Governance Support Specialist (TAGS)
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.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has invested in economic and public sector governance programs since 2009. TASP has managed technical advisers in the areas of ministerial policy advice, PFM, procurement and HRD since 2022. DFAT has designed a new program – Kafa Taha - to guide the partnership over the next five years, with the support of TASP.
The program leverages Australia’s bilateral budget support (managed separately by DFAT), including engagement with other development partners in policy-driven direct financing, to progress central government ambitions for key reforms that will bring benefits to the entire machinery of government.
The overall goal of the Kafa Taha program is a peaceful, stable and prosperous Tonga. There are four End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):
- Ministry of Finance reforms and implements more effective and accountable PFM.
- Government of Tonga budget allocation and execution includes quality expenditure for improved and inclusive social wellbeing of Tongan people.
- Key agencies strengthen public service management for improved accountability and performance.
- Government of Tonga finances and implements priority economic resilience reforms.
About DT Global Asia Pacific
At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.
For more information, please see www.dt-global.com
The Role
The TASP Governance Pillar (also known as Tonga-Australia Governance Support or TAGS) requires dedicated operational, administrative, project management, and coordination support to enable the effective delivery of its multi-pronged public sector reform efforts in Tonga. This position provides broad-spectrum support across the Governance Pillar, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, high-quality reporting, grants and subcontract management, events coordination, and relationship maintenance with Government of Tonga counterparts.
The Governance Support Specialist will play a critical enabling role in translating strategic priorities into practical implementation. This includes managing project documentation and filing systems, facilitating logistical and administrative processes, supporting short-term consultants and advisers, developing briefing materials, and overseeing the design, procurement, implementation, and monitoring of small grants and sub-projects (many focused on research). The role supports the full spectrum of TAGS activities, contributing directly to all TAGS Immediate Outcomes and the four Kafa Taha End of Investment Outcomes by ensuring smooth operations, timely deliverables, and strong coordination. This hands-on support is essential for the efficient functioning of the Governance Pillar and the achievement of broader TASP program goals.
The Governance Support Specialist will work closely with the Governance Team Lead, Governance Program Coordinator, other TASP Governance advisers, and key Government of Tonga counterparts. The role is hands-on and flexible, with a focus on operational excellence, project management, and stakeholder coordination. Illustrative duties include:
Administrative, Operational and Project Management Support
- Support the day-to-day operations of the TASP Governance Pillar, including coordinating team schedules, meeting planning and preparation, event management, correspondence management, note-taking and ensuring follow-up.
- Maintain organised filing of project documents in the GOV Pillar SharePoint.
- Carry out activity planning and preparation and coordinate with the TASP Operations team to ensure smooth execution of logistical requirements.
- Provide operational and logistical support to short-term consultants and advisers working with the Governance Pillar.
- Provide management support for TASP Governance Pillar grants and subcontracts, including contributing to activity design, procurement, implementation, monitoring, quality assurance of deliverables, and timely reporting.
- Participate actively in TASP Governance Pillar team meetings, stakeholder consultations, and coordination forums as required.
Reporting, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
- Lead Governance Pillar reporting and data collection in-line with TAGS outcome reporting requirements and TASP’s broader MEL framework.
- Collect, compile, and support the preparation of high-quality monthly reporting for Governance Pillar Leadership.
- Support drafting of TAPS Governance Pillar reporting deliverables, including six-monthly and annual reports.
- Support TASP MEL team to execute regular monitoring activities, including pause-and-reflect workshops, stakeholder surveys, and ways-of-working reviews.
- Contribute to TASP program coordination, work planning, and performance monitoring activities.
- Track deliverables across grants, sub-projects, and advisory inputs to ensure quality and timeliness.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key Government of Tonga counterparts across relevant ministries and agencies to facilitate strong coordination and flow of information.
Communications and Outreach
- Develop timely social media content for TASP Governance Pillar outreach in coordination with the team and DFAT communications focal points.
- Identify and draft stories of significant change that highlight the impact of governance reforms and TASP-supported activities.
- Identify media opportunities and support the preparation of media-related materials.
- Draft talking points and key messages for the Governance Team Lead, Governance Coordinator, and other relevant parties as required.
Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)
- Support DFAT and TASP GEDSI mainstreaming efforts through operational and administrative practices.
- Ensure GEDSI considerations are reflected in grants management, events, and coordination activities.
Policy Compliance & Organisational Contribution
- Ensure compliance with DT Global and Australian Government policies, including those related to gender equality, child protection, disability inclusion, work health and safety, environmental safeguards, anti-bribery, anti-fraud, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH).
- Perform other duties as required to support the achievement of program outcomes
Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/mryafu79
About You
Essential Experience, Capacities and Knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Policy, Management or a related field, with 3–5 years of relevant experience (or a Master’s degree with 1–3 years of relevant experience).
- Experience in public sector governance areas such as policy, public financial management, procurement, accountability, or human resources.
- Demonstrated project management, grants management, and/or administrative/operational support experience.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, schedules, and deliverables.
- Experience working with international donors or embassies/high commissions (particularly DFAT) is highly valued.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts and diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Tongan.
Desirable
- Formal project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, Six Sigma or CSM).
- Knowledge and understanding of the Tonga governance context and public sector institutions.
- Experience with grants or contracts management.
- Experience with key Government of Tongan governance coordinating institutions, such as the Ministry of Finance, Public Service Commission or Tongan Office of the Auditor General.
Why join TASP?
By joining the Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP), you will be part of a dynamic, high-performing environment where you collaborate with leading experts from diverse backgrounds, access meaningful professional development opportunities, and contribute to nationally significant reform initiatives – while broadening your perspective through a global outlook grounded in the Pacific context.
HOW TO APPLY
Click the 'Apply Now' button.
Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 04 August 2026 / 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.
People with lived experience of the regions in which DT Global operates are strongly encouraged to apply. DT Global welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), and people with disabilities.
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