Small Business Development Advisor

Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry is seeking a savvy business professional to help expand opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Timor-Leste is actively working to diversify its economy and strengthen local industries, yet many MSMEs continue to face challenges, including limited business skills, low productivity, restricted access to training, and a heavy reliance on imported goods. Since restoring independence in 2002, the country has prioritized development agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship as key pathways for reducing petroleum dependence. With nearly 70% of the population under age 25—and with regional economic engagement expanding following Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) accession in 2025—supporting entrepreneurship and workforce development has become a national priority. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has identified the need for a well-designed business incubation center capable of delivering practical training, mentorship, and technical support to emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.

As a Small Business Development Advisor, you will work closely with Ministry staff to build the institutional capacity needed to design and operate a sustainable, high‑quality business incubation center. Together, you will conduct needs assessments, field research, sector analysis, and workshops. You will improve planning and coordination of entrepreneurship services. Your support will build stronger MSMEs, generate more employment opportunities, and contribute to the country’s economic resilience and growth.

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including social science, education, business, management and organizational development.
AND
Three or more years of technical expertise in organizational capacity development and training, strategic planning, or results-based project management and reporting.

All candidates who meet the required skills are encouraged to apply. Additional skills that may make you a more competitive candidate include:

• Experience in designing and delivering business development or entrepreneurship programs, including work in international or intercultural environments.
• Strong analytical abilities, with a track record of using data to inform program design, decision-making, and stakeholder initiatives.
• Effective leadership and communication skills, including facilitation, training, and collaboration with government ministries, public partners, and industry stakeholders.

Conduct field assessments to identify opportunities for incubation and enterprise growth.
Collect and analyze data to inform incubation needs and priorities.
Map supply chain gaps, sector priorities, and workforce skills required for successful incubation.
Research international incubation center models and distill best practices to shape the center’s design and services.
Develop a comprehensive implementation plan and operational manual that outlines the center’s structure, staffing, budgeting, procedures, and support services.
Lead capacity-building workshops for government and industry partners to strengthen project planning, implementation, and long-term enterprise development.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting business English workshops.

After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry staff to assess needs and develop a work plan for the business incubation center initiative.

Peace Corps/Timor-Leste will equip you with Tetum language resources, and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with colleagues and the community.

The Volunteer will live in the capital where urban conveniences, an array of cultural events, and delicious foods and markets are available. Volunteers live with Timorese host families within a 20‑minute walk or short ride to their worksites, and have regular access to electricity, water, and internet, though outages do occur. Small buses and taxis make travel easy and inexpensive.

Develop advanced skills in data analysis, research, project planning, and cross-sector collaboration.
Deepen your expertise in entrepreneurship development, workforce readiness training, and organizational capacity building.
Experience life in a country rich in tradition, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes, while building lasting relationships within Timorese communities.