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Employment Opportunities at the Australian High Commission

There are currently four jobs including a temporary employment register (at bottom of page) being advertised.

The Australian High Commission is inviting applications for several vacant positions.

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.

Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer

The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa invites applications for the position of Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer.

All suitable applicants will be placed into a merit pool that may be used to fill similar vacancies in the next 12 months.

This is a non-ongoing position. It is envisaged that in the near future it would become an ongoing role, though this cannot be guaranteed.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on Friday 17 October.

About the position:

The Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer, under the direction of the Second Secretary (Political), is responsible for promoting the close partnership between Australia and Tonga. The position helps to identify and deliver well-targeted external communication that grows awareness and understanding of Australia’s extensive partnership with Tonga, including the Australian aid program, police and defence cooperation, and people to people links. The role will also monitor Tonga’s media outlets and assist the broader political team by occasionally translating Tongan-language material and providing research on Tongan political affairs.

All staff are expected to assist with crisis response, senior visits and major events.

Skills and Capabilities

High-level written and spoken English-language communication skills, and the ability to liaise with stakeholders and develop networks at all levels
Strong organisational, time management and record-keeping skills, including an ability to meet deadlines and deliver on competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
High level of initiative, flexibility and willingness to undertake a broad range of duties to work in a small team.

Required Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge

Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in a related field such as journalism, communications, or public relations.
Relevant work experience or interest in political affairs or international relations is desirable but not essential.
Strong Tongan language skills, including the ability to produce accurate English-language translations, and an understanding of the Tongan social and political environment.
Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content for traditional and social media with a target audience in mind. The ability to produce and edit compelling video content and infographics is highly desirable. Basic training will also be provided.

Terms of employment:

The terms of employment will be in accordance with the Nuku’alofa – Locally Engaged Staff Terms and Conditions of Employment. Employment will be offered on a non-ongoing contract basis at the LE4 broadband level (TOP32,083-37,533.12).

This is a non-ongoing position. It is envisaged that in the near future it would become an ongoing role, though this cannot be guaranteed.

This position can be either part-time (preferred 5 days per week, at least 5 hours per day) or full-time (37.5 hours per week).

The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa offers a package that includes recreation and personal carer’s days, medical benefits, and superannuation contributions.

The Australian High Commission 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.

The Australian High Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people with disabilities are encouraged.

How to apply:

A full copy of the Duty Statement and Requirements 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 17 October.

Applications should include:

A covering letter which includes information on your skills and qualifications relevant to the position (maximum one page);
A Curriculum Vitae outlining personal details, relevant work experience and educational qualifications (maximum two pages);
Contact details for two referees.

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.

Agency	Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Position number	NK018
Title	Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer
Classification	LE4
Section	Policy and Programs
Reports to (title)	Second Secretary (Political)

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests. The Australian High Commission in Tonga advances these objectives at a national and regional level from Nuku’alofa.

About the position

The Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer is responsible for identifying and delivering well-targeted external communication activities under the direction of the Second Secretary (Political). The position helps grow awareness and understanding of Australia’s partnership with Tonga, including the Australian aid program, police and defence cooperation, and people to people links. The role will monitor Tonga’s media outlets and assist the broader political and economic team by providing research on Tongan political affairs and translating Tongan-language material.

This position can be either part-time (preferred 5 days per week, 5-6 hours per day) or full time (37.5 hours per week).

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

contribute to the strategy, planning and budgeting of all public diplomacy, communications and social media for the High Commission, with guidance from the Second secretary (Political)
identify opportunities and put forward creative ideas to promote the Tonga-Australia partnership
develop and publish compelling public diplomacy content, including photos, info-graphics, videos, press releases and social media content
manage the High Commission’s social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.
respond to comments and messages from the public, in line with key messages and the DFAT social media policy
lead on building a High Commission culture of actively shaping public sentiment about Australia, including identifying and addressing local rub-points and issues
actively update the High Commission’s website (technical aspects are done by others)
collaborate closely with multiple Australian agencies, Australian aid programs and external stakeholders on content, messaging and risk management
assist with collating, condensing, and distributing a weekly media summary for High Commission staff and Canberra-based officers
track the success or lessons learned from communications initiatives to ensure continual improvement
together with the High Commission’s events coordinator, help organise outreach and partnership events, including planning functions, developing invitation lists, managing RSVPs, and arranging catering and entertainment
contribute to DFAT’s relationships in Tonga by developing and maintaining strong external relationships with media, development partners and other stakeholders
support the political team with basic research, translations, and media monitoring, including during staff absences or busy periods.

Qualifications/Experience

relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in a related field such as journalism, communications, or public relations. (Experience in political science or international relations can also be useful)
high-level written and spoken English-language communication skills, and the ability to liaise with stakeholders and develop networks at all levels
strong Tongan language skills, including the ability to produce accurate English-language translations, and an understanding of the Tongan social and political environment
demonstrated ability to produce high-quality content for traditional and social media
strong organisational, time management and record-keeping skills, including an ability to meet deadlines and deliver on competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail
demonstrated ability to work as part of a small team
demonstrated flexibility and willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.

Desirable additional skills

A demonstrated ability to produce and edit compelling video content and info-graphics. Basic training can also be provided to the successful applicant on this.

Corporate Services Manager (LE5)

About the positions:

Two positions are immediately available. Both positions work under broad direction to deliver the High Commission’s corporate enabling services. All staff are expected to assist with crisis response, senior visits and major events.

PN 7373 Corporate Services Manager (LE5)

The successful candidate will have broad knowledge of corporate service delivery, with demonstrated experience leading and managing a small team to deliver finance, HR (including learning and development), and travel processes for government, diplomatic missions, regional or large private sector organisations. You will actively review and update corporate policies and procedures and identify opportunities to improve processes in line with legislation and existing High Commission policies and procedures. You will support the High Commissioner and senior leadership team by providing analysis, reporting and advice on corporate service delivery within the High Commission.

PN NK004 Property and Facilities Officer (LE4)

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience providing property, facility and fleet management services for government, diplomatic missions, regional or large private sector organisations. You will be responsible for day-to-day management of a small team delivering a range of reactive and planned maintenance across the suite of High Commission leased and owned properties, ensure the vehicle fleet is well maintained,

manage High Commission assets and undertake procurement and contract management in line with existing legislation, policies and procedures. To discuss any aspects of the role, you can contact [email protected] or phone (+676) 20400.

Terms of employment:

The terms of employment will be in accordance with the Nuku’alofa – Locally Engaged Staff Terms and Conditions of Employment including Salary Scale. Positions are ongoing following successful completion of a probationary period. Depending on your level of experience, the salary range is LE5 TOP37,708 – 44,098 per annum LE4 TOP32,083 – 37,533 per annum

The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa offers a package that includes recreation and personal carer’s days, medical benefits, and superannuation contributions.

The Australian High Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people with disabilities are encouraged.

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. See below.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on Wednesday 9 October 2025.

Applications should include:

· A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) which includes statements addressing the following selection criteria (please provide examples where possible):

a) Tertiary qualifications and/or experience relevant to the position you are applying for

b) Experience leading and managing a small team

c) Experience managing a program of work or project including monitoring for results, stakeholder engagement and budget or financial management.

· A Curriculum Vitae outlining 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).

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.

Corporate Services Manager

AGENCY	Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
POSITION NUMBER	PN 7373
POSITION TITLE	Corporate Services Manager
CLASSIFICATION	LE5
SECTION	Corporate
REPORTS TO (TITLE)	Senior Administration Officer

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

About the position

The Corporate Services Manager is a key role leading a small team to deliver high quality, efficient and contemporary corporate enabling services within the Australian High Commission. The position has day-to-day responsibility for a range of administrative, financial and operational matters including Human Resources; Budget, Finance and Travel; Assets and Records Management; and Performance and Program Management. A key focus of the role is the coordination and interaction with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of the High Commission’s corporate services.

All staff are expected to assist with crisis response, senior visits and major events.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

In consultation with the Senior Administration Officer,
- manage the High Commission’s financial operations and assets including budget, forecasting, procurement, payments, monitoring expenditure and identifying savings
- prepare financial reports and bids ensuring that risks are mitigated and that Post is compliant with legislative and policy requirements.
- manage LES and HOMDOM staff records, including reconciliation of leave records with attendance registers, contracts, condition of service and entitlement eg leave, overtime, higher duties etc.
- facilitate international and domestic travel movements, policies and procedures including travel register, processing allowances and liaison with travel suppliers.
- oversee and support implementation of programs, visits and projects such as Post’s learning and development program, provide logistics support for international visits and major events.
Provide strategic and practical advice to post management on matters relating to HR, finance, travel and WHS, including the development of relevant work plans, policies and procedures, identifying opportunities for improvements and providing leadership on corporate governance issues.
Lead and manage the corporate team, ensuring that they have the required skills and knowledge to provide the full suite of services and ensure complete and accurate records are maintained.
Support Post and Australian-based staff through the provision of protocol, visa and local advice.

Qualifications / Experience / Capabilities

Relevant qualifications or experience in finance and administration, business or management.
Experience in financial and/or corporate management, preferably within government, large corporate department, or diplomatic mission.
Demonstrated experience managing small, high productivity teams in a complex operating environment.
Strong ICT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, with knowledge of SAP or other similar financial management systems.
Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
Ability to work under minimal supervision, either as part of a team or individually.
Strong planning, organisational, analytical and decision-making skills.
Effective communication skills including the ability to prepare reports, proposals, policies and procedures.
Ability to manage confidential information.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Property and Facilities Officer

AGENCY	Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
POSITION NUMBER	NK 004
POSITION TITLE	Property and Facilities Officer
CLASSIFICATION	LE4
SECTION	Australian High Commission, Nuku’alofa
REPORTS TO (TITLE)	Second Secretary Corporate and Vice-Consul

About The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

About the position

The Property and Facilities Officer manages the provision of property services for the High Commission and staff residences, as well as ensuring that the This position also manages the procurement and contract management of property related services, fleet of official vehicles and supervision of staff. A key focus of the role is the coordination and interaction with internal and external partners and suppliers to ensure properties are functional and able to operate effectively.

All staff are expected to assist with crisis response, senior visits and major events.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

Manage the property portfolio of the Australian High Commission including office (chancery) and residences (leased and owned), including liaison with the Australian High Commission’s overall facility manager and Overseas Property Officer on maintenance programs, project delivery and quality assurance.
Supervision, training, and day-to-day task allocation of a small team responsible for property, facilitates administration and official driving duties.
In accordance with Australia’s Financial Management and Accountability Act, perform various financial processing and reporting duties including monitoring and managing the budget for procurement, management of property, maintenance and management of official vehicles.
Develop and maintain relationships, including day to day engagement with contractors, trades, business and suppliers, including fault reporting and facilitating and supervising access.
Develop, implement and monitor property and fleet maintenance schedules.
Contribute to the development and review of relevant policies, plans and procedures to ensure that property and fleet management is being delivered effectively and efficiently.
Maintain accurate financial, contract, maintenance and other records in the High Commission’s electronic records management system.
Coordinate workplace health and safety risk assessments, incident reporting and implementation of approved processes and procedures to minimise risks for the staff and suppliers working with the High Commission. Contribute to the development, review and implementation of emergency procedures.
Ensure all High Commission equipment is accurately recorded in relevant asset registers, maintained safely and is readily available for staff to use and assist with ongoing asset management, including regular stocktakes of equipment
Other duties as assigned by the Senior Administration Officer.

Required Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge

Demonstrated experience managing property, procurement, and maintenance within a diplomatic mission, international or regional organisation or government.
Demonstrated experience working as a member of a team delivering services or projects to agreed standards and deadlines.
Demonstrated experience using Microsoft programs to implement and monitor projects or schedules.
Demonstrated ability to prioritise, think strategically, apply judgement and innovation to achieve results.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in Tongan and English.
Demonstrated negotiation and influencing skills.
Highly motivated and self sufficient
Critical thinking and analysis skills to help our team get the most from our property portfolio and maintain high levels of customer service.
High level of organisational and administration skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive working relationships.
Strong computer skills and the ability to pick up new systems easily is desirable.

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.

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.

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.

Please direct any queries to [email protected].