VACANCY
Facility Manager WE-LIFT PROJECT
The Ministry of Trade & Economic Development (MTED) invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to support implementation of the Women Entrepreneurship Leveraging Innovative Finance in Tonga (WE-LIFT) Project. MTED in close collaboration with Asian Development Bank (ADB) wishes to recruit a Facility Manager.
Project Objective
The project aims to accelerate women entrepreneurs’ access to finance and strengthen their entrepreneurial and financial capacity by:
- establishing Tonga’s first risk-sharing facility to ease collateral constraints and unlock bank lending to women entrepreneurs through partial credit guarantees;
- introducing an enablement fund that provides grants to improve the bankability of informal micro and small enterprises; and
- delivering tailored BDS through a proposed business advisory hub, designed to align with the daily realities of women entrepreneurs and strengthen their financial, digital, and business management skills.
The project is financed through an Asian Development Fund grant under the Sustainable Development Goal 5: Transformative Gender Agenda thematic window and is structured using a financial intermediation modality to assist women entrepreneurs’.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field, with a minimum of 8-10 years of relevant professional experience in banking, financial risk management, fund management, or development finance. Demonstrated experience in managing or supporting risk-sharing facilities, credit guarantee schemes, or similar financing mechanisms will be highly desired.
The candidate should possess strong analytical, coordination, and reporting skills, with the ability to manage complex operational functions, engage effectively with multiple stakeholders, and deliver results in a dynamic environment. Familiarity with ADB or other multilateral development bank (MDB) procedures, including fiduciary, safeguards, and reporting requirements, will be an advantage.
A sound understanding of gender equality, financial inclusion, and MSME financing—particularly in the context of Tonga or the Pacific—is expected. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical implementation, are critical.
The position is primarily intended for national candidates but may be extended to candidates from Pacific developing member countries, if required.
Eligibility of Government Officials
In accordance with ADB Procurement Directive 3.16(d), government officials and civil servants in Tonga are eligible to apply only if all of the following conditions are met:
- They are not being hired by the same government agency where they were employed immediately prior to the assignment. (“Immediate” is generally interpreted as approximately one year.)
- Their engagement does not create a conflict of interest with their previous public role or responsibilities.
- Applicants who may fall under this category are advised to seek clarification from the implementing agency where needed.
Contract
The duration of the initial contract is 3-4 years with possible extension based on satisfactory performance and operational requirements, given the project is for 7 years. The position offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with Government of Tonga Chief Executive Officer–level positions, with the final package determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
Applications
All applications must be submitted by 4:30pm, 23 June 2026, and should include the following documents:
- Cover letter;
- Curriculum Vitae using ADB template;
- Certified copies of qualification transcript(s) and certificate(s);
- Reference letter(s);
Applications are to be submitted either online or delivered to the Ministry’s office at Fasi moe Afi addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Trade and Economic Development
Nuku’alofa
CLICK HERE – to view Term of Reference (TOR) and CV ADB template for details regarding this project and to apply online.
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