Director profile

Profile: National Director for Local Development and Territorial Management

Mr. Miguel Pereira de Carvalho

Mr. Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, was nominated on April 11, 2008 as the Director of the new Directorate on Local Development and Territorial Management. He is responsible for overseeing the decentralization process and the local government reforms. He also manages the Local Development Programme, which currently is piloting models of local governance in eight districts.

Director Carvalho was nominated due to his educational background and extensive experience working in local government, as well as the capability he demonstrated as the National Director of Administration and Finance within this same Ministry from 2004 until 2008.

He studied at the National Institute for Public Administration in Bandung, Indonesia, designed especially for students who intend to work in local government, from 1994-1998. Upon graduation, he began to work immediately within the District Administration in Bobonaro. In 2003, Mr. Carvlaho continued his studies in Sydney, Australia, graduating with a master’s degree in Politics and Public Policy from Macquarie University.

Throughout his career, the DNDLOT Director says that he always wanted to work for the government, and is committed to the success of Timor-Leste as a self-governing nation. “Timor-Leste has limited human resources, so young people with experience need to take the lead in the development of the country", said the Director, “It is my responsibility to our country, to lead and to work with everyone so that the Government achieves its objectives".

As the DNDLOT Director, Mr. Carvalho believes that his work with the local government reform will beneficial in improving the work of the government. Even though the local government is now being established, as the national government is now debating structures and policies, that there is the potential for change. “At least when we have local government in this country, we can pay more attention to problems in rural areas such as roads, electricity, water – things that all people need and that local government can help build", said the Director.

In his free time, Mr. Carvalho enjoys playing football sometimes with his friends with the Ministry’s team, playing chess and swimming at the beach on Sunday’s. He is married with one child.

For further information about Director de Carvalho or his work with decentralization and local governance, or to request an interview, please call +670 730 4268 or email miguelcarvalho76@yahoo.com.