TONGA NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCREDITATION BOARD
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Principal Qualification Officer (PQO)
The Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the vacant position:
Position Title:
Vacancy: Principal Qualification Officer (PQO), National Qualifications Unit. (Report to the Chief Executive Officer)
Number of Posts: 1
Salary Band: Band H (T$40,063 – T$60,095 per annum)
Application Deadline: 4:30pm, 26th March 2026
Key Requirements:
1. Qualifications and Work Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- A Master’s degree in Quality Assurance or a related field from a recognized tertiary institution, with at least 3 years’ experience in a quality assurance agency; OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in Quality Assurance or a related field from a recognized tertiary institution, with at least 7 years’ relevant experience.
2. Technical Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following core technical competencies:
- Accreditation and Evaluation Expertise – Proven experience in assessing registration and accreditation applications, including institutional and programme evaluations within a regulatory or quality assurance environment.
- Quality Assurance Systems Knowledge – Strong understanding of Tonga National frameworks, standards, and Quality Management Systems (QMS) development and implementation.
- Advanced Analytical and Report Writing Skills – Ability to critically analyze complex information, synthesize findings, and produce high-quality reports, recommendations, and policy advice.
- Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis – Demonstrated capability in strategic thinking, policy interpretation, and contributing to organizational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Digital and Information Management Proficiency – Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the effective use of digital tools for data management, reporting, and operational efficiency.
3. Professional Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:2
- Strategic Leadership – Ability to think strategically, analyze complex issues, and provide sound, forward-looking advice to senior management.
- Team Leadership & Teamwork – Proven capability to lead, mentor, and work collaboratively with staff while fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
- Integrity & Ethical Conduct – High personal integrity with the ability to maintain professional neutrality and manage conflicts of interest appropriately.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication – Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Decision-Making & Problem Solving – Sound judgement and ability to make timely, evidence-
- Adaptability & Resilience – Capacity to manage ambiguity, lead change, and remain effective under demanding workloads.
4. Application Process
Interested applicants must submit:
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- A signed covering letter addressing the position requirements
- Contact details of two referees
The detailed Job Description may be obtained from the TNQAB Office (Front Desk) during working hours (8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday), downloaded from the TNQAB website at www.tnqab.to, or requested via email.
Applications may be submitted electronically to: tnqab [at] tnqab [dot] to
5. Submission Address
All applications must be addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board
Molisi City Central, Level 1
Salote Road
Nuku’alofa
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