Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste
在東ティモール日本国大使館

Some Precious Experiences

 

I have been working with the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste since August 2007. Over the past two years, it was great opportunity to obtain new skills in the area of Grant Assistance for grassroots Human Security project. During the past 2 years, being in charge of the Assistant Program, I worked very closely with local and international NGOs operating in Timor-Leste. In addition to being a liaison with related partners and the government, I undertook some activities such as the press tour organized by the Embassy of Japan in 2008.

 

Those activities I mentioned above were very significant means to dedicate my life for learning new skills and experience. I cordially thank Ms. Shimodaira, who was a program coordinator and closely worked together and taught me particular issues such as management skills of the program of Small Grant Project (GGP).

 

Aside from this, I also attended the Small Grant Donor Meeting organized by Belun. It was held every month in Belun Office. In the meeting, we discussed management skills of organizations, how NGOs and the government should cooperate in running programs, and monitoring and evaluation as well as the successful implementation of projects in rural areas.

 

After two years I worked for the GPP, I was transferred to the consular section by the recommendation from the embassy. So I started to work as a new staff in the consular section, replacing a Timorese officer who resigned at the same time as my contract expired on 31 March 2009.

 

In the consular section within the Embassy of Japan, I addressed many people who apply for visa to enter Japan and other related issues. Regarding the application of visa, I must pay attention the documents required from applicants. Some applicants do not understand well about the procedure. As a result, the issuance of visa is sometimes delayed. To avoid such a situation, I asked them to complete the documents before coming to the Embassy to apply for visa.

 

Aside from working experiences, I’ve been given a chance to learn Japanese culture and discipline during business hours. I am very pleased to learn more about Japanese culture including, language and other matters. Once I started to work for the Japanese Embassy in Timor-Leste, I immediately became used to the culture, how to interact with Japanese people etc. I also learned to dedicate my self to working for a better performance and to be on time.

 

I greatly appreciate the Japanese system, which is consistent in its criteria and procedure.
I hope the Embassy will teach me how to improve my dealing with the procedure and inquiries with regard to visa applications.

 

I also attend the Security Update meeting in Obrigado Baraks, to update security information and accident s happening in Dili.

 

Finally, I would like to express my thanks to the Japanese system, which has been improving my capacity and knowledge. I will continue to do my best in cooperation with the Japanese staff at the Embassy.

 

Good luck,

 

 

(Amaral)