The Government of the Kingdom of Tonga (GoT)
Ministry of Finance (MOF), Central Services Unit (CSU)
Health Enhancement and Resiliency, Tonga (HEART) Project (P508537)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Assignment: Project Manager (PM)
Reference: TO-MRC-514081-CS-INDV - Project Manager
Client/Employer: Ministry of Revenue & Customs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Authority
Issue Date of REOI : 7th November 2025, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)
Submission Deadline 21st 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 20th 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.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include the recruitment of the Project Manager.The Project Manager will perform all daily management tasks for the PMU, including the management and planning the implementation of project activities, human resources, planning, contracts, finance, procurement, communication, reporting and M&E tasks towards achieving PDOs efficiently, effectively and on a timely basis.
The overall objective and responsibility of the Project Manager is to ensure that: (i) the PMU collaborates with the World Bank and EA/MOF, and other implementing agencies (Revenue & Customs, MOI, Port Authorities) and stakeholders (CSU, MOF , WB, regional partners etc.)as and when needed on the development of Project strategic documents; (ii) The project is implemented in accordance with the various Legal and Financing Agreements (iii) The objectives of the Project, work and procurement plans, action plans and the provisions of other relevant strategic, and legal documents are implemented in a timely manner and meet reporting obligations towards achieving PDOs; (iv) Project expected outputs and deadlines contribute to mutually agreed milestones and key performance indicators, disbursements of the project including project and contracts management. (v) Assist and support capacity building of PMUs/IAs.
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
- Degree in Project Management, Finance, Administration, Engineering, Law, Procurement, or Commerce.
- At least seven (7) years’ broad experience with donor or public funded projects management including evidence of similar hands-on work.
- Demonstrated previous experience in project management and implementation of WB and donor funded projects.
- Demonstrated experience to develop procedures and provide capacity building training in a similar environment and workstreams
- Fluency in English and demonstrated ability to communicate and write succinct reports which clearly identified and articulated issues and solutions timely.
Desirable Requirements
- Previous experience in Donors (The World Bank and similar donors) funded projects is an advantage
- Previous experience and developing countries and similar assignment, particularly working in Tonga,
- Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse team and various levels of government
- A knowledge of the relevant Tonga Legislation would be an
Qualification/Education (20 marks):
- Degrees related to Project Management, Finance, Administration, Business. Engineering, Law, Procurement, or Commerce; and Professional body memberships.
Bachelor’s degree:10 points; Master’s degree: 15 points
Membership of a professional bodies: 5 points - Experience: 60 points (Experience with the WB, donors, public funded projects in PM areas:
5+ to 10 years experience (20 points)
10+ to 15 years experience (40 points)
15+ years’ experience (60 points)
Experience will be evaluated in the following:
- Demonstrated working experience in Tonga (working level fluency in local language(s)/knowledge of local culture or administrative system, government organization, etc.).(Max. 10 points)
- Demonstrated working experience in a regional or similar environment. (Max. 10 points)
- Demonstrated experience in leading Project management and delivery in a challenging and multi-stakeholder environment. (Max. 20 points)
- Demonstrated experience in project implementation innovative activities, prioritization of tasks to meet deadlines, resource allocation to meet budget and quality expectations, conflict resolution, management and relationship improvement. (Max. 20 points)
3.Knowledge and Skills: 20 points
Experience with MS Office and industry relevant workstream software.
Completion of the World Bank or any professional training modules related to PM, FM, CM & Procurement
Demonstrated skills and ability to work effectively with diverse culture and multidisciplinary team. Any other relevant areas of expertise.
|
Evaluation Criteria |
Maximum score |
|
1. General qualifications (general education) |
20 |
|
2. Adequacy for the Assignment (local, regional, international experience in the sector/similar assignments) |
60 |
|
3. Essential Skills, Knowledge and Competences and other personal aptitudes as detailed under this ToR and Evaluation Criteria |
20 |
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 Wednesday, 21st 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, 1st 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:
- Cover Letter (addressed to the CEO, Ministry of Finance.)
- Curriculum Vitae of the Applicant (must include at least two referees.)
- 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.
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