Communications Officer - Tonga

This is a unique opportunity to support labour mobility communications in Tonga under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The role is with the Overseas Employment Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is based in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Palladium is advertising this role on behalf of the Government of Tonga, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Overseas Employment Division.

The Communications Officer is recruited by and reports to the Deputy CEO, Overseas Employment Division. Engagement is through a local Employer of Record who provides support, including contracting and payroll administration. This is a fixed-term opportunity to 30 June 2027, with opportunity for extension. The role is based at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Nuku’alofa, with some travel to outer islands including Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua as required. This is a locally engaged position.

About the Overseas Employment Division

The Overseas Employment Division, within Tonga’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, leads Tonga’s participation in labour mobility programs, including the PALM scheme. The PALM scheme enables workers from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to work in priority sectors in Australia. The Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program supports DFAT and partner governments to strengthen safe, inclusive and effective labour mobility participation that benefits workers, families, communities and national economies.

About the role

The Communications Officer will manage internal and external communications for Tonga’s labour mobility programs. The role will help ensure workers, employers, labour mobility stakeholders and the public receive accurate, timely and accessible information. The position will also support the visibility of labour mobility activities and the delivery of Overseas Employment Division priorities.

The role will:

• Develop communication plans and produce clear, accurate content for a range of channels, including social media, print, radio, television and other media outlets.
• Manage and update OED digital platforms, including websites and social media, so information is consistent, engaging and appropriate for different audiences.
• Support media engagement, including preparing press releases, statements and public messages that promote labour mobility activities in Tonga.
• Work with monitoring, reporting and evaluation colleagues to support communication products, including stories of change and other visibility materials.
• Build strong working relationships with local, national and regional communications stakeholders, including government partners, development partners and relevant labour mobility stakeholders.
• Provide advice, updates and reports to the Deputy CEO, supervisor and team leaders, including on urgent, sensitive or complex communication matters.

The Overseas Employment Division is looking for someone who:

• Has a degree in communications, journalism or a related field, and/or at least three years’ experience working in communications.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage professionally with government, media, community and development partner stakeholders.
• Is fluent in English and Tongan, and can prepare clear, accessible messages for different audiences and communication channels.
• Shows initiative, sound judgement and strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office, email, internet tools and digital platforms, including social media and basic content management processes.
• Understands gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion and respectful cross-cultural communication.

We encourage applications from people with communications, journalism, media, public relations, stakeholder engagement or development program experience who understand Tonga’s labour mobility context. We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Sharing information about your disability will not negatively affect your application. You are welcome to tell us what adjustments or support would help you take part in the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Click Apply now. Please apply online with your CV and a brief cover letter. In your cover letter, tell us why you are suitable for the role and how your experience meets the requirements of the position, including your communications experience and fluency in English and Tongan. Closing date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 11:59pm AEST.

About Palladium

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

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