The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE) to strengthen their long-standing partnership which aims to provide access to job market, entrepreneurship training, and sustainable livelihoods solutions in Timor-Leste. The ceremony was attended by H.E Secretary of State of SEFOPE, Mr. Rogério Araújo Mendonça, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Katyna Argueta, General Directors and National Directors of SEFOPE, and UNDP staff.

The MoU signing predominantly highlights the collaborative efforts between SEFOPE and UNDP’s two projects: Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills (YEES) Project and the Community Infrastructure for Resilience (CIReP) Project. Together, SEFOPE and UNDP intend to collaborate on programs that will provide access to job market, soft skill training, career counseling, job fair, entrepreneurship training, vocational training, cash for work and on the job training for SEFOPE’s training graduates. 

During his remarks, Mr. Rogério, expressed great enthusiasm for the future prospects of this collaboration. He stated, “We are hoping under this Memorandum of Understanding, the SEFOPE and UNDP can provide support on finding development models and frameworks that work and achieve results, and that we share lessons as widely as possible so that all our people can benefit from it.” 

Meanwhile, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Katyna expressed her gratitude to SEFOPE’s General Director, advisors, technical team, as well as UNDP’s team for their diligent and committed efforts in strengthening the cooperation between the two institutions. She also added that the MoU signing is only the beginning of the ongoing effort, and she expects to witness the positive impacts of this partnership from now onwards.

Overall, UNDP aims to contribute to the inclusive socioeconomic growth of Timor-Leste through this partnership with SEFOPE and the Government of Timor-Leste.

Contact Information: Hunjai LEE, Project Manager of YEES Project, UNDP (UN House, Caicoli Street, Dili Timor-Leste)