Strategic Tourism Development Specialist

About the assignment

  • Country
  • Assignment type
    In Country
  • Partner Organisation
    Autoridade Muncipal de Ainaro
  • Duration
    12 months
  • Proposed start date
    12 January 2026
Download assignment description Apply now
Closes 30 July 2025

We’re looking for a Strategic Development Specialist who can live and volunteer for 12 months in Timor-Leste, Municipality of Ainaro.


  • This assignment seeks to contribute directly to local economic development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism.
  • To be considered for this role, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Development, Marketing, Sustainable Development, Business, or a related field. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in tourism development, marketing, or destination planning, preferably with a sustainability or community-based focus
  • You will be working alongside municipal government officials to strengthen tourism sector strategies, support policy planning, and build local capacity.
  • As a volunteer, you will support facilitating consultations, participating in strategic meetings, mentoring local staff, and developing practical tools that align with community-driven priorities.

About the Partner Organisation 

Since gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has made progress toward decentralization, most notably through the 2009 territorial division law and the 2016 reforms that restructured municipal governance and enabled direct funding to municipalities. While central ministries still oversee core public services, municipalities like Ainaro now implement local programs across sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, under the leadership of the President of the Municipal Authority and the Municipal Council. The Ainaro authority is dedicated to inclusive and professional governance that promotes community well-being and sustainable development. This assignment plays a critical role in supporting the Municipality of Ainaro’s vision to foster holistic community well-being through high-quality service delivery and inclusive local development. Sustainable tourism is a strategic avenue for boosting Ainaro’s local economy, creating employment opportunities, and showcasing the region's cultural and natural assets. By developing and promoting tourism in a thoughtful, community-centered manner, the assignment directly contributes to Timor-Leste’s broader decentralization goals and enhances the municipality’s capacity to independently implement functional, revenue-generating programs


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.

Allowance

We cover your flights, insurance, and provide a living and accommodation allowance. Learn more here

AUD$3305 per month. Find out more about in-country allowances.

Requirements

  • All applicants must be Australian citizens or holders of Permanent Residency Visa of Australia, or New Zealand residents in Australia with a Special Category Visa (SCV). 
  • A National Police Check must be completed during the application process.  
  • A Psychological Test is required for all volunteer assignments.  

Additional requirements for this assignment include First Aid Certificate.

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