Full-time opportunity in Tongatapu, Tonga. Locally based.
Program Background
Pacific Australia Skills is a significant Australian investment which stands to make a major contribution to supporting social and economic growth in the region through strengthening the skills and training sector across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Pacific Australia Skills builds on the achievements of 17 years of Australian Government support for skills and training in the Pacific.
About DT Global Asia Pacific
At 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.com
The Role
The Safeguards Manager is responsible for leading the implementation, coordination and continuous improvement of safeguarding systems across the Pacific Australia Skills Tonga program. The role provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure safeguarding is effectively integrated into program planning, procurement, partnership management, activity implementation and organisational operations.
The position is accountable for ensuring compliance with DFAT safeguarding requirements, DT Global safeguarding policies, procedures and Pacific Australia Skills safeguarding strategy through the delivery of safeguarding risk management, due diligence, incident management, monitoring, compliance and capacity strengthening activities. The Safeguards Manager also supports the development of a strong safeguarding culture by promoting accountability, prevention, respectful behaviours and continuous organisational learning.
The Country Lead provides overall leadership, operational oversight and performance management of the position, ensuring safeguarding is integrated into country operations and strategic priorities. The Regional Safeguards Manager provides specialist technical advice, professional supervision and quality assurance to ensure consistent implementation of safeguarding policies, procedures and standards across Pacific Australia Skills.
Responsibilities
Strategic Safeguarding Leadership
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Lead the implementation of the Pacific Australia Skills Safeguarding Strategy and annual country safeguarding workplan, ensuring safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of program delivery in Tonga.
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Provide strategic and technical advice to the Country Lead and Country Leadership Team on safeguarding risks, compliance obligations, emerging issues and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability and respectful behaviours by promoting awareness, prevention and shared responsibility across the program.
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Ensure safeguarding considerations are integrated into program planning, activity design, procurement, partnership development and operational decision-making.
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Contribute to regional safeguarding priorities and support the consistent application of safeguarding standards across Pacific Australia Skills.
Safeguarding Risk Management and Due Diligence
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Lead the implementation of safeguarding due diligence processes for implementing partners, contractors, service providers and other stakeholders in accordance with DFAT and DT Global safeguarding requirements and procedures.
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Conduct Safeguards Risk and Capacity Assessments and develop practical safeguarding plans to strengthen organisational capability and compliance.
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Review and provide technical quality assurance of Activity Safeguards Risk Assessments, ensuring risks are appropriately identified, mitigated, monitored and documented.
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Monitor implementation of safeguarding mitigation measures and partner action plans, providing technical support to address identified gaps and strengthen safeguarding systems.
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Work collaboratively with procurement, partnerships and program teams to ensure safeguarding considerations are appropriately incorporated throughout the partnership lifecycle.
Incident Management and Case Coordination
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Ensure safeguarding incidents are reported, managed and escalated within required timeframes while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate information management.
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Coordinate survivor-centred and child-centred responses, including referrals to appropriate support services and monitoring implementation of agreed actions.
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Provide technical advice and support to managers and staff in responding to safeguarding concerns and implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures.
Capacity Development and Technical Support
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Coordinate and deliver safeguarding induction, awareness and capacity strengthening initiatives for Pacific Australia Skills staff, implementing partners, government stakeholders, contractors and service providers.
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Build safeguarding capability through coaching, mentoring and ongoing technical support to Safeguards Focal Points, Safeguards Coordinator and key stakeholders.
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Support partners to strengthen safeguarding governance, policies, procedures, reporting mechanisms and organisational practices aligned with DFAT safeguarding requirements.
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Promote continuous learning by identifying emerging safeguarding issues, lessons learned and opportunities to strengthen organisational capability.
Monitoring, Compliance and Quality Assurance
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Monitor safeguarding implementation through regular field visits, compliance reviews, partner engagement and activity monitoring to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding measures.
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Track implementation of safeguarding action plans, recommendations and corrective actions, ensuring timely follow-up and continuous improvement.
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Prepare high-quality safeguarding reports, dashboards, risk analyses, briefing papers and technical updates for the Country Lead, Regional Safeguards Manager and other stakeholders.
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Monitor compliance with DT Global safeguarding policies, Codes of Conduct, DFAT safeguarding requirements and contractual safeguarding obligations.
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Contribute to internal audits, assurance processes and organisational reporting to demonstrate safeguarding compliance and program performance.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
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Develop and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, TVET institutions, employers, civil society organisations, implementing partners, contractors and development partners to strengthen safeguarding outcomes.
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Provide trusted technical advice to internal and external stakeholders on safeguarding policy, risk management and good practice.
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Represent Pacific Australia Skills in safeguarding-related meetings, working groups, technical forums and partner consultations as delegated by the Country Lead.
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Foster collaborative partnerships that strengthen safeguarding capability, promote organisational learning and support sustainable safeguarding systems across the program.
Other Responsibilities
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Contribute to regional safeguarding initiatives, Communities of Practice, cross-country learning and the continuous improvement of safeguarding systems across Pacific Australia Skills.
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Support the development, review and continuous improvement of safeguarding policies, guidance materials, tools, templates and training resources.
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Participate in organisational planning, learning and knowledge management activities to strengthen safeguarding practice across the program.
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Maintain professional knowledge of emerging safeguarding legislation, DFAT policies, international standards and best practice to ensure continuous improvement in safeguarding approaches.
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Undertake other duties consistent with the responsibilities, classification and level of the position, as reasonably directed by the Lead.
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This TOR may be revised or updated in the future as required.
About You
Essential Experience
Mandatory requirements:
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Demonstrated experience working with adult learners, with a background in the skills, vocational, industry training sector and/or experience within a training organisation.
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Experience working within compliance frameworks, including quality assurance.
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Strong coordination and administrative skills, including supporting trainers, managing training resources, and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
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Proficient digital skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), email, and online collaboration tools for preparing training materials and reports.
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Understanding of and commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI); Child Protection; Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH); prevention of human trafficking; environmental protection; anti‑corruption; and other DFAT safeguarding policies.
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DT Global strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds including first nations, diverse SOGIESC and people with disabilities.
Personal Attributes
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Strong communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
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Adaptable, with a positive approach to changing priorities.
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Detail oriented, with a commitment to high-quality work and accuracy.
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Team-focused, supportive, and able to work collaboratively with others.
Desirable Requirements:
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Experience working with Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and familiarity with RTO compliance requirements.
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Experience working with national or regional training institutions or education agencies.
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Experience working on aid funded or donor-supported programs.
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Knowledge of the Solomon Islands education and training system and local cultural context.
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Relevant qualification and/or degree (advantage but not required).
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Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for work-related activities.
Additional Information
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The successful applicant may be allocated duties not specifically mentioned in this document but within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from persons occupying positions at this level.
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The successful applicant is expected to be collaborative, flexible and willing to assist others during peak periods and absences, as required.
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The role may require travel and work across various Pacific Australia Skills locations.
Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/yatdp4f2