DT Global - Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP)
VACANCY
• Remuneration Framework Review Adviser
Location:
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Program Background
The Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP) is a mechanism which will support the work of the Australian Government in meeting development objectives in Tonga. It is a multi-sector development facility that uses multiple modalities including development program management, technical advisory support, grants management, and subcontracting. TASP supports Australian Government policy development and dialogue to deliver the desired outcomes.
About DT Global
DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.
For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
The Role
The Remuneration Authority (the Authority) was established in 2010 under the Remuneration Authority Act 2010, with the mandate to make recommendations on the remuneration and other monetary benefits of the officers listed in the Schedule under Section 13(1) of the Act. The Authority is currently engaging a Technical Adviser (TA) to support a review of the Remuneration Authority Act.
The current remuneration framework, introduced in 2016, marked a significant milestone in Tonga’s Public Sector Reform efforts. However, over time, it has faced several challenges, including ensuring fairness across employee groups, maintaining market competitiveness, meeting employee expectations, and managing rising costs within the constraints of the national budget. These challenges have implications for wage bill sustainability and the long-term affordability of the framework.
The Authority recognises the importance of maintaining a remuneration system that is fair, competitive, and aligned with best practices. A comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of the current salary structures, benefits, and incentive schemes, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation—such as the Remuneration Authority Act, Public Service Act, and labour laws—and alignment with broader organisational and national strategic goals.
The Authority is seeking expert technical assistance to conduct a comprehensive review of Tonga’s Remuneration Framework. The review will assess the current framework, including salary structures, allowances, benefits, and incentive schemes. It will also benchmark existing compensation levels against relevant industry standards, best practices, and principles of good governance. A key focus will be on evaluating the alignment between remuneration policies and employee performance, particularly in relation to ministry outputs, staff retention, and motivation. The review will aim to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas in need of improvement, and will culminate in recommendations to enhance the fairness, competitiveness, and long-term financial sustainability of the framework.
The Adviser will be responsible for the following tasks–
- Conduct a detailed review of existing salary scales and benefits packages in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Assess the affordability and sustainability of the current remuneration framework for the Government of Tonga.
- Perform comparative benchmarking with organisations in similar sectors and across Pacific Island countries.
- Engage stakeholders through surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback on the current remuneration framework.
- Evaluate whether remuneration appropriately reflects job responsibilities, levels of experience, and employee performance across roles.
- Assess compliance with the Remuneration Authority Act, Public Service Act, labour laws, tax policies, and other regulatory requirements.
- Develop a strategic report outlining findings and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: TOR - Remuneration Framework Review Adviser Final 200625.docx
About You
Essential Experience, Capacities and Knowledge
- Postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting remuneration reviews or advising on salary structures, particularly within the public sector.
- Strong understanding of public sector reform, wage policy, and fiscal sustainability.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and clearly present complex findings to diverse stakeholders.
Desirable
- Experience working in Pacific Island countries or other small island developing states.
- Familiarity with Tonga’s public sector or similar institutional and legislative frameworks.
- Knowledge of pay equity principles and inclusive remuneration practices
Why join TASP?
TASP is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. TASP is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.
HOW TO APPLY
Click the 'Apply Now' button or email your application with the reference “Remuneration Framework Review Adviser” to recruitment [at] tasplatform [dot] net.
Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 13th July 2025 / 23h59 / UTC +13 (Tonga Standard Time)
Should this role be of interest; we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.
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