DILI, 18 March 2026 (TATOLI) — The Presidency of the Republic on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, reinforcing its commitment to effective governance and strategic development.
Henriqueta Maria da Silva has been appointed Chief of Staff, formalized under Presidential Decree No. 32/2026, while Graziela Fátima Liu Soares takes on the role of Deputy Chief of Staff under Decree No. 33/2026.
Henriqueta Maria da Silva brings over two decades of experience in development and governance to her new role.
A seasoned professional in institutional development and program management, Silva was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency. Her distinguished career includes senior advisory roles to the Government on public sector reform and accountability; managing large-scale local governance programs for UNDP/UNCDF; coordinating gender and development research for UNIFEM; and serving as a national consultant for the World Bank, WFP, and UNDP.
Silva’s expertise covers the full project cycle, from policy design and strategic planning to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Henriqueta has led numerous multi-stakeholder initiatives, facilitated institutional strengthening for state bodies, and conducted extensive field research on economic development and gender issues.
Known as a results-oriented leader, she combines practical problem-solving with a deep commitment to capacity building and teamwork. She holds a Master in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management (Philippines) and a Bachelor of Economics from Soegijapranata University (Indonesia). Her technical skills include proficiency in SPSS data analysis, and she is fluent in Tetum, Indonesian, English, and Portuguese.
Graziela Fátima Liu Soares steps into the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and currently serving as Executive Secretary to the President since May 2022, where she demonstrated exceptional organizational leadership and cross-cultural expertise.
Soares’ career encompasses high-level government roles, including Chief of Staff at the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment and Public Relations Advisor for China Harbour Timor.
This background provides Soares with extensive experience in organizational leadership, administration, public relations, and project oversight.
A graduate in International Trade and Commerce from South Korea’s Konkuk University, Soares has also worked as a Corporate Secretary, Korean language instructor, and Foreign Workers Supporter/Interpreter in Seoul, honing her linguistic abilities and cross-cultural fluency. Known for her adaptability and warm interpersonal skills, she holds certifications including a Mini-MBA and Global Governance Program.
She is passionate about connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and contributing to dynamic, challenging environments.
Commenting on the appointments, President Ramos-Horta said: “Building a nation that truly serves its people requires strong institutions led by capable and dedicated individuals.”
“I have full confidence that Henriqueta Maria da Silva and Graziela Fátima Liu Soares, with their combined professional experience and unwavering commitment to public service, will provide the leadership necessary to strengthen and support the Presidency in its mission to serve all of Timor-Leste,” Ramos-Horta said in a statement.
The Presidency extends its best wishes to both appointees for the greatest success in their new roles as they embark on this important work together.
TATOLI
