8859 Ministry of Finance REOI 13 - 27 Nov 2025

The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga (GoT)

Ministry of Finance (MOF), Central Services Unit (CSU)

Accelerating Trade Facilitation In The Pacific(ATFP) Project (P508537)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Assignment: Financial Management Officer (FMO)
Reference: TO-MRC-514082-CS-INDV
Client/Employer: Ministry of Revenue & Customs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Authority
Issue Date of REOI : 13^th November 2025, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)
Submission Deadline 27^th November 2025, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)

The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga (GoT), through the Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Ministry of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Authority successfully negotiated with the World Bank for funding under the 20^th round of International Development Association (IDA) for a project aimed at developing the Tonga Trade Facilitation and Maritime Transport sector. The total financing is around US$ 9.5 M equivalent. Broad objectives of the ATFProject is to reduce the time and cost required for cross-border trade in Participating Pacific Island Countries (PPICs).

ATFP is a regional project that focuses on modernizing customs and border management systems, strengthening port operations, and enhancing regional coordination to improve trade efficiency, lower costs for households and businesses, and build resilience in times of crisis.

Project activities include upgrading customs software (ASYCUDA), developing a National Single Window system, enhancing the trade portal and capacity for importers and exporters, and providing new cargo inspection equipment. Investments will also support improved port infrastructure and operations in Nuku’alofa and Vava’u, with options for further studies into fisheries terminal upgrades. These activities are designed to increase efficiency, strengthen resilience, and contribute to Tonga’s economic competitiveness and growth.

A fully staffed and functional PMU will be established that will include a Project Manager, Procurement Officer, Environmental and Social (E&S) Officer and Finance Management Officer initially and other consultants later as needed.

Objectives of this assignment are: (i) to lead PMU FM workstream to deliver its outputs efficiently and effectively and reporting timely. (ii) FMO ensures maintenance of acceptable financial management arrangements that comply with the Financing Agreement of the project and GoT Financial procedures contributing to achieve the Project Development Objectives. (iii) manage the project financial management arrangements in close consultation with the PM and FM Specialist in the Central Support Unit (CSU).(iv) Any other objective under the scope of project.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the recruitment of the Financial Management Officer (FMO), among others. The overall responsibility of the officer is to:

• Maintain accurate financial management arrangements and timely reporting in accordance with the Project Operations Manual (POM), the project Financing Agreement, and Government regulations.
• Processes accurately and promptly all accounting transactions including payroll, operating expenses, travel, consultant payments, vendor payments, utilitiesand other office running expenses.
• Keep relevant documents and invoices systematically to fully support the accounts.
• Maintain an up-to-date Project fixed asset register and perform regular (at least semi-annually) asset count to ensure the Project assets are in good use.
• Ensure timely payments, funds transfers and resolve accounting related issues of the Project.
• Ensure contractual payments are made in accordance with current contracts, and that any Tongan taxation is correctly deducted and transferred to the Ministry of Revenue.
• Maintain a contract management and payment system as well as a commitment register to ensure all contracts are up to date and Project funds are available for the committed works.
• If required, recommend an appropriate accounting software for the PMU, support the procurement process and lead the implementation of the new system and the training of relevant PMU staff on its use.
• Monitor and suggest updates to the financial management aspects of the POM.
• Other relevant duties related to TOR as directed by Project Manager.

This is a full-time position (may be extended based on needs and performance of the consultant). The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtain from jawadtcsu [at] gmail [dot] com or ataumoepeau [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to

The Implementation Agency now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of qualifications, experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.).

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

EXPERTISE REQUIREMENTS

Academic Background and Relevant Experience

Minimum Requirements

1. Degree in Accounting, Finance and/or Public or Business Administration or related fields.
2. At least 3 years’ broad experience with donor or public funded projects in accounting including evidence of similar hands-on work. Or seven (7) years related experience in lieu of degree.
3. Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to be able to write succinct reports which clearly articulate identified issues.

Desirable Requirements

1. Previous experience in Donors (The World Bank and similar donors) funded projects is an advantage
2. Previous experience and developing countries and similar assignment, particularly working in Tonga
3. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse team and various levels of government
4. A knowledge of the relevant Tonga Legislation would be an advantage.

Qualification/Education (20 marks):

Degrees related to Finance or Accounting or related fields.
Bachelor’s degree:10 points; Master’s degree: 15 points
Membership of a professional bodies (e.g.IMA, AFP,AICPA): 5 points

Experience: 60 points (Experience with the WB, donors, public funded projects in Finance, Accounting)

3+ to 5+ years experience (10 points)
5+ to 10 years experience (20 points)
10+ to 15 years experience (30 points)
Demonstrated working experience in Tonga
Demonstrated working experience in the regional or similar environment
Completion of the WB online training modules related to FM, CM & Proc.

Knowledge and Skills: 20 points

Experience with MS Office and industry relevant workstream softwares. (5 points)
Completion of the World Bank or any professional training modules related to FM, CM & Proc.,Should completion of the Training be a desirable requirement rather than a minimum requirement. (10 points)
Any other relevant areas of expertise. (5 points)

Please note that an interview and test may be administered if required to top ranked candidate(s).

The remuneration package for this position is attractive and will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and previous remunerations for similar assignments.

Further information can be obtained at the email above during office hours 08:30 to 16:30 hours weekdays.

A firm is eligible to nominate an individual – however, note that only the experience and qualifications of the nominated individual shall be used in the selection process, and that (their) corporate experience shall not be considered. The firm, if proposing an individual, must specify whether the contract would be signed with the firm or the proposed individual.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, dated Feb.2025 (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the above cited Procurement Regulations.

INSTRUCTION FOR SUBMISSION:

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person, or by e-mail no later than 04:30pm (Tongan Time) of Thursday, 27th November 2025.

Attention to:

Mr. Michael Cokanasiga
Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Revenue and Customs
Nuku’alofa Tonga Islands,

Address for Hard -copy submissions: CSU Office, 1^st Floor Tungi – Colonnade at Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

E-mail for electronic Submission: jawadtcsu [at] gmail [dot] com / ataumoepeau [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to and stokai [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to and copy to: sfaletau [at] finance [dot] gov [dot] to

Documents that MUST be submitted:

1. Cover Letter (addressed to the CEO, Ministry of Finance.)
2. Curriculum Vitae of the Applicant (must include at least two referees.)
3. Supporting Documents: Transcripts, certificates, supporting letter from referees, and any other document that may be of support to your application.

Please limit your CV to only 3-5 pages addressing each of the Selection Criteria with exact details.

--

Matangi Tonga Online ref. #8859 MOF, 13 - 27 Nov 2025