Project Officer (Industry Liaison)
Program Background
The Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP) supports 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 implementation and management, technical advisory support, grants management, and subcontracting. TASP supports Australian Government policy development and dialogue to deliver the desired outcomes.
About DT Global
At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.
For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
The Role
TASP, in partnership with Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) and the Tonga Association for Technical and Higher Education (TATHE) is implementing an Industry Liaison Project to strengthen collaboration between the technical vocational education and training (TVET) sector (through TATHE) and key industries—specifically construction, tourism, and hospitality.
The project aligns with the implementation plan of the National TVET Policy Framework which is delivered through the Skills for Development Working Group (SDWG) and supported by the Australian Government.
Other key stakeholders in the project include:
- TVET Providers
- Ministry of Education (TVET Unit)
- Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (Labour Division, MTED)
The drafting of the National Employment Policy (NEP) and National Apprenticeship Policy (NAP) have involved consultation with the TVET sector to better align industry needs with skills training and development. The national Business Skills Surveys (BSS) in the construction, tourism and hospitality sectors are to be published soon. Preliminary findings and recommendations emphasis the need for strengthening industry – TVET engagement to ensure graduates meet industry trends and demands.
The project is further underpinned by national plans, policies and reports including the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 (TSDF II) and 2023 Labour Force Survey which demonstrates a high youth unemployment rate compared to the national average.
The Project Officer’s role is to align TVET outcomes with evolving domestic workforce needs by fostering sustainable engagement between industry, government ministries (MET and MTED) and TVET providers. The project officer will work with the TCCI and TATHE to achieve project outcomes and may be required to spend some time co-located with TCCI
This role reports to, and receives direction and input from, the Deputy Director – Programs.
This Project Officer will be responsible for –
- Developing and maintaining a workplan and reporting framework to guide, monitor, and evaluate project activities.
- Supporting TCCI and TATHE in identifying and implementing sustainable mechanisms for industry–TVET collaboration on graduate workforce readiness in priority sectors.
- Providing updates and strategic advice to TCCI and TATHE leadership on industry–TVET alignment and emerging opportunities.
- Facilitating collaboration between Government ministries, TCCI, and industry to inform TVET priorities.
- Acting as a strategic conduit between industry and TVET institutions to build employer confidence in TVETs to deliver work-ready graduates for the domestic job market in priority sectors.
- Designing and executing tailored engagement strategies for the construction, tourism, and hospitality sectors to strengthen industry partnerships with TVET providers.
- Promoting understanding of employer expectations regarding workforce competencies and the competitive advantage for the domestic employment market.
- Advocating for industry-informed improvements in TVET graduate readiness in line with national priorities.
- Translating identified gaps in TVET graduate outcomes into training priorities and recommendations for TVET providers.
- Building and maintaining effective communication networks and strategic relationships across industry, government, and TVET institutions.
- Promoting best practices in industry engagement and communicating project achievements through strategic channels.
- Analysing industry feedback, national reports, and workforce trends, and translating insights into actionable guidance for TVET providers and government ministries.
Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/yvmsuc3k
About You
Essential Experience, Capacities and Knowledge
- Qualification in relevant industry (construction, tourism, hospitality), industrial relations, workforce development, vocational training or a related field.
- Proven industry experience in construction, tourism, or hospitality in Tonga.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly linking industry with skills and workforce development.
- Strong understanding of the role of TCCI, TATHE, TVETs and Government ministries in workforce and economic development.
- Strong communication, advocacy and facilitation skills to build trust amongst diverse stakeholder perspectives.
- Well-developed analytical and report writing skills
Desirable
- Understanding of the TVET and/or curriculum development environment.
- Experience as a member of an ITAC (Industry Training Advisory Committee) or similar
- Fluency in English and Tongan (spoken and written)
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 to submit your application or visit this link: https://lde.tbe.taleo.net/lde01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=URSAU...
For any enquiries, please contact us at recruitment [at] tasplatform [dot] net
Please submit
- Response against each of the essential and desirable selection criteria (maximum three pages)
- Curriculum vitae/resume.
All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Only those shortlisted for further consideration will be contacted, due to the anticipated high volume of applications.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 12 February 2026 / 23h59 / UTC +13 (Tonga Standard Time)
Should this role be of interest; we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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