International Federation for East Timor
Observer Project
NOTE: IFET-OP ended in September 1999 and is not accepting applications. IFET is currently working with an international project called La'o Hamutuk.
BEING AN IFET OBSERVER PROJECT VOLUNTEER
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer with the International Federation for East Timor Observer Project. This is an exciting and demanding project which has evolved rapidly to address the urgent needs of the East Timorese. With the August 30th East Timor ballot date coming up quickly, we will be very busy in the coming weeks reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, and coordinating volunteer trainings in three parts of the U.S. Before filling out the attached application, we ask you to seriously consider the following basic criteria established for volunteers. Volunteers will need:
- Flexibility: There are many uncertainties regarding what conditions volunteers will face due to the short timetable for the UN process and the unstable situation in East Timor. Volunteers will need to be ready for plans to change as we work to be most effective in ensuring the vote is free and fair.
- Time: We require an absolute minimum time commitment of two weeks but encourage volunteers to stay in East Timor as long as possible.
- Good Health: IFET OP volunteers will need to be in good health as there are very limited medical services in East Timor.
- Stability/Maturity: Volunteers will be working in a very stressful situation.Under the current conditions, working (as well as living) in East Timor is emotionally and mentally challenging. We suggest that the minimum age for participants be 25 years, though we will make exceptions on a case by case basis.
- Commitment to Non-Violence: IFET is committed to nonviolence and expects all participants to adhere absolutely to this principle, agreeing not to participate in, encourage or support violence in any way.
- Commitment to Non-Partisanship: The objective of this project is to support the right to self-determination of the East Timorese under the UN administered consultation. We will not campaign either for or against Indonesia's autonomy plan, nor will we advance any political viewpoint, either by word or action. Any real or perceived partisanship by volunteers seriously threatens the effectiveness and safety of all those involved.
- Ability to Work Within Project Guidelines: Volunteers will be expected to sign a contract stating that they understand and agree to follow the guidelines of the project. Volunteers will need to respect and follow the decisions of the project coordinators.
- Ability to Work with a Team: We will be a diverse international team. Each volunteer must be able to work with others and communicate openly and clearly.
- Relevant Experience: We ask that volunteers have some experience relevant to the this project. This may include prior experience with election observing, accompaniment, human rights work in the "third world", volunteer experience and other peace work.
- Language: English will be the primary language of the project and having volunteers who are fluent and/or conversant in Indonesian will be a priority. Knowledge of the Portuguese language would be an asset, but not as important to the project as Indonesian.
THE IFET OP APPLICATION PACKET
Your application will not be complete without the following:
- Completion of this written application form (additional c.v. is optional)
- An interview (in person preferred)
- 2 references (please include day and evening phone numbers, letters of recommendation may be submitted as additional information)
- Medical release form (doctor's statement of good health)
- Completion of Observer Project Training program with a positive recommendation from the trainers
- Signed contract on the Observer Project's Code of Conduct
You will also be responsible for the following:
- Having a current and valid passport
- Getting all necessary immunizations
- Carefully reading all preparatory material and taking any other action necessary to prepare
- Developing a strong personal support network before you leave
- Providing the funding for your travel and living expenses to/from and in East Timor (approximately $2500 from the USA)
- Paying a one-time fee of $100 to a central IFET-OP fund to cover housing in East Timor for your entire stay, and food for the first few days during orientation
Because of the high volume of interest in this project, we ask that you read all material on the IFET OP before sending inquiries.
Deadline for applications (first round of training): June 21
Deadline for second round: July 15
Estimated travel between US and East Timor: $2000
Estimated living expenses: $200 a week
Please send your application form and any relevant materials to the IFET contact person in your country of residence or nationality:
APPLICANT QUESTIONAIRE
Note: Please be complete and thorough in your responses. While this application is being sent via email, we need as much information from you as possible.
Personal Information
Name:
Address:
City:
State/Region:
Country:
Zip Code:
Telephone:
(day)
(evening)
Fax:
E-mail:
Male___ Female___
Date and place of birth:
Country of Passport:
Passport Number:
Expiration Date:
1. For what length of time can you volunteer with this project?
2. Please list the dates when you will be available for travel and note whether they are approximate or specific.
3. Please indicate how flexible you can be with your travel plans if the ballot consultation is delayed past August 30th?
4. Have you applied to be a UN Volunteer or to participate in any other observer project for the August 30 consultation in East Timor?
5. Please describe your educational background.
6. Please describe your work experience.
7. Please describe your present family situation. Are you in a committed, long-term relationship? Are there children or other persons dependent on you? Is/are your partner/family members supportive of your plan to go to East Timor?
8. How would you describe your present state of physical and mental health? Do you have any chronic illness or disabilities? Are you currently under psychological treatment? Do you need regular medication?
9. How would you describe your financial situation? Are you able to pay for your travel to and from East Timor as well as living expenses during your stay (approximately $200/week)? If you are not, do you have a plan to raise the money?
10. What languages do you understand and speak with a high level of competency?
11. What languages can you read and write with a high level of competency?
12. What is your knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia? (none, basic, intermediate, good):
13. What is your knowledge of Portuguese? (none, basic, intermediate, good):
14. What is your knowledge of Tetun? (none, basic, intermediate, good):
15. Have you traveled, lived or worked in another country? If yes, please describe when, where, and what you did for whom:
16. Did you ever participate in nonviolence training? If yes, please describe when, where, and with what purpose?
17. Please describe any previous experience with electoral monitoring.
18. Please describe other relevant activities, such as volunteer work, peace work, or participation in nonviolent action.
19. What is your knowledge of nonviolent conflict resolution and mediation? Elaborate on what you learned and where:
20. What human rights work experience have you had (including trainings)?
21. Have you previously visited East Timor/Indonesia? When and for what purpose?
22. Do you have any other experience or knowledge relevant to this project?
23. Please explain why you are interested in working with this project.
24. Do you have any training in emergency medical care or first aid?
Emergency Contact Information
Name:
Address:
Telephone/Fax/e-mail:
Language:
Relationship to you:
Return to IFET's Main Page