Experts in Tourism Development, Timor-Leste

This call is for Timor-Leste national and international applicants, see selection information below for more details.

The Asia Foundation has worked in Timor-Leste since 1992. We implement programs to end violence against women and children, promote inclusive tourism development, foster lasting peace, safety and security, public policy, and strengthen accountable governance.

For over a decade, The Asia Foundation has supported inclusive economic growth activities through support for Timor-Leste’s burgeoning tourism sector. The Asia Foundation works with the Government of Timor-Leste, donors, and community stakeholders to improve the economic well-being of Timorese by increasing equitable livelihood opportunities through job creation and increased income in the tourism sector. The Asia Foundation also works with private sector actors to test, develop, and improve the quality of local tourism products. This has included a particular focus in the country’s central highlands of Aileu and Maubisse to develop tourism experiences that also benefit communities and the environment.

The Asia Foundation is seeking individuals, companies, and institutions to join a roster of consultant experts providing technical assistance in tourism development in Timor-Leste. Contracts will be negotiated as needed.

Objectives

The objective of the roster is to provide technical assistance to strengthen the development and implementation of tourism initiatives in Timor-Leste. The roster seeks experts in the following areas:

• Advising government on enabling environment policies that support tourism growth in targeted subnational destinations.
• Development of national and subnational level destination plans that incorporate perspectives and priorities of public, private, and local stakeholders to ensure inclusive tourism development.
• Support tourism-related small and medium enterprises to be more profitable through business management training and strategies.
• Experience supporting national-level or community-based tourism associations
• Support businesses in working with communities in the development of inclusive tourism products, services, and marketing.
• Experience developing and utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods and tools to inform and assess the implementation of tourism policies, strategies, and master plans. Such research methods should be tailored to incorporate input from diverse stakeholders, including government, businesses, and communities.

Areas of Expertise

Interested parties may apply for one or more of the specific areas:

1. Tourism product development and marketing
2. Research, monitoring, and evaluation of tourism growth initiatives and policies.

Reporting and Management

Contracted consultants will report to The Asia Foundation in Timor-Leste and will work in close collaboration with government, community, and private sector stakeholders.

Criteria for Selection

• Proven experience in developing and managing tourism initiatives, particularly in the Asia Pacific region within the scope of areas specified above.
• Excellent research, project management, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Experience working in Timor-Leste or similar contexts is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Tetum, Portuguese, or Indonesian is preferred.

Selection and Contracting

The Asia Foundation will screen applicants based on their expertise, responsibilities, and requirements as outlined above. Selection will include reference checks and anti-terrorist vetting. Parties included in the roster may be contacted by The Asia Foundation to explore concrete assignments on an as-needed basis and be issued a contract with terms of reference. Rates will be determined as part of contract negotiations.

Submission of expressions of interest and the inclusion on the roster do not entail any commitment on the part of The Asia Foundation, either financially or otherwise.

The Asia Foundation will not be responsible for any visa-related support beyond the requirements for assignment-related work in Timor-Leste.

Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest are to be submitted in English to [email protected] as follows:

• Expressions of interest will be accepted and screened on an ongoing basis until June 30, 2025 (Timor-Leste time).

Please use The Asia Foundation Timor-Leste Tourism Development Consultants in the subject line.

Expressions of Interest must:

• Include a brief cover letter addressing the requirements and responsibilities above.
• Provide a CV (individual applicants) or company profile (companies/institutions) demonstrating relevant experience.
• Include a completed applicant profile.

Only submissions meeting the application requirements will be considered. No phone calls or emails will be entertained.