" \u003cdiv class=\"ja-job-details\"\u003e \u003ch2 class=\"title\"\u003eTeam Leader, Education\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"meta\"\u003e \u003cul class=\"classifications\"\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"18854\"\u003e Timor-Leste \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"18855\"\u003e Active Project \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cp class=\"date-posted\"\u003e 22/10/2026 \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKEY INFORMATION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePosition Title\u003c/strong\u003e: Team Leader, Education (TLAus4Education)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eReports to\u003c/strong\u003e: Cowater Contractor Representative\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLocation: \u003c/strong\u003eDili, Timor-Leste\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEngagement: \u003c/strong\u003eLong-Term Adviser\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDuration: \u003c/strong\u003e12 months (with possibility for extension)\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSUMMARY OF THE PROJECT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Timor-Leste Australia Partnership for Education (TLAus4Education) is funded by the Australian Government. It is one of three Australian partnership programs in Timor-Leste, alongside the partnerships for Health and for Disability Rights. Cowater will lead TLAus4Health and TLAus4Education, while The Asia Foundation is uniquely positioned to deliver TLAus4DisabilityRights.\u0026nbsp; A shared commitment across the three partnerships will be to strengthen Timorese capability and institutions, invest in local organisations, and progressively support greater Timorese leadership in the design and delivery of development outcomes.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e The program supports the Ministry of Education\u0027s priorities: better literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing for all children. It does this by strengthening leadership, teaching, community engagement and education systems. The program supports government-led reform through partnership, policy dialogue, coordination and institutional strengthening. It does not deliver education services directly.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSUMMARY OF THE POSITION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Team Leader is accountable for planning, managing and delivering the program. This includes overall program performance, resource priorities and risk management.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e The role serves as the program\u0027s main representative and a trusted partner to government, development partners and the wider education sector. It builds and leads a high-performing, values-driven team, setting the standard for professional conduct and program culture.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e The Team Leader supports the Ministry\u0027s priorities of improved literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing for all children through strengthened leadership, teaching, community engagement and education systems. The role focuses on supporting government-led reform through partnership, policy dialogue, coordination and institutional strengthening, rather than direct delivery of education services.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e Working closely with the technical teams, this position leads internal program quality, MEL, GEDSI implementation and coordination. This makes sure the program provides high-quality advice, coordination and delivery in support of shared education outcomes.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKEY RESPONSIBILITIES \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrategic and Technical Leadership\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide values- driven leadership, working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education, INFORDEPE and the Australian Embassy to establish the Program\u0027s strategic direction.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead strategic and operational oversight of the Program, ensuring support is aligned with Government of Timor-Leste priorities and proactively drawing on national and international technical advice as required.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead the joint annual workplan and budget with the Ministry of Education and INFORDEPE, including implementation reviews and learning.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport Ministry-led efforts to strengthen education systems. This could include professional development systems, sector coordination, policy implementation, evidence-informed decision making, and links between national, municipal and school level actors.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eQuality-assure program documents, reports and communications.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eContribute to political economy analysis with the Australian Embassy, so the program\u0027s positioning and sequencing stay aligned with Australia\u0027s bilateral interests.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGovernance, Risk and Safeguarding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSet-up and support program governance and coordination. This includes preparing quality papers, workplans, budgets, risk information and decision records.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFollow up agreed actions and facilitate collaborative decision-making among key stakeholders.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIdentify and manage risk and compliance. Make sure risk systems are properly resourced and conflicts of interest are escalated appropriately and managed.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReport and escalate risks to Cowater and the Australian Embassy on time. This includes (but not limited to) education service delivery disruption, fraud, fiduciary, safeguarding, reputational, political, delivery, and climate and disaster risks.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead safeguarding, child protection and do-no-harm practice in schools and communities. Make sure there are enough skilled staff and resources, and clear reporting, referral and compliance processes.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTeam Leadership and People Management\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team with a culture of accountability and continuous learning.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDirectly manage the Education Program team: set expectations, give regular feedback and coaching, support professional development, and address underperformance.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport localisation by developing Timorese staff into roles with more responsibility.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMake sure the program delivers measurable GEDSI results. This includes disability-inclusive education delivered in partnership with organisations of persons with disabilities.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartnerships, Representation and Communications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eBuild strong partnerships with the key government counterparts, development partners, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities, to support coordinated, government-led sector development.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHelp the Ministry of Education and INFORDEPE identify their needs for embedded advisers and grants under the joint program of work.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLead the program\u0027s contribution to improved education partnerships, working with TLAus4Health, TLAus4DisabilityRights and other Australian-funded programs to identify and deliver shared priorities through effective national and municipal planning, coordination and learning.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWork in close partnership with the Australian Embassy Education team. Respond to their strategic direction, and provide timely, accurate reporting, advice and escalation in line with contract and policy requirements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRepresent the program at meetings, policy dialogue, sector coordination forums and public events, in coordination with the Embassy.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eOversee the program\u0027s public diplomacy and communications. Make sure messages are coordinated with the Embassy, follow agreed clearance processes and promote the Australia-Timor-Leste education partnership.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgram Quality and Delivery\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eMaintain a practical MEL system that meets Australian Government requirements and links with government systems.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMake sure evidence is used regularly for management decisions, policy dialogue, learning and changes of direction.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eOversee technical assistance, grants and partner support so they build institutional capability, reinforce government systems and deliver value for money.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMake sure the program delivers measurable GEDSI results and promotes climate-resilient education services and learning environments in line with the EOPOs.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Working Relationships\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eMinistry of Education Director Generals and National Directors, and the President of INFORDEPE (direct counterparts).\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAustralian Embassy Education team.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe Education Program team.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe locally-led development hub\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCowater Contractor Representative.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe partnerships for Health and for Disability Rights, and the Shared Services Platform.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDevelopment partners, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJOB REQUIREMENTS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Education: Advanced degree in education, public policy, development or a related field (or equivalent qualifications and experience).\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e Essential Skills:\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeadership/Governance:\u003c/strong\u003e Proven senior leadership of complex, multi-sector programs over 12+ years, including as Team Leader or equivalent, with direct management of large, multi-disciplinary teams. Experience in development or public sector reform contexts is highly regarded. Experience managing high-level program governance, including steering committees and joint decision-making forums with partner governments and donors essential.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation systems\u003c/strong\u003e: Experience in, or sound understanding of, education systems highly valued, along with the ability to identify and draw on technical expertise to support government partners.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePartnership and reform\u003c/strong\u003e: Proven experience supporting policy- or system-level change through partnerships with government and/or other key institutions. Demonstrated capability in facilitation, mentoring, organisational strengthening, partnership development or change management.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelationships and judgement\u003c/strong\u003e: Exceptional stakeholder engagement, with a proven ability to build credibility, influence decisions and maintain relationships with senior officials and partners. Sound political judgement in complex, changing environments while protecting program integrity.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGEDSI and cross-cutting priorities\u003c/strong\u003e: Commitment to, and experience delivering, gender equality and disability inclusion with measurable results, as well as integrating climate change and other relevant cross-cutting priorities into program delivery.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRisk\u003c/strong\u003e: Experience managing fiduciary, fraud and safeguarding risks in government or donor-funded programs (or equivalent).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvidence and reporting\u003c/strong\u003e: Experience leading outcome-focused MEL and adaptive management, including using evidence to change strategy and delivery. Strong communication skills, including high-quality, impactful reporting.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTimor-Leste\u003c/strong\u003e: Experience in Timor-Leste, including working with Timor-Leste institutions. Advanced knowledge of the education system or of public policy challenges highly regarded.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDesirable\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eExperience with DFAT-funded or other donor-funded programs.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTetun (very highly regarded).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage Proficiency\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eStrong professional English, written and spoken.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics and Compliance\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This role must comply with all DFAT policies, contractual obligations and program operational requirements. The role must comply with:\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eDFAT Child Protection and PSEAH policies\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eFraud, bribery and corruption prevention requirements\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProgram Code of Conduct\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eConflict-of-interest obligations\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePrivacy and confidentiality requirements.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWays of Working\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Program works in a transparent, accountable and collaborative way. All team members are expected to work collaboratively across Health, Education, Disability Rights and Shared Services, share information early, manage risks proactively, and be clear about decisions and responsibilities. We value respect, professionalism and collective responsibility for delivery.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePerformance Management\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Performance will be assessed against:\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eMinistry ownership: the joint workplan and decisions are genuinely government-led.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStakeholder alignment: no surprises, with timely advice and sound political judgement.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRisk and safeguarding: issues are escalated on time and systems work.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTeam and localisation: an accountable team, with Timorese staff stepping up.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDelivery, collaboration and evidence: milestones are met, MEL drives decisions, the team works well across technical teams and partners, and the program delivers value for money.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGEDSI results: measurable outcomes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIntellectual Property\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e All materials produced under this assignment will be the property of the Program and DFAT.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAPPLICATION PROCESS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Candidates are encouraged to\u003cstrong\u003e apply by 9 November 2026/as soon as possible.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: \u003cem\u003eCandidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. \u003cstrong\u003eAll assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers.\u003c/strong\u003e Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eABOUT US\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada\u0027s Best Managed Companies since 2017.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWe thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"apply\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"back-link\" href=\"#\" title=\"Back to search results\"\u003eBack to search results\u003c/a\u003e \u003cinput type=\"button\" class=\"ja-button\" data-job-id=\"618286\" value=\"Apply Now\" title=\"Apply Now\" /\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "