8839 Ministry of Finance CSU 7 - 21 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: Environmental and Social (E&S) Safeguards Officer (ESO)
Reference: TO-MRC-520347-CS-INDV
Client/Employer: Ministry of Revenue & Customs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Authority
Issue Date of REOI : 7^th November 2025, 04:30 PM (Tongan Time)
Submission Deadline 21^st 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 ATFP Project 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 Government is seeking to recruit an Environmental and Social Officer ( ESO) to work with the ATFP PMU’s project manager to assist in managing environmental and social risks and implement the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and to support the PMU to implement project E&S instruments in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and Tongan environmental, social and land laws, regulations, and procedures.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the recruitment of the Environmental and Social (E&S) Safeguards Officer (ESO), among others. The overall responsibility of the officer is to:

As Part of the PMU, duties and responsibilities of the ESSO will include the following:

• Supporting the day – to – day implementation of E&S risk management and mitigation measures and ensure that activities under PMU are undertaken in accordance with all E&S instruments, as detailed in the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), and with Tongan environment and social regulatory requirements.
• Prepare the E&S risk management section of the Project Operations Manual (POM)as well as identify/implement actions for strengthening systems and institutional capacity for on-ground implementation.
• Provide support to the IA in ensuring that the consultancies, work plans, preparatory studies, capacity building, training, and any other technical assistance activities under the Project are carried out in accordance with ToRs and in line with the WB ESSs.
• Prepare and disclose Labor Management Procedures (LMP) for each Recipient in accordance with ESS2.
• Establish and operate a grievance mechanism for Project workers, as described in the LMP and consistent with ESS2.
• Prepare, consult upon, disclose, a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) as set out in the Project Stakeholder Engagement Framework (SEF) and consistent with WB E&S requirements
• Carry out environmental and social screening/assessments process in consistent with the ESSs, as set out in the Focused E&S Assessment to identify environmental and social risks and the mitigation strategies required and implement.
• Coordinate, facilitate and where appropriate participate in face-to-face stakeholder meetings
• Ensure that stakeholder engagement and information dissemination is undertaken in line with the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), including the disclosure of project documentation
• Provide documentation of the relevant consultation records during the implementation period.
• Establish, publicize, maintain, and operate an accessible grievance mechanism (GM), to receive and facilitate resolution of concerns and grievances in relation to the Project in a manner consistent with WB E&S requirements.
• Update E&S instruments and E&S procedures outlined in the POM when necessary
• In the event of the Contingency, Emergency Response Component (CERC) funding is activated, assist the PMU in undertaking E&S requirements including preparing E&S any instruments, in line with the ESCP
• Prepare 6-monthly monitoring reports to the World Bank on the ESHS performance of the Project, in line with the ESCP, and provide updates on E&S risk management for inclusion in the monthly and annual progress report
• Provide updates and reports during World Bank Missions, PSC and other project meetings
• Report on environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) incidents in line with the ESCP
• Monitor project activities and address non-compliances and develop and provide guidance to the implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide advice to the PMU on key environmental and social issues and aspects of the Project in a timely manner.
• Help coordinate and manage relevant training of project consultants and contractors as needed.
• Participate in Project Steering Committee meetings; semi-annual Project Supervision, mid-term review and completion missions; representing the Ministry on social safety aspects.
• Attend and support coordination of World Bank missions, donor coordination meetings, WB trainings, field trips, meetings etc. as required.
• Assist with other ESHS related activities as required.
• Liaise and coordinate with the CSU E&S Specialist in the completion of E&S requirements.

This is a full-time position (may be extended based on needs and performance of the consultant)

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:

1. Evaluation Criteria:

This section details the basis upon which selection of the successful candidate will be based. Mandatory Criteria – These criteria must be met to be considered for this contract. The candidate will possess high levels of personal and working integrity and ethics.

Desirable Criteria – These criteria are requirements or qualities that are not mandatory but would be considered beneficial if they are met and will be scored as outlined.

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, 21^st 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.

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Matangi Tonga Online ref. #8839 MOF, 7 - 21 Nov 2025