Qualified Researchers, La’o Hamutuk

La’o Hamutuk (“Walking Together” in English) is an independent Timor-Leste civil society organization that monitors, analyzes and reports on the principal institutions in Timor-Leste as they relate to the physical, economic and social development of the country. La’o Hamutuk advocates that the people of Timor-Leste must be the ultimate decision-makers in this process, which should be equitable, sustainable, democratic and transparent.

La’o Hamutuk works in broad thematic areas: Petroleum dependency, Economics, Agriculture, Governance and Democracy. More information about La’o Hamutuk and its publications, including our Bulletin, statements and Annual Reports, can be obtained at www.laohamutuk.org. For information about volunteering or interning at La’o Hamutuk, click here.

We are currently looking for qualified researchers, to be based in Dili with some work in the districts.

We especially encourage women to apply.

Job DescriptionEach researcher investigates and reports on the impact of international systems and organizations, governments and other institutions active in Timor-Leste. La’o Hamutuk is a non-hierarchical organization where all staff members are responsible for program and administration work, and decisions are made by consensus. Therefore, researchers also carry out administration and logistics-related activities within the organization, including working collaboratively with other staff and advisory bodies to develop and implement the organization’s work plan.

We need people with

• Experience in international development work and/or policy research, with the ability to present and write clearly
• Strong commitment to making the development process more democratic, participatory, sustainable, equitable and transparent
• Experience as a political activist and/or human rights advocate
• Experience and knowledge of areas of monitoring cited above
• Facility in written and spoken English and Tetum, with willingness to become fluent. Portuguese also desirable.
• Strong organizational and computer skills
• Ability to work cooperatively and creatively in a multi-cultural setting
• Commitment to share skills and help other people improve their capacity
• Knowledge and understanding of the history and politics of Timor-Leste
• Experience living and working in a developing country; interest and capacity to live simply
• Sound physical and psychological health
• Willingness to commit to work with La’o Hamutuk for a minimum of one year.

We offerLa’o Hamutuk is a small but vibrant organization; our staff works together in teams on different issues. La’o Hamutuk’s Timorese and international staff enjoy equal responsibilities and compensation, including a salary of US$600/month, with health insurance and housing allowance as needed. For international staff, travel to and from Timor-Leste and a readjustment allowance are also provided.

ContactApplications may be submitted at any time and will be considered as they are received. Please include the following:

• Cover letter explaining why you want to work with La’o Hamutuk
• CV detailing educational background and professional and volunteer experience
• Sample of your writing in English or Tetum about the development process in Timor-Leste, two to five pages long
• Contact details of at least two references.

Applications can be sent to La’o Hamutuk’s office in Bebora, Dili, Timor-Leste, or to info@laohamutuk.org. For additional information call +670 3321040.