1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your name, job position, where you were born, where you live, your qualifications and experience.
My name is Humberto Borges and my position at SenaiNT ELC is Operations /Adminstration Officer. I was born in Dili, Timor Leste and I currently live in a suburb in Dili called Bidau Lecidere. From 1999 – 2010, I worked for the United Nations in various roles such as a Warehouse Assistant, Rigger Assistant and as an Asset Manager Assistant. I hold certificates in the Shipment of Dangerous Goods, Rigging Skills, Basic Security, Access and Rescue and have completed various Management and IT (Web Design, Microsoft/Excel) courses. One of my professional highlights is receiving the Ellie Wiesel Ethics Award from the UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan and Nobel Peace Laureate, Elie Wiesel, in recognition of my work and dedication to international civil service during my 11 years of service to the United Nations in Timor Leste.
2. What does your job description include?
As an Operations/Administration Officer at SenaiNT, my duties include driving staff members to attend meetings and visits to sister schools in Dili and in district areas. I also assist the school’s AO with quotations for resources/furnishings/stationer supplies for the centre, pick up of orders and payment of purchases. I make bookings for special events and support staff with logistical support during these events. I organise maintenance and fuelling of the school’s government car and I provide IT support for staff during REACT sessions and as required. I also monitor building security and safety of staff during operating hours and provide bilingual support to overseas guests when required.
3. Why did you choose your current profession?
I wanted the opportunity to be part of an exciting project and to use my existing skills to benefit the students at SenaiNT. I enjoy working in a collaborative team environment and the variety of tasks that I get to do including travelling to the Districts in TL to support the work of SenaiNT ELC and the TL/NT Sister Schools.
4.What is your most memorable moment at SenaiNT?
My most memorable moment at SenaiNT is assisting the PE teacher with weekly lessons at the Centre and particularly, watching the students make great gains in their physical fitness and the enjoyment I see in their faces at the end of each session.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of your job whilst at SenaiNT?
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to part of an exciting team of TL staff members, the variety of the work and watching the students achieve great results.
6. What are your hobbies/interests outside of teaching?
My hobbies outside of teaching include doing hard exercises like Bootcamp, playing soccer and watching action movies. I also have an interest in international football and I follow the NRL competition. My favourite football team is Manchester United and my favourite rugby team is Brisbane Broncos.
7. What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are considering studying at the Centre?
My advice is to take the opportunity to study at SenaiNT if you get the chance to do so. The program is Australian standard with great teachers and with lots of opportunity to do lots of fun and exciting activities. Being a student at SenaiNT provides you with a lifetime opportunity to gain skills to access a job here in TL or overseas.
8. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years’ time, I hope to be in a position that is more actively involved in recruiting and training TL youth for seasonal work in Australia.