Employment Opportunities at the Australian High Commission
Program Manager - Heath
The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa invites applications for the position of Program Manager – Health. 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 an experienced and motivated health and/or development professional to join the Australian High Commission’s Social Development Team.
The Program Manager – Health manages a portfolio of complex activities supporting Australia’s bilateral and regional health engagement with Tonga, including the Tonga Health System Strengthening Support Program and in‑country coordination of the Partnership for a Healthy Region initiative. Working under limited direction, the role provides technical health policy and program management advice to inform Australian Government investment decisions and broader development cooperation objectives in Tonga.
The position involves managing relationships with senior government counterparts and development partners, representing the High Commission at meetings and events, contributing to policy dialogue and sector coordination, and overseeing implementation, performance, and risk management across the health portfolio. The role requires strong analytical capability, sound judgement, and autonomy in managing workflows.
The officer may accompany senior diplomats to official engagements, support high‑level visits, and undertake occasional domestic or international travel. All staff are required to assist in a crisis or humanitarian response.
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 TOP45,578.52 to TOP53,324.76 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 copy of the Position Description is below.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm on Monday 18 May 2026. Applications should include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) which includes statements addressing the following selection criteria (please provide examples where possible):
- Qualifications and/or experience relevant to health policy, health systems or development program management
- Demonstrated experience in managing or overseeing development programs or projects, preferably in health
- Experience engaging with government counterparts and development partners, preferably in health
- Strong analytical, communication and coordination skills.
- A Curriculum Vitae outlining personal details, relevant work experience and educational qualifications (maximum two pages);
- Contact details for two referees including your current supervisor (there is no need to provide written references as part of the application).
Please submit your application by email to [email protected].
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.
|
AGENCY |
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
|
POSITION NUMBER |
TBA |
|
POSITION TITLE |
Program Manager - Health |
|
CLASSIFICATION |
LE6 |
|
SECTION |
Development Section |
|
REPORTS TO (TITLE) |
First Secretary – Social 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.
About the position
The Program Manager - Health manages a portfolio of complex activities that support Australia’s bilateral and regional health engagement with Tonga, including oversight of the Tonga Health System Strengthening Support Program and in-country coordination of the Partnership for a Healthy Region initiative. Working under limited direction, the role provides detailed technical, policy and program management advice to inform Australian Government investment decisions in the health sector and contribute to broader development cooperation objectives in Tonga.
The position manages relationships with senior government counterparts and development partners, represents the High Commission in meetings and events, and contributes to policy dialogue and sector coordination. The role requires strong analytical capability, initiative and autonomy in managing workflows, and the ability to assess risks and performance across the health portfolio. The officer may accompany senior diplomats to official engagements, support high-level visits, and undertake occasional domestic or international travel.
Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
- Monitor, research and analyse developments in Tonga’s health sector, including policy settings, performance trends and emerging issues of relevance to Australia, providing timely reporting and recommendations.
- Provide evidence-based policy and program advice, drawing on stakeholder input and an understanding of national and regional health factors.
- Draft high‑quality reporting, briefs and other documentation to support Australia’s health policy engagement and program objectives.
- Manage day-to-day implementation and oversight of Australia’s bilateral and regional health investments, ensuring alignment with policy guidelines and compliance frameworks.
- Develop and manage investment agreements, including monitoring financial reporting, expenditure and contract compliance.
- Monitor program performance through partner engagement, progress reporting, analysis, site visits, and participation in independent evaluations and reviews.
- Identify development, fraud, governance, or program risks, and work with partners to develop mitigation strategies and support continuous improvement.
- Coordinate linkages across bilateral and regional programs to support coherence, complementarity and effective delivery.
- Ensure cross‑cutting issues – such as gender equality, disability inclusion and climate resilience – are incorporated across program activities.
- Initiate, maintain and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including Government of Tonga counterparts, regional organisations, multilateral agencies, advisers and other development partners.
- Represent the Australian Government at meetings, working groups and forums, and support senior diplomats in official engagements by preparing briefs, talking points, analysis and reporting on outcomes
- Coordinate logistics and contribute to program development and preparation for technical and high‑level visits, including by Australian ministers and senior officials.
Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills
- Tertiary qualifications in health or a related field.
- Extensive proven experience in health policy, health systems strengthening and/or development program management.
- Proven ability to build effective working relationships with a diverse and cross-cultural set of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work under limited supervision in a team and contribute to enhancing team capacity through collaboration.
- Highly developed written and verbal English communication skills, including the ability to influence, advocate and support public diplomacy outcomes.
- Experience and understanding of the Tongan development context, including culture and governance.
- Fluent Tongan essential.
ENDS
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The temporary employment register is currently being advertised.
All eligible and suitably qualified candidates will be considered for inclusion in a merit pool, which may be used to fill similar roles over the next 12 months.
These positions are based at the Australian High Commission office in Nuku’alofa.
Temporary Employment Register
|
POSITION TITLE |
Temporary Employment Register – Nuku’alofa |
|
CLASSIFICATION |
Dependent upon the position responsibilities |
|
LOCATION |
Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa |
|
CONTRACT TYPE |
Fixed Term |
|
CLOSING DATE |
Register closes for new applications on 30 June 2026 |
About the Temporary Employment Register
The Australian High Commission maintains a Temporary Employment Registry to fill short-term vacancies as they arise throughout the year. These roles are temporary, non-ongoing contract positions which are usually less than six months in duration.
Typical temporary roles include:
- Policy and Program Support – assisting with research, reporting, and coordination of diplomatic programs
- Corporate Officers – supporting finance, HR, property, travel, security or IT functions
- Project Officers – managing short-term initiatives or events
- Executive Assistants – providing high-level administrative support to executives
- Administrative Assistants – general office support and reception duties
- Official Drivers – transporting staff and official visitors
All positions are generally office-based at the Australian High Commission office in Nuku’alofa.
Temporary Contracts
Temporary vacancies are usually filled on a short-term contract basis, with either fulltime, parttime or casual hours, depending on business needs and requirements. The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member at The Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa.
Salary for the position is to be determined based on the vacancy and the level of experience required to complete the duties. Salary will be based on the Nuku’alofa LES Salary Scale and may include loading or penalty rates instead of accruing entitlements such as sick leave and holiday leave. Employment conditions will closely match those in the Nuku’alofa Post Locally Engaged Staff Employment Conditions.
Only those with a right to work in Tonga are eligible to apply for the Temporary Employment Register at the Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa. Individuals will be required to present proof of their status before an offer is made.
The Australian High Commission reserves the right to terminate a temporary staff member’s employment at any time.
Please be advised that the Australian High Commission does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
If an Offer is made
If you are contacted with a temporary employment offer, you will be asked to provide:
- A completed Pre-Employment Probity Check Form (PDF), including all supporting documentation.
- A completed Personal Particulars Form (PDF).
Placement will only proceed following successful police and medical clearances.
An offer of temporary employment does not guarantee ongoing or permanent employment with the Australian High Commission.
How to Apply
To be considered for temporary employment, please submit a CV and a separate cover letter outlining your specific qualifications, relevant skills, previous work experience and availability for temporary employment.
Applications are kept on file for 12 months. Your application will be considered when temporary vacancies arise and decisions are based on suitability, availability and/or the possession of a security clearance (if required by the position).
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
Candidates will be directly contacted if their application is under consideration for a vacancy.
Please direct any queries to [email protected]
ENDS