Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
The HR Management Mentor at Instituto São João de Brito (ISJB) will play a key role in strengthening the institution’s human resource systems, policies, and practices. ISJB is a leading teacher education institute forming ethical, competent, and socially engaged secondary school teachers for Timor Leste. To sustain this mission, the organisation requires a more standardised, transparent, and professional HR framework.
The volunteer will work closely with the Human Resources Director and the HR team to improve recruitment processes, performance management, staff development systems, and workplace communication. Through practical mentoring, the volunteer will help staff build confidence in core HR functions and embed simple, compliant, and culturally appropriate systems suited to a low resource school environment.
By strengthening HR procedures, documentation, and decision making processes, the volunteer will help ISJB operate more effectively, ensure fair and consistent staff management, and support long term institutional sustainability. The ultimate goal is to build local ownership so that ISJB’s HR team can independently maintain strong systems after the assignment ends.
How We’re Helping
In September 2026, Michael Walsh, who has extensive practical expertise in Human Resources and Workplace Safety, will commence a year-long mentoring role in Kasait and will contribute to ISJB by:
• Developing simple, transparent HR systems suited to a low resource school environment.
• Mentoring school leaders and administration staff in recruitment, induction, and staff record keeping.
• Supporting the development of fair, consistent performance management and feedback processes.
• Training staff in identifying training needs and building internal capacity.
• Mentoring staff in workplace communication, conflict resolution, and basic HR compliance.
• Documenting processes so the school can continue HR practices independently.
Is the Project Sustainable?
By the end of the assignment, ISJB will have:
ISJB is working towards establishing a stronger and more transparent HR system supported by a confident team capable of managing processes independently. This includes developing clear policies and procedures aligned with legal and institutional expectations, ensuring fair and consistent recruitment, performance management, and staff development. These improvements will strengthen organisational communication and workplace culture, while embedding sustainable HR practices that uphold ISJB’s mission to form ethical, competent teachers for Timor Leste.