Strategic Advisor and Mentor

We’re looking for a Strategic Advisor & Mentor who can live and volunteer for 12 months in Timor-Leste.

• This assignment seeks to strengthen the operational capacity and long-term sustainability of the Balibo Community Centre and support the establishment of the Balibo Five Foundation as an independent legal entity with robust governance structures.
• To be considered for this role, you’ll need a degree in business administration, international development, or a related field, along with extensive experience in organizational development, governance, and strategic planning.
• As a volunteer, you will support capacity building, strategic planning, financial oversight, and mentoring of staff and leadership. Your role will be pivotal in guiding the organization through a period of growth and transformation.
• Participate in planning sessions, governance consultations, stakeholder meetings, and organizational reviews, helping to shape the Centre’s future direction and ensure alignment with its mission.

About the Partner Organisation 

The Balibo 5 Community Centre is located in the town of Balibo in Bobanaro, Timor-Leste’s western district. Based in the historic Balibo House (the Flaghouse), the Centre serves as a hub for local community wellbeing, social and economic development. A museum honouring the lives and legacy of the Balibo 5 and local Balibo martyrs is based at Balibo House. The Balibo 5 Community Centre is advancing local community wellbeing, social and economic development. It delivers a range of locally led services including a high-quality free community dental clinic, a schools/community oral health program, clean water initiatives, social enterprises, education and training, women's empowerment, and local tourism. The volunteer will play a critical mentoring role, offering strategic guidance rather than direct operational delivery. Their support will focus on building the confidence, skills, and leadership capacity of Timorese staff, particularly in areas such as organizational systems, governance, and sustainability planning. This assignment requires specialized expertise in nonprofit development and capacity-building skills that are currently limited within the local context.

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.