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Location
Nuku’alofa, Tonga

The Role
The primary objective of the Research and Communications Coordinator is to support the work of the Kafa-Taha, Tonga Australia Governance Support (TAGS) program through structured research, analysis, and engagement with stakeholders as appropriate. This role focuses on researching, collating information and data on prioritised issues to provide evidence to inform DFAT and TASP’s decision-making and policy processes. The Research and Communications Coordinator will work within the Governance work streams and across TASP pillars to ensure informed, cohesive development approaches.

The Research and Communications Coordinator will conduct background policy research and analysis to support existing projects as well as proposals for new bodies of work; synthesize research findings to identify and recommend best practices and communicate the results creatively and with clarity to stakeholders.

The Research and Communications Coordinator supports the work of the TAGS program and will work collaboratively with Governance workstream Leads and Governance Project coordinator (and with other pillars) to –

Research Commissioning and Analysis

• Develop and manage a structured research plan and budget to support the achievement of TAGS program outcomes.
• Identify priority governance and development issues that would benefit from targeted, independent research and analysis.
• Engage with advisers, DFAT, government counterparts, and other stakeholders to validate research priorities and promote collaboration.
• Where appropriate, identify and facilitate partnerships with local and regional institutions to co-design and deliver research activities.

Applied Research & Evidence Generation

• Conduct applied research using a range of methods including desktop literature reviews, interviews with key participants.
• Design and facilitate perception and other surveys.
• Ensure all data collection is inclusive, reliable, and up to date.
• Analyse, organise, and present findings in clear, meaningful formats suitable for diverse audiences, including government and civil society stakeholders.
• Produce high-quality research reports and briefs that inform policy and programmatic decision-making across TAGS.

Policy Dialogue & Public Discourse

• Support and promote locally led public conversations, debates, and discussions on governance and reform topics.
• Facilitate public engagement through mechanisms such as forums, workshops, roundtable discussions, lecture series, and discussion papers.
• Ensure research outputs are accessible and support evidence-based dialogue and advocacy efforts.

Strategic Communications & Engagement

• Develop and implement a communications and engagement strategy for TAGS, aligned with overall program goals.
• Create communications products across TAGS workstreams, including summaries of research findings, infographics, newsletters, and social media content.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels across the Governance workstreams and with TAGS stakeholders, including the TASP team.

Training & Capacity Building

• Collaborate with Team Leads, Advisers, and research partners to identify and implement opportunities for building local research and analytical capacity.
• Provide mentoring and knowledge-sharing support to strengthen inclusive research practices, aligned with GEDSI principles.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting (MEL)

• Work in close coordination with the M&E Officer and TASP MEL Adviser to integrate robust MEL approaches across research and communications activities.
• Collect, analyse, and report on data related to research, communications, and engagement outputs, ensuring alignment with TAGS outcomes and indicators.
• Ensure gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations are integrated in all MEL processes and reporting.
• Contribute to TASP and donor reporting requirements, including the preparation of monthly activity trackers, six-month progress reports, and annual reviews.

Coordination, Representation & Compliance

• Participate actively in team meetings, stakeholder consultations, and relevant coordination forums to provide updates, technical input, and ensure alignment with broader

TAGS objectives.

• Represent TAGS in relevant government meetings, partner consultations, technical working groups, and donor coordination platforms, where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with the GEDSI Adviser and TASP Programs team to ensure inclusive practices are embedded across all research and communications efforts.
• Perform other duties as reasonably required to support the effective delivery of TAGS objectives.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position:https://tinyurl.com/2s478zs8

About You
Essential Experience, Capacities and Knowledge

1. Tertiary qualification in economics, public policy, international development, or a related field.
2. At least 10 years’ relevant experience in economics, policy development, or international development.
3. Demonstrated experience in research, analysis, and evidence-based policy guidance.
4. Excellent analytical, report writing, and data presentation skills.
5. Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior officials and development partners.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly.
7. Awareness of cross-cutting issues such as GEDSI and climate change in development programming.

Desirable

1. Experience working on DFAT-funded programs or similar international development initiatives.
2. Familiarity with Tongan governance systems and institutional structures and an understanding of Tonga’s political, economic and policy context.
3. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and apply sound judgment.

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 APPLY
Click the 'Apply Now' button or email your application with the reference “Procurement Reform Adviser” or “Research and Communications Coordinator”  to [email protected].

Please submit
1) Your CV
2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 3^rdAugust 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.