Waste Authority Limited
VACANCY: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Location: Matatoa, Poutaha, Tongatapu
Term: 3–4 years | Contract: Performance-Based
Applications open on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 and close at 4.30pm on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Waste Authority Limited (“WAL”) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position of Chief Executive Officer.
WAL is a public enterprise responsible for the delivery of essential waste management services, including waste collection, landfill management, and resource recovery initiatives. The Authority plays a central role in protecting public health, supporting environmental sustainability, and strengthening national resilience.
The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board of Directors for the overall leadership, management, and performance of WAL, and for ensuring that the Authority delivers on its strategic, operational, financial, and governance responsibilities in accordance with the Public Enterprises Act, Companies Act, and other applicable laws and policy requirements.
Role Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer provides overall leadership and direction to Waste Authority Limited to ensure the efficient delivery of waste management services and the achievement of the Authority’s strategic and operational objectives. The CEO is responsible for maintaining sound financial management, ensuring compliance with the applicable legislative and policy framework, and promoting transparency, accountability, and high organisational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Corporate Leadership: Lead the formulation and execution of WAL’s Strategic and Business Plans; translate key business needs into operational priorities; ensure planning, monitoring, and evaluation systems are effective and aligned to WAL’s vision and national priorities.
Governance, Accountability and Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Waste Management Act, Public Enterprises Act, Companies Act, and other applicable laws and frameworks; provide timely and accurate reports to the Board and relevant authorities; maintain sound internal controls, accountability, and risk management systems.
Operational and Service Management: Provides executive level oversight over waste collection, transfer, disposal, landfill operations, and recycling programmes; maintain compliance with environmental and public health requirements; improve operational efficiency, service reliability, and systems performance.
Financial and Resource Management: Lead annual budgeting and financial planning; ensure prudent financial management, effective financial controls, and asset protection; develop strategies to strengthen cost recovery, sustainability, and revenue generation.
Human Resource and Organisational Leadership: Build and maintain a high-performing and accountable workforce; oversee recruitment, performance management, training, and leadership development consistent with approved policy frameworks; promote a values-based and professional workplace culture.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Maintain effective relationships with Government, local communities, customers, development partners, and other key stakeholders; represent WAL in relevant national and regional forums; support public education and awareness on waste management and recycling.
Risk Management, Safety and Continuity:Maintain business continuity, workplace health and safety, and disaster-waste readiness systems; safeguard WAL’s people, assets, reputation, and operational resilience.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements:
| Qualification / Pathway | Minimum Relevant Experience | Expectation |
| Doctorate (PhD) | At least 3 years relevant experience or 2 years at an executive / General Manager level. | Demonstrated strategic and policy management experience in utilities, infrastructure, or environmental services. |
| Master’s Degree | At least 5 years relevant experience, including 3 years in a senior executive / General Manager role. | Proven experience leading regulated or service-oriented operations. |
| Postgraduate Diploma + Bachelor’s Degree | At least 7 years relevant experience, including 4 years in a senior executive / General Manager role. | Demonstrated ability to lead both strategic planning and operational delivery. |
| Bachelor’s Degree | At least 7 years relevant experience, including 5 years in a senior executive / General Manager role. | Demonstrated competence in governance, operations, and financial management. |
Desirable Attributes
Preference may be given to applicants who also demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Professional membership in a relevant discipline
- Experience in waste, utilities, infrastructure, or environmental services
- Experience in Pacific Island or Small Island Developing States contexts
- Experience with donor-funded projects and reporting frameworks
- Familiarity with hazardous or special waste programme oversight
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- At least two (2) work reference letters (from current or previous employers)
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted via email to: 2025 [dot] ceo [dot] wal [dot] recruitment [at] gmail [dot] com
Alternatively, applications may be hand-delivered to:
Waste Authority Limited Office
Matatoa, Poutaha, Tongatapu
For further information, please contact: Telephone: 27-827 / 27-825
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
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