About me
I’m Natalino de Jesus Soares — a Project and Contract Management professional from Timor-Leste, currently pursuing my MSc in Project Management at University College Dublin as an Ireland Fellows Scholar.
My background spans public-sector infrastructure, PPP development, humanitarian logistics, youth leadership programmes, and cross-cultural teamwork across Timor-Leste, Brazil, United States of America, Southeast Asia and Ireland.
What drives me is simple: using project management to improve systems, build community resilience, and support sustainable development for emerging economies.
Real-World Experience
Before moving to Ireland, I served as Deputy Head (and Interim Head) of the Project Management Unit for Dili’s Solid Waste Management PPP. This role required managing contractors, municipal officials, communities, and international partners in a fast-paced public-sector environment.
I’ve also been involved in youth development, cross-border leadership initiatives, and community resilience efforts — experiences that shape my collaborative, inclusive, and impact-driven approach to project work.
What makes me stand out in Ireland
Studying in Ireland has sharpened my ability to navigate global systems while staying grounded in the realities of developing contexts. I bring experience from managing one of Timor-Leste’s most ambitious public projects — the Solid Waste Management PPP — where I worked on contract oversight, vendor coordination, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.
My international exposure through the Ireland Fellows Programme, FLBA Philippines, ASLIP Cambridge, and global youth leadership networks allows me to approach problems with both technical structure and cultural intelligence.
See my work
Explore selected projects that reflect my work across public management, PPP development, sustainability, youth leadership, and community resilience — from Timor-Leste’s municipal systems to cross-regional leadership programmes and academic at UCD.
"Natalino's international experience and commitment to sustainable development make him an invaluable asset to any project."
Jan Skajaa, COWI - Former Colleague & Project Supervisor