RESIDENCE OF THE AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO TONGA
Official Residence – Various Positions, fulltime and part-time.
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:
1. Head Chef
The Australian High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga is seeking a creative and talented Chef to join their tight-knit and energetic Official Residence team. The position is located at the Official Residence on Vuna Road, Mafu’anga.
The Chef will create fresh and innovative menus for the Official Residence, promoting local Tongan and Australian cuisines and dishes. The Chef will plan and cater for official and private events and will undertake kitchen operations, from sourcing ingredients to plating up meals. The Chef will be proficient in a broad range of culinary skills, with knowledge of different cuisines, specialty ingredients, baking and patisserie. A working knowledge of English and good humour is required.
The position is part-time employed directly by the High Commissioner and may involve evening and weekend work.
The key responsibilities of the Chef include, but are not limited to:
- Develop menus and prepare catering for the High Commissioner’s official dinners, receptions and events, ranging from formal or informal private lunches and dinners to functions for over 50 to 200 guests.
- Provide innovative menu design that showcases Australian produce, food innovations and the diverse culinary aspects of Australian culture.
- Work with the High Commissioner’s Executive Assistant and Residence Manager to coordinate meals in accordance with relevant dietary requirements, ingredient themes and financial scopes.
- Ensure food is prepared and stored in accordance with the highest standards of hygiene and food safety.
- Ensure the kitchen, storerooms and official areas of the residence are maintained in a clean and efficient manner.
- Maintain and monitor stock control and procure and shop for ingredients.
- Assist in briefing banquet waiting and wine and beverage staff on menus and required service.
Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in either a similar residence or a commercial kitchen is essential
- A drive for creativity in the kitchen
- Interest in Australia, Australian culture and Australian cuisine
- Professionalism, a strong work ethic and demonstrated customer service
- High level of discretion
- Working knowledge of English
- Understanding of Tongan markets and suppliers is an advantage
Conditions of employment
- Salary is negotiable for this part-time position of up to 20 hours per week. There will be occasions where additional work hours are required. In such cases, time off in lieu or overtime will be granted.
- Employment is subject to an initial probation period of up to six months.
- There are 10 days of recreation leave per year and 10 days personal / carer’s leave per year.
- An annual bonus (equivalent to four (4) weeks of base salary or pro-rata) upon completion of 12 months of employment.
- Working uniforms will be provided by the High Commissioner.
- Overnight self-contained accommodation is available at Australian High Commission compound on an ad hoc basis.
2. Residence Manager
Under close direction, the House Manager maintains a safe and professional environment at the Australian High Commission Residence at Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga. This is the home of the High Commissioner (or HOM) and his/her family. It is also the venue for ‘official representation’ which includes meetings and various small events such as morning teas, lunches, some dinners and occasional large events.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
(75 per cent) Ensuring that events at the Residence are well-planned and delivered to agreed standards, including:
- Leading on arrangements for events in consultation with HOM and / or HOM EA or other staff at the High Commission. This includes clarifying the nature of the event requirements, liaising with caterers and service staff and ensuring that the residence is set up to host the event.
- Providing instructions to the Housekeeper and other suppliers on event setup and service requirements and ensuring that instructions are completed on time and to required standards.
- Menu development and oversighting sourcing of items for the menu in consultation with responsible AHC officer (Housekeeper will purchase).
- Providing instructions to the HOM Cook or caterers on menu and service requirements and ensuring that meal preparation is completed on time and to required standards.
- Assist with basic food preparation as directed by HOM Spouse or HOM EA, chef or caterers, and occasionally purchase some goods.
- Attend to guest needs as required.
- Pack up equipment after events and ensure public spaces are clean.
- Follow through HOM’s instructions on management of excess food.
(15 percent) Helping to manage the HOM residence, including:
- Assisting to recruit staff to complete establishment of the HOM Domestic staffing profile (Cook and Housekeeper) or casual event or cleaning staff as needed.
- Ensuring Official pantry and other consumables for public area are well stocked (Housekeeper to purchase).
- Overseeing the work of the Housekeeper to ensure that the Public Areas of the Residence are clean and well presented; and that equipment used for events is clean, stored correctly and that the inventory is up to date.
- Handover document for future House Managers and on-the-job training as needed.
- Communicating maintenance issues in the Public Areas of the Residence to the Property Team at the High Commission.
(5 percent) Maintaining Events Procedures Manuals and Procedures for events at the Residence which includes:
- Ensuring there are clear instructions on how to set up an event (ranging from informal to formal), including photographs to create a catalogue of options for place setting options and that event protocols and staff service standards are in place.
- Guidance on event budgets to ensure that catering costs are within the agreed rates for representational allowances.
- Briefing High Commission staff on using the form and communication protocols for working with staff at the Residence (timeframes and preferred communication method etc).
- Establishing an event booking system to meet the needs of the HOM and HOM spouse.
(5 percent) Supporting the HOM/HOM spouse with other tasks as directed.
Note:
- The House Manager is expected to support some of the ‘representational’ events at HOM Residence – but not all of them. Most will be during business hours, but some will involve work outside normal hours.
- A car license is preferred.
3. Housekeeper
Under close direction, the Housekeeper maintains a safe, clean, and professional environment at the Australian High Commission Residence at Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga. This is the home of the High Commissioner (or HOM) and his/her family. It is also the venue for ‘official representation’ which includes meetings and various small events such as morning teas, lunches, some dinners and occasional large events.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
(50 per cent) Maintaining the HOM residence, including:
- Responsibility for cleaning the official and personal areas of the residence. This includes the living area, dining area, bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets. Particular attention should be given to
- Cleaning and dusting all furniture and hard surfaces, windows, interior walls and blinds
- Vacuuming carpets and washing floors
- Wash and iron linens and tablecloths and napkins after use
- Maintain and water indoor plants
- Clean outdoor furniture, BBQ, and poolside table area
- Liaise with the gardener to ensure the balcony floors are clean
- Any other duties as directed by the HOM, HOM spouse or House Manager.
(30 percent) Assisting with small and big events at the HOM residence, including:
- Liaise with the House Manager, HOM or HOM EA on the nature of the event and requirements and ensure that the residence is set up to host the event. This may include:
- Set up the space for the event, including possibly a bar, rearranging furniture, music, lighting, and serving equipment – with extra help as required
- Assist with food preparation as directed by the House Manager, HOM Spouse or HOM EA, chef or caterers, and occasionally purchase catering items
- Serve food and drinks to guests
- Attend to guest needs as required
- Pack up equipment after events and clean the space.
(10 percent) Helping to manage the HOM residence, including:
- Report anything that is broken, missing or needing repair or attention, and occasionally purchase items if needed
- Maintaining the inventory list at HOM residence, in liaison with the HOM EA and property manager – including food, drinks, catering and cleaning supplies
- Assist/supervise maintenance contractors working at the property
- Work closely with security guards and gardener (and others), like a team, to ensure the property is well-maintained and functions smoothly during events
- Seek additional assistance for tasks where it is needed.
(5 percent) Maintaining the Guest Apartment at the HOM residence, including:
- Keep the apartment in a clean and prepared state, ready to be used at any time
- Manage basic needs of guests staying at the apartment, including any washing or minor tasks.
(5 percent) Supporting the HOM or HOM spouse with other domestic tasks as directed.
Note:
- The Housekeeper is expected to support some of the ‘representational’ events at HOM Residence – but not all of them. Most will be during business hours, but some will involve work outside normal hours. This can be done either through flexible hours (e.g. work at night for an event and come in late the next day) or through overtime payments.
- Basic English skills are required.
- A car license is preferred, but not essential.
4. Casual Event Staff
The Australian High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga is seeking Expressions of Interest for talented event and hospitality professionals wanting to work on a range of events to held at the Official Residence, Vuna Road, Mafu’anga.
We are looking for energetic staff to be part of a team dedicated to making our events memorable. There are a range of roles working front or back of house assisting to make sure the event is set up on time; greeting our guests warmly and helping them to enjoy the experience; assisting with food and beverage preparation, serving, and clearing; and generally ensuring that everything runs smoothly and as planned.
The positions are casual, on-call and are employed directly by the High Commissioner. Events may be during the day, evening or at weekends, sometimes with short notice.
The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Venue set up and pack down using the event protocols provided by the Australian High Commission or House Manager.
- Creating a positive guest experience through greeting, maintaining awareness of and pre-empting guest needs, assisting with seating arrangements, friendly smooth service, and providing general support.
- Assist with preparing, serving, and clearing refreshments and catering, including stock replenishment, and supporting the food and beverage team.
- Maintain venue cleanliness, ensuring that used plates and glasses are removed for washing, and any spills or breakages are cleaned up quickly and safely.
Qualifications/Experience
- Experience in the hospitality and events industry or undertaking current hospitality or event studies.
- Excellent presentation and a friendly personality.
- Effective communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to solve problems and adapt to last minute challenges.
- Attention to detail and initiative.
Conditions of casual employment
- Hourly salary plus casual loading paid into your bank account after the event
- Work hours are based upon the events and your availability. The amount of work will vary week by week.
Terms of employment for full time and part time staff:
The positions are directly employed by the High 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 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.
Terms of employment for casual staff:
- Hourly salary plus casual loading paid into your bank account after the event
- Work hours are based upon the events and your availability. The amount of work will vary week by week.
How to apply:
A full copy of the Duty Statement and Requirements for all positions may be found on 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 28 August 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;
- Contact details for two referees including your current supervisor (there is no need to provide written references as part of the application);
- A copy of any relevant qualifications.
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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AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION – NUKU’ALOFA
Temporary Employment Register
The Australian High Commission is seeking talented people with a broad cross-section of skills, experience, and qualifications to apply for our Temporary Employment Register (TER). The TER assists with filling temporary positions across various job families within the High Commission. Non-ongoing opportunities may be offered for an initial period of up to 12 months.
Candidates should be aware this is a register only and that you will only be contacted regarding your application if a vacancy arises that matches your skills, qualifications, and/or experience. We are looking for self-motivated individuals who are eager learners and can engage effectively with stakeholders to influence outcomes and achieve results. All staff are expected to assist with crisis response, senior visits and major events.
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 office-based at the Australian High Commission office in Nuku’alofa.
For further information you can contact [email protected] or phone (+676) 20400.
Terms of employment:
Employment will be offered on a non-ongoing contract basis with remuneration levels depending upon the vacancy and your experience. The terms of employment will be closely aligned to the Nuku’alofa – Locally Engaged Staff Terms and Conditions of Employment, including the Salary Scale.
The Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa will not be responsible for any costs incurred if applying for a Tongan visa or relocation costs. 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:
The Temporary Employment Register remains open to applications. You can apply at any time by submitting the following to [email protected]
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) which introduces you, the type of work you are interested in and your availability for temporary work;
- A Curriculum Vitae outlining personal details, relevant work experience and educational qualifications,
- Contact details for two referees including your current supervisor (there is no need to provide written references as part of the application).
Your application will be screened for suitability and those selected will remain on the Register for 12 months. The High Commission will contact you as vacancies arise. All successful applicants will need to complete medical and police checks.
ENDS