GEF Technical Lead - Timor-Leste

GEF Technical Lead - Timor-Leste

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Dili, Timor-Leste

The Technical Lead (TL) is responsible for overseeing both the management and technical coordination of the project. Improve wetland management for biodiversity conservation while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. This includes direct technical support to ensure the successful delivery of project outputs. In their management role, the TL will handle the organization of work plans, programs, activities, and reporting on progress and finances to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and CI. As the head of the Project Management Unit (PMU), the TL will liaise with national executing partners, CI, and stakeholders to facilitate project execution.

Key responsibilities include leading the PMU, ensuring the proper planning and implementation of project activities, and managing staff. The TL oversees all project processes, deliverables, finances, procurement, and contractor engagement to achieve project outcomes. They provides strategic leadership by fostering collaboration among project partners, maintains accountability to the PSC, and manages relations with donors, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and facilitating effective communication.

The role also involves financial management, ensuring that project funds are available and used efficiently, supporting assessments and audits required by CI, and representing the Implementing Partner in major project evaluations, reviews, and audits. Through these efforts, the TL ensures the effective and efficient execution of the project’s goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review, interpret, and apply the Project Document (ProDoc) to ensure activities are implemented as planned and aligned with GEF requirements.
• Develop annual work plans and budgets in line with the ProDoc and within the approved project budget.
• Lead the project team—including coordinators and consultants—to ensure full compliance with GEF implementation requirements.
• Lead the project team—including coordinators and consultants—to ensure full compliance with GEF implementation requirements.
• Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) for consultants, monitoring activities, and other project tasks in accordance with the ProDoc.
• Coordinate with the Safeguard Coordinator to ensure all work plans, budgets, and activities comply with safeguard requirements.
• Conduct frequent field visits and meetings (up to 25% travel) to ensure staff and partners understand the project vision, deliverables, and outputs.
• Develop and provide monthly and quarterly updates on project progress against the work plan.
• Ensure all donor reporting formats and MERL templates are properly used and regularly updated by team members in CI-GEF systems.
• Strictly adhere to donor reporting timelines and ensure high-quality narrative and financial reporting.
• Maintain quality reporting, updated project folders, and evidence or means of verification for all project activities.
• Work closely with M&E, Communications, and GIS teams to ensure project visibility, documentation, and evidence are properly captured and shared with key stakeholders and relevant ministries.
• Regularly track and monitor the project budget with the Finance Manager.
• Ensure project expenditures and burn rate align with the approved annual work plan.
• Submit timely monthly financial reports, cash requests, and acquittals to the supervisor.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and capacity-building support to project staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Support the development of individual staff work plans and track performance against agreed targets, providing constructive and timely feedback.
• Conduct training and capacity development activities for staff and partners to strengthen the planning and implementation of key project tasks.
• Facilitate collaboration and effective communication within the team and across cross-cutting units.
• Maintain effective and timely communication with all Executing and Implementing Agency partners, as well as relevant stakeholders, to support informed and timely decision-making.
• Ensure transparent communication and coordination with the CI–Timor-Leste Program team.
• Promote collaboration across teams to ensure coherence between field implementation, MERL, communications, and financial reporting.
• Develop SMART goals for self and support the team in setting clear, measurable goals for the financial year, tracking progress in CI-People.
• Ensure accountability to project results, donor compliance, and CI standards.

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment. Ability to work extended hours or travel as needed.
• This position is based in Dili with frequent travel to CI Timor-Leste project sites (Covalima, Ainaro, Manufahi, and Manatuto.
• This role will be a fixed-term assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Protected Areas, Biodiversity, Forestry, or other related field.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in project management in the field of water resource management, nature conservation, environmental science or studies, protected areas, or other relevant fields.
• Demonstrated experience with environmental and ecological knowledge, policy, and regulatory compliance, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience with cross-border collaboration, multi-stakeholder engagement, and work with multi-cultural teams.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated high attention to detail, ability to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and work, cooperatively with team members.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis on difficult, but well-defined tasks; articulate issues and recommend solutions.

Preferred

• Experience working with communities, especially those communities living within protected areas.
• Expertise in aspects of community development and sustainable livelihoods is a strong benefit.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: October 23, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.