Field Assistant – GEF-8 Wetlands Project, Timor-Leste

About the role

Conservation International is hiring a GEF-8 Field Assistant for its project "Improving Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Human-Wildlife Coexistence" in Timor-Leste. Based in Covalima Municipality, the assistant supports on-the-ground implementation at designated field sites, assists in biodiversity and socio-economic data collection, facilitates community engagement events and helps deliver training sessions. The role acts as a liaison between the project team and local communities, and requires frequent travel to Dili and other project sites.

Key responsibilities

• Support planning: help prepare annual and quarterly work plans, field activity plans, schedules and logistics for surveys, training and community engagement; liaise with local government and community groups; support awareness and advocacy and prepare a quarterly meeting presentation.
• Field implementation: collect biodiversity and socio-economic data accurately and on time, enter data and run quality checks, co-facilitate community meetings, workshops and demonstrations, organize community conservation and restoration groups, and support monitoring activities while respecting safeguards, gender mainstreaming and the Rights-Based Approach.
• Reporting and coordination: support donor and MERL reporting, ensure community grant activities are implemented and reported, keep field records (attendance, photos, meeting notes) and give timely updates to the Field Coordinator.
• Finance and administration: manage personal cash advances and acquittals, submit monthly progress reports and timesheets, maintain expense documentation, set annual goals, and keep a motorcycle logbook and valid documents (STNK, KIR).
• Logistics: arrange materials, venues and support services for workshops, trainings and meetings, and keep the motorcycle maintained and compliant with CI policy.

Required profile

• High school or secondary school education; up to 2 years of related work experience.
• Sound experience working on environmental and community development issues in an NGO, public or private sector.
• Fluency in English and Tetum.
• Preferred: bachelor's degree in Conservation, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Protected Areas, Biodiversity, Forestry or Fisheries, and experience working with communities in protected areas.

Required skills

• Proficiency with MS Office, web research and related skills.
• Strong presentation, communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work under general supervision, adapt to changing priorities and work in a multicultural, fast-paced team.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter through the Conservation International careers page; the application deadline is 20 November 2026.