Governance Team Leader
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP)
Program Background
The Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP) is a mechanism which supports the work of the Australian Government in meeting development objectives in Tonga. It is a multi-sector development facility that uses multiple modalities including development program management, technical advisory support, grants management, and subcontracting. TASP supports Australian Government policy development and dialogue to contribute to a resilient and prosperous Tonga.
About DT Global
DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.
For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
The Role
The Governance Team Leader will be based in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and have a leadership role. They will be responsible for realising DFAT’s expectations, outlined in the Kafa-Taha design document, for a renewed and stronger focus on governance for the bilateral relationship. They will facilitate the flow of information between DFAT and Government of Tonga on requests and policy dialogue.
The Governance Team Leader will lead a high performing, multi-disciplinary team of international and national advisers to achieve the EOIOS of the program. They will ensure effective working relationships with key stakeholders including DFAT, GoT and program counterparts such as the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Public Service Commission, Office of the Auditor General, Ministry of Public Enterprises and integrity institutions
The Governance Team Leader is responsible for leading and delivering TASP’s governance pillar, ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities of DFAT and the Government of Tonga. They will provide technical leadership and coordination to ensure effective support to reform initiatives identified by the Government of Tonga and supported by DFAT. The role will be responsible for –
Strategic Leadership and Engagement
- Set the strategy for the program, and lead activities and engagements in partnership with the Government of Tonga and civil society organisations.
- Ensure that technical support is leveraging the changes envisioned by partners, DFAT and pay attention to the evolving needs of government institutions as they move forward with their reforms.
- Maintain a clear and contemporary understanding of and engagement with the governance sector context in Tonga and draw upon this to provide advice on where Australia is well placed to support across public sector performance, public financial management, governance and economic resilience.
- Advise the Deputy Head of Mission (DHOM) and the AHC on progress, opportunities and big picture issues, including conducting stakeholder analysis to understand pathways for change.
- Work closely with the DHOM and the Governance team in identifying reforms to inform DFAT’s bilateral policy triggers for budget support, as well as to strengthen DFAT’s influence in setting and monitoring triggers through the multi-donor Joint Police Reform Matrix.
- Facilitate twinning arrangements between the TOAG and relevant Australian counterparts to enhance institutional knowledge-sharing and capacity development.
- Work intentionally with other TASP pillars to understand blockages to service delivery that can be unblocked through central agency engagement and governance reforms.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with GoT, other DFAT programs (health, education, infrastructure, Pacific Women Lead, Climate Partnerships, etc), civil society, private sector, regional partners, and institutions (ADB, IMF/WB, JICA, UNDP, etc) to support the achievement of development outcomes.
- Identify opportunities for strategic collaboration; prepare and maintain a policy dialogue matrix.
- Investigate additional partnerships and activities to strengthen accountability functions within the government and delivery of services through State Owned Enterprises.
Team Management
- Communicate a clear vision and build a collaborative team to achieve program outcomes.
- Manage the coordinated and targeted application of Technical Assistance in consultation with senior ministry officials.
- Manage the work planning and performance management of advisers and pillar support personnel, in partnership with GoT counterparts and DFAT, where required.
Program Management and Coordination
- Drive the establishment and implementation of program governance arrangements, specifically the Kafa Taha program steering committee.
- Lead the development key planning and MEL reporting for the governance pillar, including the annual work plan, six-monthly and annual reports, risk matrix, MEL Framework, and associated MEL outputs.
- Support the Director, TASP and Contractor Representative, DT Global to ensure the requirements of the Head Contract are met in a timely manner and to the quality required by DFAT and DT Global.
- Engage in regular senior management team (SMT) and operational meetings with TASP to ensure coordination and smooth implementation of projects and interventions, including twinning, training, workshops, technical advice and other support.
- Ensure the program complies with DFAT, TASP and DT Global policies and procedures.
- Take responsibility for risk management of the governance pillar; ensure risks and safeguards are managed and monitored effectively, including development and regular review and contributing to the updating of a comprehensive TASP risk management framework.
- Champion and be accountable for the integration of cross-cutting priorities.
- Contribute to the planning and delivery of public diplomacy activities that promote the bilateral partnership and program achievements.
- Collaborate with development partners and other Australian Aid funded programs.
- Other activities as reasonably requested by the Director, TASP and DFAT.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
With support from the TASP MEL Team:
- Lead Governance Pillar outcome analysis processes with stakeholders, convene joint Theory of Change forums, and update the MEL Framework as required.
- Actively track progress against outcomes through the development of six-monthly and annual progress reports from personnel and activities.
- Ensure MEL analysis informs project proposal development, adjustments to program implementation, risk management, and development of future workplans.
- Implement an adaptive management approach through planning, reflection and analysis.
- Ensure the Governance Pillar actively incorporates evidence from TSDF reporting, multilateral and regional partner assessments [e.g. Joint Policy Reform Matrix, IMF Article IV, Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA)], and the Program’s MEL into decision making and work planning.
- Ensure that GEDSI outcomes are incorporated into program activities and meet reporting responsibilities as outlined in the MEL Framework.
Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://bit.ly/4iExnEs
About You
Essential Experience and Knowledge
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Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (economics, commerce, public financial management, public policy, international development) or equivalent experience and training.
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Extensive and demonstrated experience in senior-level management of international development and governance programs, ideally in the Pacific and for DFAT.
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Significant experience building and leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams that includes specialised TA.
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Significant experience and abilities in working effectively with Pacific Island governments, donors, development partners and other stakeholders, and in different cultural contexts.
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Excellent communication and analytical skills in written and oral English, including report writing.
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Understanding of the importance of cross-cutting development issues particularly GEDSI and climate change, and experience with the implementation of safeguarding policies for child protection, PSEAH, prevention of human trafficking, fraud and anti-corruption, and environmental protection.
Desirable
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Experience and knowledge of the Tongan governance systems and context.
Why join TASP?
TASP is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. TASP is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.
HOW TO APPLY
Click the 'Apply Now' button or email your application with the reference “TASP Grants Manager” to recruitment [at] tasplatform [dot] net
Please submit
- Response against each of the essential and desirable selection criteria (maximum five pages).
- Curriculum vitae/resume.
- Name and contact details (phone and email) of three referees.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 6 April 2025 / 23h59 / UTC +13 (Tonga Standard Time)
Should this role be of interest; we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.
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