The Effectiveness Of The Training Courses Supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency To The Timor-Leste Government



Staff, JICA TL Office as of Aug.2013



The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been conducting training program for the officers of government, non-governmental organization and other relevant organization in Timor-Leste since 2002. It is almost 400 hundreds have attended training courses in several JICA domestic offices in Japan. The officers are from different background; from Director General, National Directors, Chief of Department and technical professional staff, from district national to districts level. The content of the training courses are various and the training duration is also varieties; from two weeks, three weeks, one to three months, 9 months and 2 years.

The training is normally conducted in English but the Young Leader Training Program is which is held in Okinawa is conducted in Indonesian Language.

There are several conditions on how to apply for the training course which is offered by JICA;

 English Language Proficiency becomes one of the main criteria.

 Current jobs must be relevant with the training courses.

 At least a university degree or equivalent.

 Current position is also important for some training course which has highlighted at the general information.

 Age is also one issue to be taken into consideration.

 Fulfilling the application form is also one of the selection criteria.

From the 5 above conditions, the main issues in this country are English proficiency and suitable candidate for the training course is also one of the big issues. It takes time to find a right person for a right course. The training course which provided to Timor-Leste is almost repetition from year to year. With the limitation of human resource of the government, has difficult for nominating a suitable candidate by line ministries. But at the end, a candidate still was sent by the government for that training.

Timor-Leste as young nation with lack of human resources still needs more hands from other advanced countries. However, every countries and organizations have their own policies, rules and regulations that need to be followed. The Timorese officers who went for the training which has supported by JICA are expected to gain knowledge and apply to the daily works in Timor-Leste.