning and community empowerment

The assistance of National GEDSI, Community Engagement and Inclusion Specialist is needed on a part-time basis to support full project development.

Reporting Lines

The National GEDSI, Community Engagement and Inclusion Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and the direct day-to-day supervision of the International Project Design Expert. They will also work in close coordination with FAO technical units (RAP) and other consultants working on the project design. The incumbent will also work closely with project stakeholders.

Task and Responsibilities

The National GEDSI, Community Engagement and Inclusion Specialist will perform the following tasks:

• Work with the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) team to support stakeholder engagement needs.
• Support the development of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) in the Project Document
• Establish relationships with stakeholders in the project’s area of intervention to facilitate inclusive and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
• Assist the International Project Design Expert and other PPG consultants to organize and run stakeholder engagement activities and consultations, including the inception and validation workshops.
• Operate the various existing tools and systems to manage stakeholder outreach.
• Ensure timely response and follow-up to stakeholder requests and inquiries.
• Coordinate PPG stakeholder engagement activities through both institutional communication and participatory approaches, including by effectively engaging local stakeholders when required.
• Provide additional support, as required by the Assistant FAOR and the International Project Design Expert.

Gender:

• Compile a gender analysis based on literature review and the field data collected to understand underlying gender dynamics.
• Based on the gender analysis, develop a Gender Action Plan (GAP) with specific entry points for gender mainstreaming into project design and implementation to ensure that women, men, youth and all relevant social groups can equally benefit from project interventions.
• Organize and lead gender-focus working groups and other gender and social specific stakeholder interventions for the preparation of the gender analysis and associated gender action plan.
• Support the drafting (provide inputs and review other sections for gender and socio-environmental elements) of the ProDoc sections relevant including a gender-responsive results framework.
• Ensure that gender considerations are mainstreamed throughout the PPG process by using gender lenses to review supporting baseline reports and project document.
• Identify any negative implications/risks (i.e. creating/contribution to community issues that can have negative repercussions on women) and provide mitigation solutions.

Indigenous Peoples:

• Compile and analyze data on ethnic minorities in the target areas.
• Draft a section for the ProDoc summarizing the analysis of data of ethnic minorities, in particular their livelihoods and vulnerabilities in the context of climate change and natural resource management.
• Develop an engagement plan.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as community development, education, public administration, or other relevant qualification. Significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
• Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience in facilitating participatory processes of stakeholder engagement and learning stakeholder engagement or community development.
• Working knowledge of English and Tetun, both written and spoken.
• National of Timor-Leste

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders on community engagement
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team, take initiatives and ability to deliver results within deadlines
• Good command of computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet)
• Excellent knowledge of customs and protocols in Timor-Leste
• Good knowledge in programme development
• Good knowledge in communication and reporting

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.