Professional Development Officer (English language)

ABOUT MENZIES:As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:Menzies Timor-Leste works with the Timor-Leste Government and partners to strengthen health systems for responding to priority health challenges, with a focus on strengthening capacity in clinical, surveillance, and laboratory settings.We are seeking an experienced Professional Development Officer (English language), to deliver comprehensive language services to Menzies Timor-Leste personnel and specified external Timor-Leste Government stakeholders. The role combines formal English language instruction, informal conversational practice, translation support, and individualised language assistance tailored to healthcare and project contexts.The successful candidate will design and implement a flexible, multi-modal English language program that accommodates diverse learning needs, professional contexts, and scheduling constraints while supporting language and translation requirements for project documentation and communications.This will be a 12 months contract, with possibility of extension. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Supervisor at Menzies Timor-Leste:Key responsibilitiesEnglish Language Training (60% of the role) Formal instruction Design and deliver structured English language courses, tailored to Health Research and the context in which Menzies Timor-Leste program operatesImplement placement testing and ongoing assessments to track learner progress and create differentiated learning groups based on proficiency levels and learning objectivesInformal conversational English Facilitate regular conversation circles and informal practice sessionsSupport cultural exchange and confidence-building in English communicationIndividualized SupportProvide one-on-one tutoring for staff requiring targeted language developmentOffer project-specific English language coaching (e.g. preparing presentations, writing reports, participating in meetings)Support staff preparing for international training opportunities or examinationsAssist Menzies staff with professional writing, editing, and communication in EnglishTranslation & Interpretation Support (30% of role)Translate project documents, reports, protocols, and guidelines between English and TetumEnsure accuracy and appropriate use of technical terminologyMaintain confidentiality and sensitivity when handling programmatic materialsProgram Development & Evaluation (10% of role)Develop schedules that accommodate staff field work and project commitments to enable maximum participation Monitor attendance, participation, and learning outcomes, maintain accurate training recordsEvaluate program content and delivery and provide recommendations for improvement after completion of a course or an activity.Collaborate with project lead and head of programs leadership team on program refinementEnsure alignment with DFAT policy frameworks on gender equality and disability inclusive developmentAny other tasks as reasonably required by the supervisor, project leads, or Head of Programs. SELECTION CRITERIA:1. Qualifications: Professional certification and/or demonstrated experience and competency in teaching English as a second language.  2. Essential Criteria:Recent experience in similar role in Timor-Leste or another cross-cultural context.Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of structured English Language training across a range of language proficiencyExcellent spoken and written English language skills Proven experience in translation between English and TetumStrong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in documentation, record keeping and reportingAbility to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities and adapt to changing environments and tasks.Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team, and independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that enable sensitive and effective communication with a wide range of people including internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook. Excellent computer literacy (including google drive suite) and ability to quickly adapt to and learn software platforms.   Willingness to learn, improve and respond positively to feedback and supervision and make ongoing investment in own professional development.3. Desirable Criteria: Experience working in research and / or in the health sector in Timor-Leste. How To Apply:To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Professional Development Officer – English language role.Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:Updated Resume/CV with three referencesCover LetterA statement addressing the selection criteriaCopy of Electoral/BI cardCopy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)Applications are accepted exclusively through our online recruitment system. Please note that CVs or unsolicited applications submitted by email will not be considered.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Closing date: 18th May 2026 (6 PM Dili Time)Antonio FernandesHR OfficerEmail: TL.HumanResources@menzies.edu.auMenzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.Position Description AUD Dili

Professional Development Officer (English language)

  • Fixed Term Full-time Role, Based in Dili, Timor-Leste
  • Excellent Career Progression
  • Excellent Work Environment and Teamwork

ABOUT MENZIES:

As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

Menzies Timor-Leste works with the Timor-Leste Government and partners to strengthen health systems for responding to priority health challenges, with a focus on strengthening capacity in clinical, surveillance, and laboratory settings.

We are seeking an experienced Professional Development Officer (English language), to deliver comprehensive language services to Menzies Timor-Leste personnel and specified external Timor-Leste Government stakeholders. The role combines formal English language instruction, informal conversational practice, translation support, and individualised language assistance tailored to healthcare and project contexts.

The successful candidate will design and implement a flexible, multi-modal English language program that accommodates diverse learning needs, professional contexts, and scheduling constraints while supporting language and translation requirements for project documentation and communications.

This will be a 12 months contract, with possibility of extension.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Supervisor at Menzies Timor-Leste:

Key responsibilities

English Language Training (60% of the role)

Formal instruction

  • Design and deliver structured English language courses, tailored to Health Research and the context in which Menzies Timor-Leste program operates
  • Implement placement testing and ongoing assessments to track learner progress and create differentiated learning groups based on proficiency levels and learning objectives

Informal conversational English

  • Facilitate regular conversation circles and informal practice sessions
  • Support cultural exchange and confidence-building in English communication

Individualized Support

  • Provide one-on-one tutoring for staff requiring targeted language development
  • Offer project-specific English language coaching (e.g. preparing presentations, writing reports, participating in meetings)
  • Support staff preparing for international training opportunities or examinations
  • Assist Menzies staff with professional writing, editing, and communication in English

Translation & Interpretation Support (30% of role)

  • Translate project documents, reports, protocols, and guidelines between English and Tetum
  • Ensure accuracy and appropriate use of technical terminology
  • Maintain confidentiality and sensitivity when handling programmatic materials

Program Development & Evaluation (10% of role)

  • Develop schedules that accommodate staff field work and project commitments to enable maximum participation 
  • Monitor attendance, participation, and learning outcomes, maintain accurate training records
  • Evaluate program content and delivery and provide recommendations for improvement after completion of a course or an activity.
  • Collaborate with project lead and head of programs leadership team on program refinement
  • Ensure alignment with DFAT policy frameworks on gender equality and disability inclusive development

Any other tasks as reasonably required by the supervisor, project leads, or Head of Programs. 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Qualifications: Professional certification and/or demonstrated experience and competency in teaching English as a second language.  

2. Essential Criteria:

  • Recent experience in similar role in Timor-Leste or another cross-cultural context.
  • Demonstrated experience in the development and delivery of structured English Language training across a range of language proficiency
  • Excellent spoken and written English language skills 
  • Proven experience in translation between English and Tetum
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in documentation, record keeping and reporting
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities and adapt to changing environments and tasks.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team, and independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills that enable sensitive and effective communication with a wide range of people including internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook. 
  • Excellent computer literacy (including google drive suite) and ability to quickly adapt to and learn software platforms.  
  • Willingness to learn, improve and respond positively to feedback and supervision and make ongoing investment in own professional development.

3. Desirable Criteria: Experience working in research and / or in the health sector in Timor-Leste. 

How To Apply:

To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Professional Development Officer – English language role.

Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:

  • Updated Resume/CV with three references
  • Cover Letter
  • A statement addressing the selection criteria
  • Copy of Electoral/BI card
  • Copy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)
  • Applications are accepted exclusively through our online recruitment system. Please note that CVs or unsolicited applications submitted by email will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 18th May 2026 (6 PM Dili Time)

Antonio Fernandes

HR Officer

Email: TL.HumanResources@menzies.edu.au

Menzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.

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