Defence Office Manager
The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa invites applications for the position of Defence Office Manager.
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 energetic individual to fill this exciting position in the Australian High Commission’s Defence Section.
The Defence Office Manager provides financial, administrative and office management support to the Defence Advisor (DA) and staff as well as the delivery of services to Australian Defence Force (ADF) posted staff in Tonga, Samoa and Kiribati. The position manages and leads the financial and human resource services, whilst providing capability management and support services to the Defence Adviser, Assistant Defence Advisor and senior official visitors to the Defence Office.
All staff are required to assist in a crisis or humanitarian response.
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 LE5 broadband level with an annual salary range between TOP35,545 and TOP41,567 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 covering letter which includes information on your skills and qualifications relevant to the position (maximum one page);
- A Curriculum Vitae outlining personal details, relevant work experience and educational qualifications (maximum two pages), and
- Contact details for two referees.
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.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on Friday 11 July 2025. Applications should include
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 Defence |
|
POSITION NUMBER |
11585 |
|
POSITION TITLE |
Defence Office Manager |
|
CLASSIFICATION |
LE5 |
|
POST |
Nuku’alofa, Tonga |
|
REPORTS TO (TITLE) |
Defence Advisor South Pacific |
About The Department of Defence
The primary role of the Department of Defence is to support the Australian Government’s ability to shape Australia’s strategic environment, deter actions against our interests and, if necessary, respond with military capabilities. Australia’s defence policy has been formulated based on the principle that strong international partnerships – particularly in the Indo-Pacific region – are fundamental to national security.
About the position
The Defence Office Manager provides financial, administrative and office management support to the Defence Advisor (DA) and staff as well as the delivery of services to Australian Defence Force (ADF) posted staff in Tonga, Samoa and Kiribati. The position manages and leads the financial and human resource services, whilst providing capability management and support services to the Defence Adviser, Assistant Defence Advisor and senior official visitors to the Defence Office
Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
- Provide complex technical advice and leadership for the operation of the Defence office including the coordination of all business administrative management, development and implementation of work plans in accordance with Defence policies and procedures
- Manage the Defence Office budget including forecasting, procurement, monitoring expenditure, identifying savings, and preparing financial reports and bids ensuring risks are mitigated and compliant with legislative and policy requirements
- Develop, strengthen and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including posts in Samoa and Kiribati, service delivery partners, Department of Foreign Affairs Trade (DFAT) and colleagues in other offices to ensure positive customer outcomes
- Monitor the delivery of services provided by DFAT under the Head Arrangement and engage directly with relevant stakeholders to resolve issues.
- Manage performance and development of Defence Locally engaged staff, including allocating resources, setting priorities, monitoring workflow and managing performance to achieve objectives across all countries of accreditation
- Manage the planning, administration and support necessary for all Defence official functions, events and Senior Official visits
- In consultation with the Assistant Defence Adviser, formulate and implement Defence office policies, procedures, and direction identifying opportunities for improvements and provide leadership on corporate governance issues.
- Provide high-level executive, administrative and organisational support to the Defence Adviser and Assistant Defence Adviser, including stake-holder engagement with partner diplomatic missions, corporate travel and executive scheduling
- Undertake technical and specialised research tasks as directed.
Required Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in financial and/or corporate management, preferably within government, large corporate department, or diplomatic mission
- Experience in managing small, high productivity teams in complex environments
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective stakeholder relationships
- High-level of initiative and ability to work independently within a small team
- High-level of integrity and accountability in decision-making
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Tongan and English
- Ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines
- Knowledge of SAP or similar financial management software is highly desirable
- High level proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications