GOVERNMENT OF TONGA
VACANCY
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Position
The Government of Tonga’s strategic vision for the future delivery of public services is aimed at streamlining its organizational platform to better deliver more efficient and effective public services for the people of Tonga. To help achieve this aim, the Government of Tonga seeks to appoint a Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Infrastructure
Applications are welcomed from individuals who possess outstanding strategic thinking capacity, demonstrated leadership capability and superior management skills. Government CEOs are integral in supporting a productive and sustainable Public Service as Tonga continues its path towards constitutional reform. The CEO role is particularly suited to individuals who are commercially focused, skilled in supporting innovation and providing direction to substantial change management initiatives at the policy, systems and process levels.
The role will work closely with the Ministers responsible and central agencies, not only as Chief Executive Officer, but also in defining and developing major organizational reforms aimed at optimizing the return on Government’s investment in services and programs. High orders of communication, negotiation and influencing skills are essential, as is a demonstrated track record of effective resource management.
Essential skills required of the advertised CEO roles will be to:
- Providing the Minister with high quality policy and program development advice
- Drive strategic planning and resource management accountabilities
- Provide executive directions to professional, technical, and operational teams
- Identify improvements in service delivery and efficiencies in cost to government
- Lead implementation of organizational & system changes to improve productivity
- Model cross-Ministry and whole of government collaboration to ensure high standards of communication and customer service
Term of appointment: Contract term of up to four (4) years.
Remuneration: Based on the Government of Tonga, CEO Remuneration package.
Job Reference
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible to the Minister for Infrastructure and the Public Service Commission for implementing government policies and decisions, for managing the administrative; operational; and broader functions and activities of the Ministries, and for developing and leading programs to continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery outcomes. To comply with the Accountability and Functions of CEOs as outlined in Sections 13A and 13B of the Public Service Act 2010 (as amended).
Accountabilities
- Ensure that appropriate systems of rules and regulations are enforced to:
- Maintain consistency with the Tongan law in order to guide the safe , secure, reliable and affordable operations of civil aviation, land transport services and networks in Tonga
- Ensure adequacy, efficiency, monitoring and safe operation of infrastructure services and diligent regulation of infrastructure industries in accordance with government policy and objectives
- Ensure the safe, secure, reliable, affordable operations and a healthier environment of the maritime sector within the outer islands ports and maintain them at a good standard with proper maintenance
- Manage and monitor all types of land use, parks and reserves in Tonga
- Provide advice on the administration of Infrastructure, land transport, maritime and civil aviation to assist policy and planning initiatives
- Provide the leadership necessary to improve service delivery, and support services
- Forge strong relationships with executive stakeholders in other Ministries and Agencies to ensure that strong relationship management drives
- the activities and actions of the Ministry
- Create a performance culture which reflects a high level of teamwork, harmony and collaboration and which builds organizational capability
- Carry out all duties and responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer as prescribed by the Public Service Act.
Experience and Qualification
Relevant degree qualification + considerable senior leadership experience in a complex organization, preferably in Government or regional or international agency or company as follows:
- PHD + 4 years senior leadership experience,
- Masters + 6 years senior leadership experience,
- Bachelor with Honors or Post Graduate Diploma + 10 years senior leadership experience,
- Bachelors + more than 10 years senior leadership experience.
How to Apply:
- Applicants who possess most of the qualities described under the essential skills, accountabilities, experience and qualification the CEO position should request an Application Information Kit by contacting the Public Service Commission on +676 7400300, or email ceomatters [at] psc [dot] gov [dot] to.
- Application for the CEO position should be forwarded to the address below by 4:30pm on Friday, 20 February 2026.
Chairperson
Public Service Commission,
PSC Building - Old PMO Grounds,
Taufa’ahau Road.
- Candidates should refer to the Application Information Kit in preparing an application, ensuring that all requirements are satisfied.
- Incomplete documentation may prevent proper consideration of the application.
- Candidates who have submitted their applications in the first round of advertisement are already included and do not need to resubmit.
- Given the brevity of time, signed emailed applications will be acceptable. Email applications should be forwarded to ceomatters [at] psc [dot] gov [dot] to prior tothe closing date.
--