Empowering Rural Communities: Training on Community Employment Scheme (CES)

“UNDP, MSA, and Japan join forces to create jobs and build resilient communities through vital rural infrastructure.”

October 8, 2025

Group of people posing behind a red tablecloth at a UNDP event, banners in the background. — Photo session during the opening ceremony of the CES training at Novo Turismo, Dili, with special guests Ms. Adeline Carrier (UNDP), Ms. Yuki Sakai (Embassy of Japan), and Mr. António Augusto Guterres (MSA), together with participants and local authorities from the four municipalities.

Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Dili, Timor-Leste - 30 September 2025 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of State Administration (MSA) and with support from the Government of Japan, launched a training programme on the Community Employment Scheme (CES) at Novo Turismo, Dili.

The training is part of the Community Infrastructure for Resilience Project (CIREP), designed to strengthen resilience through the construction of essential community infrastructures in four municipalities: Liquiçá, Bobonaro, Ermera, and the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). It aims to equip local authorities and contractors with the necessary skills to effectively implement CES as part of the construction of 13 community infrastructures.

Local authorities, particularly the Chiefs of Sucos from Liquiçá, Bobonaro, Ermera, and RAEOA, actively participated in the CES training, underscoring their crucial role in guiding and supporting community employment initiatives.

Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Building on the success of the first CES cycle in March 2025 – which engaged 1,067 community members (51% women) across 11 sites – the project will expand in October 2025 to employ 1,194 community members (52% women) across 13 sites. By combining job creation with infrastructure development, CES strengthens community resilience while empowering local people, particularly women.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Adeline Carrier, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, highlighted the spirit of collaboration that underpins this initiative. “I would like to highlight this wonderful collaboration with the Ministry of State Administration and the Government of Japan. Thank you for your continued support of this project. I also extend my gratitude to everyone taking part in the CES training, especially Suco Chiefs and contractors. Today’s training will equip local authorities and contractors with the skills needed to implement these schemes effectively.”

Collage of four speakers at a conference; woman in red jacket at podium with a banner behind. — At the CES training, UNDP highlighted the collaboration to create jobs and build resilient communities, the Embassy of Japan reaffirmed its strong support for essential rural infrastructure, and the Ministry of State Administration emphasized the vital role of Suco Chiefs and local authorities in driving community development.

Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Echoing this commitment, Ms. Yuki Sakai, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan to Timor-Leste, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing support for Timor-Leste. “The Government of Japan has already financed more than USD 5 million for this project. Our goal is to transform communities through essential infrastructure such as bridges, water supply systems, and medical and sanitation facilities in remote municipalities. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs, but also strengthens long-term community resilience.”

On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, Mr. António Augusto Guterres, Director General of Decentralization and Local Power at the Ministry of State Administration, expressed appreciation for the partnership with UNDP and Japan. “On behalf of the Ministry of State Administration, I would like to express our appreciation to UNDP and the Government of Japan for their partnership and commitment to development in Timor-Leste. Community infrastructure projects implemented through CES contribute directly to national priorities by creating jobs, improving living conditions, and building essential rural infrastructure. Most importantly, this ensures that every suco has access to the basic infrastructure it needs.”

Photograph of a man in a tan uniform speaking into a microphone on a stage with a purple curtain. — Mr. Marcus, Chief of Suco, speaks during the question session of the CES training, sharing local perspectives and highlighting key community employment and infrastructure needs.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-Leste

The Community Infrastructure for Resilience Project (CIREP), jointly implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of State Administration with funding from the Government of Japan, is designed to construct vital infrastructures, create jobs, and empower communities in Timor-Leste, with a strong focus on women’s participation and inclusive development.

Mr. Tito de Jesus, CIREP Project Manager, presents an overview of the project during the CES training session, outlining key interventions to strengthen community infrastructure and resilience.

Julio Guterres/ UNDP Timor-Leste

About the UNDP-CIREP Project

The Community Infrastructure for Resilience Project (CIREP) (2023–2027) strengthens rural resilience by improving community infrastructure and expanding access to essential services in education, health, water, and sanitation. With financial support of US$5 million from the Government of Japan, the project will implement 46 new or rehabilitated community infrastructures in Bobonaro, Ermera, Liquiça, and RAEOA (Oé-Cusse).