About the opportunity
The Project Manager will lead the implementation of the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills (YEES) Project in Timor-Leste, funded primarily by KOICA. The initiative aims to tackle pressing youth employment challenges by enhancing employability, supporting service providers, and promoting youth entrepreneurship and business start-ups. Working under the direct supervision of the Head of Governance Unit, the incumbent is responsible for day-to-day operational management, strategic partnerships, financial resource management, team leadership, and knowledge management to ensure project activities meet required standards and achieve expected results within time and cost constraints.
Salary and benefits
- International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-10) contract with a 1-year duration.
- Professional experience within a United Nations agency setting in Timor-Leste.
- Opportunity to manage a major donor-funded development project focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Development Studies, Social Sciences or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, OR a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the same fields with an additional 7 years of qualifying experience.
- Experience managing development projects with a total budget of at least USD 5 million, particularly in youth empowerment, employment, and entrepreneurship development.
- At least 3 years of experience in delivering business trainings in entrepreneurship, business skills development, business mentorship, start-up businesses, business idea/plan development, and evaluation.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Korean, Tetum, and Portuguese is an advantage.
Required documents
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Completed application form including evidence of educational and professional qualifications
When to apply
- Opening date: 2026-09-21
- Application deadline: 2026-10-06 at 03:59:00+00:00
How to apply
- Visit the official UNDP Oracle Recruiting Cloud candidate portal.
- Review eligibility requirements and verify applicant tier status if applicable.
- Submit your online application through the vacancy posting before the stated deadline.
Additional information
- The position is classified under the International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA) as grade IPSA-10.
- UNDP applies a tiered approach to vacancies to safeguard capacity and support existing personnel.
- The duty station for this role is Timor-Leste.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with substantial background in economic development, MSME policy, or private sector support who have managed multi-million dollar donor projects.
- Candidates possessing specific expertise in youth entrepreneurship training, startup development, and stakeholder coordination with government and international donors like KOICA.
- Experienced project managers looking for an impactful international assignment within the United Nations system.
What should you think carefully about?
- The contract is offered for a fixed duration of one year, requiring adaptation to project timelines and deliverables.
- Relocation to Timor-Leste is required for this on-site role unless local arrangements specify otherwise.
- Applicants must meet strict years-of-experience thresholds tied directly to their highest earned academic degree.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role provides a direct platform to lead high-impact sustainable development initiatives, build extensive professional networks with international stakeholders and government bodies, and significantly advance a career in international cooperation and project management.
Our take
Experienced development professionals with strong backgrounds in youth employment and project leadership should seriously consider applying before the October 2026 deadline. Those lacking the required years of management experience or relevant sector background will find the role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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