Opportunities

Program Manager

The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa invites applications for the position of Program Manager, Humanitarian and Climate Action.

All suitable applicants will be placed into a merit pool that may be used to fill similar vacancies in the next 12 months.

About the role:

We are seeking a qualified, experienced and energetic individual to fill this exciting position in the Australian High Commission’s development section in support of Australia’s partnership with Tonga.

Under broad direction, the Program Manager is responsible for delivering Australian development policies and programs in Tonga, through leadership and management of development activities, and building effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders in Tonga and the region.

This position will lead DFAT’s engagement in the Humanitarian/NGO and Climate Action sectors, including fostering relationships with Ministry of MEIDECC and Tonga’s civil society actors.

The Program Manager will be part of a small team managing and providing policy advice on a portfolio of activities under Australia’s International Development Policy and forthcoming Tonga-Australia Development Partnership Plan.

International or domestic travel is occasionally required to represent the program at meetings, attend training and monitor aid investments. Part time hours are negotiable subject to the ability to meet operational requirements.

To discuss any aspects of the roles, you can contact [email protected] or phone (+676) 20400.

Terms of employment:

The terms of employment will be in accordance with the Nuku’alofa – Locally Engaged Staff Terms and Conditions of Employment. Employment will be offered on a permanent (on-going) contract basis at the LE6 broadband level with an annual salary range between TOP $44,037 to TOP $51,521 depending on experience. Continued employment is subject to a successful completion of a six month probation period.

The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa offers a package that includes recreation and personal carer’s days, medical benefits, and superannuation contributions.

The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa will not be responsible for any costs incurred if applying for a Tongan visa, relocation costs, nor the return of the officer and family to their country of origin at the end of the contract. The High Commission will not bear any responsibility for assisting applicants to obtain or maintain the right to work in Tonga.

The Australian high commission is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people with disabilities are encouraged.

How to apply:

A full copy of the Duty Statement and Requirements may be downloaded from our website Opportunities (embassy.gov.au); from our Facebook page, through email by contacting the Australian High Commission via email – [email protected] or collected from the Australian High Commission reception.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on Tuesday 22 October 2024. Applications should include

A covering letter (maximum one page);
A curriculum vitae (maximum three pages) which includes details of two referees, one of whom should be a current or recent manager; and
A written statement addressing the qualifications and experience criteria (maximum 750 words)

Please submit your application either by email to [email protected] (preferred) or in a hard copy addressed to HR Personnel – Job Vacancy and dropped off at the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa.

Late or incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Program Manager – Nuku’alofa – September 2024

Agency	Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Position number	20320
Title	Program Manager
Classification	LE6
Section	Policy and Programs
Reports to (title)	Second Secretary, Development

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

The Australian High Commission represents Australia’s interests in the Kingdom of Tonga. This involves delivering an effective development program, economic, people-to-people and security partnerships, and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

About the position

This position will lead DFAT’s engagement in the Humanitarian/NGO and Climate Action sectors, including fostering relationships with Ministry of MEIDECC and Tonga’s civil society actors.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Manage the effective delivery of Australia’s humanitarian and climate action sector policies and programs in Tonga in collaboration with Australian, Tongan and international partners.
Commission, oversee and undertake research, analysis, pipeline planning, and problem solving on relevant issues (for example climate action policy) to inform DFAT investment.
Provide surge support to the Government of Tonga’s National Disaster Risk Management Office (when requested)
Negotiate and collaborate with senior Tongan Government officials and civil society members on formulating, developing and implementing aid activities, and influence and support the Tongan Government to drive performance and value for money for these programs.
Ensure DFAT’s policy requirements are met, including gender, disability inclusion, and child protection, and undertake financial and quality assurance. Report on programme outcomes, provide expert advice, and draft significant written input for DFAT policy, reporting, and correspondence. Identify development, fraud and other program risks and engage with counterparts and the High Commission leadership team to manage and mitigate these risks.
Report on emerging DFAT, partner government and other agency policy developments, maintaining a thorough understanding of issues relating to the multilateral and bilateral relationships between Australia and the Pacific.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with Tongan officials, development partners, and other stakeholders, particularly with the Ministry of MEIDECC.
Represent the Australian High Commission, promote policy dialogue, and provide advice on Australian participation at national and regional forums.
Perform other duties as required, including event management and disaster preparedness assistance.

Qualifications/Experience

Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or work experience in either development, public policy, climate action, or related field.
A sound understanding of the economic and social issues facing development in Tonga, and the work of the Australian development program.
Previous experience working within the humanitarian sector, or as part of the humanitarian response would be beneficial.
Highly developed program, financial and contract management and monitoring and evaluation skills.
management and leadership experience, and the ability to build effective working relationships with a diverse and cross-cultural set of stakeholders (externally and internally).
Ability, sound judgement and confidence to drive work forward with limited input from supervisors.
Highly developed and influential English language communication skills (written and oral) that support decision-making, advocacy, coalition-building and public diplomacy.
Flexibility to adjust to new areas of policy or program focus as needed.
Tongan language skills are highly desirable.