Country Lead - Tonga

Are you passionate about driving transformative change in the Pacific? We're looking for a dynamic Country Lead - Tonga to spearhead vital programs in education climate resilience, sustainable development, and humanitarian response. Bring your strategic thinking, cultural sensitivity, and leadership to a role that makes a lasting impact where it matters most. If you believe in the power of people and partnerships to uplift nations, we want to hear from you. A place to make a difference:

In this full-time, permanent role, based in Tonga, you will be response for strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight of Save the Children Australia (SCA) program presence in Tonga. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring program quality, strategic alignment, and effective stakeholder engagement. You will make a difference by:

Leading the strategic direction of SCA's work in Tonga, ensuring alignment with Pacific regional priorities and national development goalsLeading strategic business development forums (SBDF) on future opportunities in TongaBuilding a network of contacts in the development and humanitarian sector to advance SCA's brand and reputation in TongaOverseeing the implementation of development projects in line with donor and SCA requirements, with support and advice to the Program Management Units LeadsOverseeing financial management and audit requirements of projectsSupporting capacity development of local partners and promote their leadership in program delivery A place to feel valued:

Your deep expertise in similar senior management / Country Lead-level roles within the international development sector is invaluable. In addition, a sound understanding and demonstrated work experience in the Tonga context will be looked upon highly favourably. This role requires:

Minimum of 15 years' experience directing programs and monitoring outcomes in a socially responsible organisation and/or businessTertiary qualification in a relevant / related disciplineDemonstrated experience in working alongside national staff in a culturally sensitive manner to build capacityDemonstrated leadership and management skills in a complex international settingSignificant experience leading strategic planning, program design and proposal developmentSignificant experience overseeing operational requirements, financial management, risk management, procurement and human resourcesExperience in successfully establishing and managing collaborative relationships and partnerships with counterpartsStrong representation and influencing skillsFluency in written and spoken English A place to belong:

We are diverse personalities, backgrounds and talents, embracing our differences as one strong and united team. We see and celebrate the unique value you bring to our organisation, and offer a range of rewards for your effort, including: Individual learning plans to help map and deliver on your career developmentInternal employment and development opportunitiesSupport for workplace wellness, including access to our free, confidential Employee Wellbeing ProgramCelebrate and feel supported in your diversity.

We've established internal networks to support our diverse workforce, foster inclusion and allow you to bring your whole self to work (if that's what you want!) (Parents and Carers@Save, Mental Wellness Alliance, Disability@Save). Extra leave to use in a range of ways to ensure you're able to perform at your optimum Does this sound like the place for you? We'd love to hear from you. Submit your cover letter and resume below. Applications close 4pm Tonga time, 8th August 2025.

For a copy of the position description, click the "Apply" button - this will redirect you to the main advert on our Careers Page. For more information about this position, please contact Elke Puritau on elke. puritau@savethechildren. org. au. We have tested our application process with diverse groups in mind, with the intent to ensure it's straightforward and accessible for all to apply. Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our culture and improve our ability to reach our most vulnerable client groups.

But we also know there is no one-size fits-all when it comes to recruitment - so if we didn't quite hit the mark for you, please let us know at people. culture@savethechildren. org. au. We're dedicated to ensuring Save the Children Australia is a place where everyone can feel supported - no matter your race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, culture and beliefs. Save the Children Australia is a child-safe organisation. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check, a Working with Children Check, and sign our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.

We also support the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. Save the Children is committed to providing and maintaining a safe working environment for its employees and client groups, consistent with our obligations under OH&S legislation. If you are having any issues with uploading your application for this role, please contact people. culture@savethechildren. org. au for further support.