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 the following positions:
- Gender and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (National)
- Procurement and Contract Management Officer (National)
- Project Accountant (National)
- Safeguards Officer (National)
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.
Position-Specific Objectives
1. Gender and M&E Officer (National)
The Gender and M&E Officer will ensure effective implementation of the WE-LIFT project’s GAP and results-based M&E framework. The Officer will support achievement of the project’s gender equality and development results by systematically tracking performance, strengthenaing accountability for gender commitments, and ensuring evidence-based reporting in line with the project design and ADB requirements. The role will contribute to improving project quality, learning, and impact throughout implementation.
2. Procurement and Contract Management Officer (National)
The Procurement and Contract Management Officer will provide dedicated procurement and contract management support to the WE-LIFT Project to ensure that all project-related procurement and contract administration activities are planned, executed, and monitored in a timely, transparent, and compliant manner. The Officer will support effective project start-up and implementation by ensuring adherence to ADB Procurement Regulations and relevant national requirements, while promoting value for money, efficiency, and accountability.
3. Project Accountant (National)
The Project Accountant will ensure the effective financial management, fiduciary compliance, and financial integrity of the WE-LIFT Project. The Project Accountant will be responsible for establishing and maintaining sound accounting systems, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting and disbursements, and supporting transparent use of project funds in accordance with ADB requirements and the Government of Tonga’s financial policies. Through this role, the Project Accountant will contribute to the smooth implementation of project activities and strengthen accountability and financial discipline within the Project Management Unit (PMU) and MTED.
4. Safeguards Officer (National)
The Safeguards Officer will provide dedicated safeguards and climate risk management support to the WE-LIFT Project. The Officer will ensure that all project activities, subprojects, and transactions comply with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009), the project’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), and relevant national environmental, social, and climate-related regulations. The Officer will facilitate the integration of environmental, social, and climate considerations across relevant project components, promote climate-resilient practices, and support project stakeholders in implementing robust safeguards and grievance redress mechanisms to minimize risks and enhance sustainability.
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
- The Gender and M&E Officer should hold a degree in gender studies, development studies, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline, with at least five (5) years of combined professional experience in gender mainstreaming and M&E. The candidate must have demonstrated experience implementing GAPs and results-based M&E frameworks for ADB- or other development partner-financed projects. A strong understanding of gender and the private sector development landscape in Tonga is essential, together with proven skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and results-based reporting. The role requires solid experience in coordination, facilitation, and capacity building with government and project stakeholders. Prior experience working in Tonga or the Pacific region is preferred, and the Officer must be willing to travel as required. This is a nationally based recruitment; however, if a suitably qualified national candidate is not identified, the recruitment will be extended to candidates from the Pacific region and ADB Pacific developing member countries.
- The Procurement and Contract Management Officer should hold a degree in engineering, business administration, finance, law, or a related discipline, with at least 5 years of relevant experience in procurement and contract management. Demonstrated experience implementing procurement under ADB- or other multilateral development bank–financed projects, including strong knowledge of their Procurement Regulations, is required. Familiarity with Tonga’s procurement laws and procedures, strong analytical and organizational skills, and proven experience in coordinating with multiple stakeholders are essential. This is a nationally based position; however, if a suitably qualified national candidate is not identified, recruitment may be extended to candidates from the Pacific region and ADB Pacific developing member countries.
- The Project Accountant should hold a degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline. A professional accounting qualification (certified or chartered accountant) is desirable but not mandatory. The candidate should have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in financial management, including experience supporting government financed or donor funded projects. Demonstrated knowledge of the financial management, disbursement, financial reporting, and audit requirements of ADB or other development partners is an advantage. Familiarity with the Government of Tonga’s public financial management systems is desirable. The role requires proven competence in maintaining accounting systems, preparing financial statements, and managing project disbursements, as well as strong analytical skills and a high level of attention to detail. Prior experience working in Tonga or the Pacific region is an added advantage. This position is nationally based; however, if a suitably qualified national candidate is not identified, recruitment may be extended to candidates from the Pacific region, particularly ADB’s Pacific developing member countries.
- The Safeguards Officer should hold a degree in environmental science, social science, engineering, or a related field, with at least 7 years of experience in environmental and social safeguards management. Experience implementing ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009) or equivalent MDB policies and knowledge of Tonga’s national environmental and social regulations are essential. Experience with climate risk categorization and management, operationalizing the grievance redress mechanism, and safeguards capacity building is highly desirable. Prior experience working in Tonga or the Pacific region is preferred, and the Officer must be willing to travel as required. This is a nationally based recruitment; however, if a suitably qualified national candidate is not identified, the recruitment will be extended to candidates from the Pacific region and ADB Pacific developing member countries.
- 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.
- Experience with ADB or other multilateral development banks’ procedures;
The duration of the initial contract is 1-2 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 above the level of Government of Tonga Chief Executive Officer–level positions, with the final package determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
All applications must be submitted by 4:30pm, 17 April, 2026, and should include the following documents:
- Cover letter;
- Curriculum Vitae using ADB format;
- 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) for details regarding this project and to apply online.
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