Small Business Development Advisor

Peace Corps

Location not stated

3 months ago

Not enough detail in this posting to match

Project Description

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.

Required Skills

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.

Living Conditions

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.

Job Highlights

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.

Activities

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.

Training

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.

Couple Living Conditions

Couples who are selected for the same sector will live together but work with different local partners, which may be in the same community or in neighboring communities (not more than 30 minutes apart)., Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.

Country: Timor-Leste
Partner Organization Name: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Language Requirement: None
No Degree Required: No
Primary Sector: Community Economic Development
Apply By: 15-Nov-2026
Know By: 01-Jan-2027
Start Date: 22-Jun-2027
Assignment Length (months): 10
Positions Available: 1
Accepts Couples: Yes
Featured Job: No
Accepting Applications?: Yes
Request Type: PCR_245 Management and Organizational Strengthening Specialist
Posted on LinkedIn: No
Couple Types: Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program.
Couple Training Conditions: Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities.
Couple Sector Combinations: Each person must apply separately and must qualify for a position in either the same or a different sector than their partner.

Small Business Development Advisor · Peace Corps

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