TONGA ENENRGY COMMISSION (TEC)
JOB VACANCY - RE- ADVERTISEMENT
• CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Tonga Energy Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”) has been established under the Energy Act 2021 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) for the regulation of the energy sector in the Kingdom. The Commission is responsible for providing an efficient regulatory framework for the regulated sector in accordance with the Act. TEC requires the services of a knowledgeable, highly experienced and self-driven individual for the following position of:
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Main Purpose of the Job
Our regulatory stewardship aims to ensure the safety, affordability and security of supply of electricity, petroleum, gas, renewable energy and any other energy sources in the Kingdom according to the Energy Act 2021.
Reporting to the Commission, the CEO will be responsible for leading and directing the vision, mission, strategy and operations of the Commission as mandated by the Act to promote the development of a competitive, diverse, affordable and a sustainable energy sector.
POSITION PREREQUISITES
Qualification
The Chief Executive Officer shall meet the following criteria:
- over 18 years of age;
- has not been convicted of a criminal offence in the Kingdom or abroad;
- is not a member of the Legislative Assembly;
- has a background in economics and holds either –
- a tertiary degree or qualification which is directly relevant to the energy sector;
- a tertiary degree or qualification in commerce, economics, law, accountancy, public administration or consumer affairs having due regard to the functions of the Commission; or
- extensive industry knowledge or experience in a relevant field of at least 10 years.
Responsibilities
- CEO will be responsible for the administration of the Tonga Energy Commission governing the operation of the Commission and for ensuring that Commission discharges its mandate as enshrined in any Agreements, Regulations, and other relevant instruments;
- Provide strategic and operational leadership and management of the work of TEC staff in support of the regulatory functions of the Commission to ensure the efficient and effective regulation of the Electricity, Petroleum, Gas and renewable energy sectors;
- Provide regulatory support to the Commission, including preparing for Regulator meetings and papers for its consideration and supervising the execution of regulatory decisions of the Regulator on the Electricity, Petroleum ,Gas and renewable energy sectors as prescribed by legislation, regulation and stated Government policy;
- Leads the Commission in public consultations regarding regulations, rules, guidelines, codes of conduct, codes of practice and directives for effective regulation of the electricity, petroleum, gas and renewable energy sectors;
- CEO reports directly to the Commission;
- CEO will be responsible for preparing the Corporate Plan, Annual Management Plan, and Operating Budget for each year, and Procurement Plan for Commission consideration;
- Organise periodic meetings of the Commission and implement its directives;
- Carry out the functions of Corporate Secretary to the Commission;
- Subject to the Commission, enter into contracts on its behalf;
- Supervise the Commission’s staff, and make recommendations to the Commission on the hiring and termination of staff members;
- Delegate to the staff as necessary for the efficient and effective management of the Commission;
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Commission;
- Ensure the efficient use and management of the resources of the Commission;
- Responsible for implementing the strategy agreed by the Commission and for the leadership of the organisation and managing it within the authorities delegated to them by the Commission;
- Monitor risks to the Commission – material, litigable, or perceived;
- To represent the Commission as spokesperson with government and other peak bodies.
- Advises the Board on issues affecting the electricity, petroleum and gas sectors.
- To represent the Commission as spokesperson with government and other peak bodies.
Competencies
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking
- Deciding and Initiating Action
- Problem Solving
- Business Acumen
- Communicating Effectively
- Ethics, Integrity and Trust
- Resilience and Courage
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Management
- Industry and Sector Knowledge
Selection Criteria
- comprehensive/reasonable knowledge of all regulatory activities related to the electricity industry, petroleum, gas and renewable energy, including tariff setting, energy policy and strategies aimed at efficiency and renewable energy promotion, industry performance, benchmarking, licensing, data collection and analysis, and electric utility expansion plans;
- years of experience in an electric utility or in regulatory authority, especially in an executive position is highly desirable;
- must have a thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and other statutory instruments governing the electricity sector;
- must have broad-based corporate governance, financial and management information skills, and the intellectual ability to be able to identify wide-ranging key program, budgetary and operational issues quickly and propose thoughtful, workable responses to those issues;
- must be able to establish, maintain and broaden an extensive range of contacts with senior key officials of government ministries, non-governmental organisations, and private sector entities – including electric utilities, and other donor agencies;
- must also have a demonstrated ability to exercise his/her responsibilities and plan and execute work assignments independently, be a skilled communicator in Tongan and English, be able to work under pressure and produce high-quality results quickly, and be able to predict issues of concern and interact directly at the highest operational levels of the regional governments;
- must have strong analytical, communication, interpersonal, networking, and leadership skills, and the ability to prepare and present factual and interpretative reports covering relevant subject matters to the mandate of the Commission;
- excellent command of software programs for e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, projects, and graphics presentations is highly desirable.
Priority Considerations:
- a willingness and ability to embrace the manner of operating as outlined by the Energy Act 2021;
- evidence of being a highly effective leader with a reputation for good judgment and strong outcomes;
- evidence of effective problem solving and negotiating skills;
- evidence of a temperate and personable manner in dealing with people in challenging situations and of being proactive, reasonable, adaptable, flexible, and creative in reaching positive outcomes;
- demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing to sustain a credible and positive image and to engender confidence in the community;
- experience in visioning, planning, and implementing strategic priorities;
- evidence of systems for maintenance of secure records and of efficiency.
Remuneration and Job Terms
A remuneration package will be determined based on the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications.
The appointment is a Performance Based Contract, an initial term of three (3) years, renewable for another three (3) years on performance achievements.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Interested and qualified?
Interested applicants should forward their complete applications, CVs and certified copies of educational certificates (providing at least three referees) to the following on or before the 13th October 2025 to:
The Chairman
Tonga Electricity Commission
P.O. Box 47
Nukualofa
Kingdom of Tonga
For those who may prefer sending their applications online – please address the application to the above address and email to:
feletiola [at] gmail [dot] com
cc m [dot] folau [at] electricitycommission [dot] to
cc meleseini [dot] folau [at] gmail [dot] com
NOTE: Write the position title of the post you are interested in as the Subject. We regret to inform that we will only get in contact with only shortlisted candidates.
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