Support disability inclusion by strengthening fundraising and donor partnerships

Ahisaun Foundation is a respected Timorese organisation advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. It provides training in IT, business, music, handicrafts, and practical life skills, while also supporting people with disabilities in marginalised communities.

Ahisaun, through Palms International Volunteering, is seeking a Fundraising & Donor Relations Mentor to help strengthen its long term sustainability and expand opportunities for people with disabilities across Timor Leste.

What you’ll do

First several weeks – Learn, observe, and build trust

• Learn local language, cultural norms, and organisational context with support from a local mentor.
• Observe existing systems and document strengths and community assets.
• Avoid recommending changes during this period; focus on understanding why things are done the way they are.

Ongoing responsibilities

– Strengthen fundraising and donor engagement

• Work alongside Ahisaun staff to develop effective fundraising strategies.
• Support the management of current donor relationships and reporting requirements.
• Build staff capacity to prepare donor applications, acquittals, and progress reports.
• Mentor staff in developing confidence, communication skills, and a positive team culture.
• Help strengthen systems that support long term organisational sustainability.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in fundraising, ideally within disability inclusion or community development.
• Experience managing donor relationships and preparing donor reports.
• Ability to transfer skills and build staff confidence.
• Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humour.
• Cultural sensitivity and openness to learning from local colleagues.
• Commitment to serve for 12 months with limited resources.
• Willingness to engage your Australian community in supporting the placement.

What you’ll gain

• Deep cultural immersion in Timor Leste’s capital city.
• The opportunity to strengthen an organisation that transforms the lives of people with disabilities.
• Professional experience in cross cultural mentoring and fundraising strategy.
• Contribution to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 17 (Partnerships).

About Ahisaun Foundation Ahisaun operates a purpose built residential and training facility in Dili, offering education, skills training, and advocacy for people with disabilities. In a country where employment opportunities for people with disabilities—especially women—are extremely limited, Ahisaun plays a vital role in promoting inclusion, independence, and dignity. Your contribution will help strengthen the organisation’s ability to secure funding and expand its impact.

About Palms International Volunteering For 65 years, Palms International Volunteering has supported skilled Australians to live and work alongside communities in the Asia-Pacific. Our volunteers don’t ‘fix’ problem - they build relationships, strengthen local capacity, and walk with communities striving for dignity and opportunity. These are ‘solidarity placements’. Accommodation and a small stipend is provided, as well as preparation and ongoing support.

The focus is on living as a true neighbour to learn, and to establish an effective mentoring role. This is the basis for lasting capacity building in the community. It is also a chance for you to step out of the rush and reconnect with what matters through a deep cultural immersion and genuine community relationships.