RESIDENCE OF THE AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO TONGA
Official Residence – Various Positions
The Australian High Commissioner is seeking applications for three positions at the Official Residence.
All suitable applicants will be placed in a merit pool which will be used to fill similar vacancies over the next 12 months.
Positions are office-based at the Australian High Commissioner’s Official Residence, Vuna Rad, Ma’ufanga.
About the positions:
Head Chef
The Head Chef provides the culinary vision for events hosted at the Official Residence. To be successful in this role you will have demonstrated experience working in or leading a commercial kitchen and a personal drive for innovative. The position will work closely with other members of the Residence staff to prepare and deliver high quality, contemporary cooking suitable for a range of events and guests. A genuine interest in Australian cuisine or cooking experience in Australia is welcomed.
Residence Manager
The Residence Manager will work to ensure that the Official Residence is prepared to receive and host visitors for a variety of events from informal cocktails to formal banquets. To be successful in this role, you will need a keen eye for detail, work experience in hospitality or a similar position in a diplomatic mission, and a willingness to go the extra step to make sure that all visitors to the Official Residence experience a warm and welcoming environment. The position will work as part of a close-knit team.
Housekeeper
The Official Residence hosts many events and is the home of the High Commissioner and family. The Housekeeper’s role is critical to ensure that the Residence is maintained in a clean and safe manner, and that all provisions needed for the smooth running of the Residence are available. To be successful in this role you will need an eye for detail, be able to follow instructions on event planning and set up, be curious and look for opportunities to lift the overall experience for guests at the Residence.
To discuss any aspects of the role, you can contact [email protected] or phone (+676) 20400.
Terms of employment:
The positions are directly employed by the Higher Commissioner and are not employees of the Australian High Commission. The Terms and Conditions for employment are set by the High Commissioner and are based on local Tongan labour laws. The High Commissioner offers a package that includes uniform, recreation and personal carer’s days, medical benefits, and superannuation contributions.
Employment term aligns to the High Commissioner’s term. There is no guarantee that employment will continue after the High Commissioner departs.
The Australian High Commissioner in Nuku’alofa will not be responsible for any costs incurred if applying for a Tongan visa, relocation costs, nor the return of the officer and family to their country of origin at the end of the contract. The High Commission will not bear any responsibility for assisting applicants to obtain or maintain the right to work in Tonga.
How to apply:
A full copy of the Duty Statement and Requirements for both positions may be downloaded from our website www.tonga.embassy.gov.au; from our Facebook page, through email [email protected] or collected from the Australian High Commission reception.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on Friday 5 June 2026.
Applications should include:
- A brief cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and Information on your work experience including personal details, relevant work experience and educational qualifications (maximum two pages);
- Contact details for two referees including your current supervisor (there is no need to provide written references as part of the application).
Please submit your application either by email to [email protected] (preferred) or in a hard copy addressed to HR Personnel – Job Vacancy and dropped off at the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa.
Late or incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
ENDS
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The temporary employment register is currently being advertised.
All eligible and suitably qualified candidates will be considered for inclusion in a merit pool, which may be used to fill similar roles over the next 12 months.
These positions are based at the Australian High Commission office in Nuku’alofa.
Temporary Employment Register
|
POSITION TITLE |
Temporary Employment Register – Nuku’alofa |
|
CLASSIFICATION |
Dependent upon the position responsibilities |
|
LOCATION |
Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa |
|
CONTRACT TYPE |
Fixed Term |
|
CLOSING DATE |
Register closes for new applications on 30 June 2026 |
About the Temporary Employment Register
The Australian High Commission maintains a Temporary Employment Registry to fill short-term vacancies as they arise throughout the year. These roles are temporary, non-ongoing contract positions which are usually less than six months in duration.
Typical temporary roles include:
- Policy and Program Support – assisting with research, reporting, and coordination of diplomatic programs
- Corporate Officers – supporting finance, HR, property, travel, security or IT functions
- Project Officers – managing short-term initiatives or events
- Executive Assistants – providing high-level administrative support to executives
- Administrative Assistants – general office support and reception duties
- Official Drivers – transporting staff and official visitors
All positions are generally office-based at the Australian High Commission office in Nuku’alofa.
Temporary Contracts
Temporary vacancies are usually filled on a short-term contract basis, with either fulltime, parttime or casual hours, depending on business needs and requirements. The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member at The Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa.
Salary for the position is to be determined based on the vacancy and the level of experience required to complete the duties. Salary will be based on the Nuku’alofa LES Salary Scale and may include loading or penalty rates instead of accruing entitlements such as sick leave and holiday leave. Employment conditions will closely match those in the Nuku’alofa Post Locally Engaged Staff Employment Conditions.
Only those with a right to work in Tonga are eligible to apply for the Temporary Employment Register at the Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa. Individuals will be required to present proof of their status before an offer is made.
The Australian High Commission reserves the right to terminate a temporary staff member’s employment at any time.
Please be advised that the Australian High Commission does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
If an Offer is made
If you are contacted with a temporary employment offer, you will be asked to provide:
- A completed Pre-Employment Probity Check Form (PDF), including all supporting documentation.
- A completed Personal Particulars Form (PDF).
Placement will only proceed following successful police and medical clearances.
An offer of temporary employment does not guarantee ongoing or permanent employment with the Australian High Commission.
How to Apply
To be considered for temporary employment, please submit a CV and a separate cover letter outlining your specific qualifications, relevant skills, previous work experience and availability for temporary employment.
Applications are kept on file for 12 months. Your application will be considered when temporary vacancies arise and decisions are based on suitability, availability and/or the possession of a security clearance (if required by the position).
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
Candidates will be directly contacted if their application is under consideration for a vacancy.
Please direct any queries to [email protected]
ENDS