Procurement Reform Adviser (TAGS)

Job BriefProcurement Reform Adviser (TAGS)PROCUREMENT REFORM ADVISER (TAGS)LocationNuku'alofa, TongaProgram BackgroundThe Tonga Australia Support Platform (TASP) is a mechanism which will support 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 deliver the desired outcomes. About DT Global Asia PacificAt 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.

comThe RoleThe Government of Tonga is implementing a multi-year Procurement Reform Roadmap (2025/26–2028/29), informed by the 2024 MAPS Assessment and aligned with the broader Public Financial Management Reform Roadmap (PFMRR) 2024–2029. The reform aims to strengthen procurement governance through legislative updates, institutional restructuring, capacity building, digitalisation, and the integration of sustainability principles. To support this, the Ministry of Finance—through the Tonga-Australia Governance Program Support (TAGS) with technical assistance from TASP and DFAT—is engaging a Procurement Reform Adviser. The Adviser will provide senior-level strategic and technical advice across legal, institutional, and operational areas.

Working closely with the Central Procurement Unit (CPU) and reporting to the PFM Lead Adviser, the Adviser will play a key role in operationalising the roadmap and ensuring alignment with PFMRR and TAGS objectives. The Procurement Reform Adviser will be responsible for the following tasks: Strategic and Legal Framework Reform Support the harmonisation of the Public Finance Management Act, Public Procurement Regulations (2015), and Treasury Instructions to ensure legal coherence and alignment. Draft proposed amendments to procurement thresholds and emergency procurement provisions, in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and relevant stakeholders.

Tools, Manuals, and Institutional Strengthening Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), procurement manuals, and standardised templates for use across MDAs. Support the repositioning of the Central Procurement Unit (CPU) as a centre of excellence, with a focus on high-value procurement oversight and technical support to MDAs. Institutionalise good procurement practices by revising the Contracting Entity Procurement Manual, embedding gender equity and social inclusion principles throughout. Integration with PFM Systems and Budgeting Facilitate the integration of procurement planning processes with national budget cycles to ensure coherence between planned procurement and budget allocations.

Promote alignment with GFS-consistent classifications and ongoing chart of accounts reforms under the Public Financial Management Reform Roadmap (PFMRR). Digital and Performance-Based Procurement Lead readiness assessments for e-Government Procurement (e-GP) and coordinate pilot implementation within selected MDAs. Develop procurement performance tracking and monitoring tools (e. g. , Excel-based or cloud platforms) to enhance transparency and accountability. Promote open, transparent, and competitive procurement practices, aiming to achieve at least 80% of procurement through competitive bidding processes.

In particular the Adviser will be required to monitor the procurements which have been funded by the Government of Australia, ensuring that procurement processes progress in a timely manner and are compliant with GoT practices. Capacity Development and Professionalisation Conduct a skills gap assessment across MDAs and design a targeted procurement capacity-building program. Support the development of a structured procurement career pathway, including defined job roles, certification requirements, and training modules. Provide mentoring and on-the-job technical support to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure long-term sustainability of reforms.

Policy Development and Sustainability Lead the development of a Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) policy that aligns with national development priorities and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. Integrate gender-responsive and inclusive procurement practices into tendering, bid evaluation, and contract award procedures. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination Participate in inter-agency meetings, development partner forums, steering committees, and TAGS working groups to ensure coordination and alignment of procurement reforms with broader PFM initiatives. Consult regularly with MDAs, Ministry of Finance divisions, DFAT, civil society, and other stakeholders to support inclusive and contextually appropriate reform planning.

Promote a collaborative and consultative approach to all reform activities, encouraging whole-of-government ownership and consensus-building. Take a change management approach to Procurement Reform, work with both people and processes to achieve results. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Engage regularly with the TASP MEL Adviser to ensure procurement reform activities align with program indicators, learning objectives, and reporting frameworks. Contribute to adaptive management processes by integrating MEL insights into reform design and implementation, and supporting the documentation of results, case studies, and lessons learned.

Reporting and Advisory Support Document key reform processes, decisions, and outcomes to support institutional memory and inform program reporting. Respond to ad hoc requests for technical advice, briefings, or analysis from the Ministry of Finance, DFAT, or the TAGS team regarding procurement progress, risks, and emerging issues. Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https: //rb. gy/2amyegAbout YouEssential Experience and Knowledge Advanced degree in Public Procurement, Law, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field.

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in public procurement reform, with a preference for experience in developing country contexts. Demonstrated familiarity with MAPS-based frameworks, e-Government Procurement systems, and sustainable procurement strategies. Prior experience supporting legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and public sector procurement operations. Strong legal, technical, and analytical skills in public procurement. Proven ability to develop training programs and reform toolkits. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and report-writing abilities. Experience in managing a Change Management project Desirable Experience and knowledge of the Tongan governance systems and context.

Experience working in the Pacific Islands or other small island developing states (SIDS) Why join TASP?TASP is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. TASP is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.

How To ApplyClick the 'Apply Now' button or email your application with the reference “Procurement Reform Adviser” to recruitment@tasplatform. net. Please submit Your CV A cover letter addressing the selection criteriaAPPLICATIONS CLOSE 3 rd August 2025 / 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. DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs.

We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.