Parliament Project Manager, Tonga

• New Zealand Aid Programme to support the Government of Tonga
• 18-month assignment - with the option to extend up to 9 months.
• Based in Nuku'alofa, Tonga and embedded in the New Zealand High Commission project team

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is looking for a Parliament Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of the new Parliament facility in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, and achievement of the project Goals and Objectives. The role will provide leadership, rigorous project management discipline, structure and momentum over the course of the project.

The Parliament Project Manager will drive a solution-focused approach in managing relationships with partner government agencies, contractors, other donors, and other stakeholders at the operational level while enhancing & safeguarding New Zealand's return on investment through ensuring effective delivery of infrastructure and asset management projects. The role will provide technical and operational oversight of the New Zealand Aid Programme's infrastructure projects in Tonga.

The key activities of the Infrastructure Project Manager will include:

Project Management

• Use MFAT business processes for project management, covering:
  • initiation (concept, feasibility, risk assessment, business case, design, appraisal),
  • establishment (terms of reference, procurement, selection panels, contracting)
  • contract management (contract monitoring, financial tracking, progress reporting, payments, variations, dispute resolution etc)
  • closure (exit strategy, evaluation, reporting, lessons learned)
• Leadership of the Project and Project Team
• Drafting, owning and maintaining the Project Plan
• Integrated Project Planning, Scheduling, Risk and Issue Identification and Management, Reporting, Resource Management, Budget Management and documentation according to the project methodology.
• Leading the Project interface with the New Zealand High Commission, through the First Secretary Development
• Leading the Project working-level interface with the Government of Tonga where agreed with the High Commission and, in liaison with the NZ High Commission, the Project Steering Committee.
• Convening and chairing the Technical Working Group
• Providing tailored advice and support to the High Commission as required to enable MFAT to manage relationships with DFAT, the Government of Tonga and other stakeholders.
• Adaptive management of project delivery plans (in consultation with the Activity Manager) to ensure that implementation is effective and that any required changes to the theory of change are communicated to the Project Lead.
• Delivering timely and high-quality outputs in accordance with development effectiveness principles.
• Engaging with procurement specialists and ensuring key commercial process milestones are met on time.
• Maintaining high standards for Project performance (budget, schedule, and quality, environmental and social).
• Maintain close working relationships with Activity Manager and Relationship and Outcome Managers.
• Manage the relationship with, and performance of, contractors to ensure that deliverables are of a high standard and within budget.
• Provide progress and performance reporting to the Activity Manager and Relationship and Outcome Managers.
• Travel to Wellington as required.
• Identify risks and issues, plan appropriate mitigation, manage intervention and escalate where appropriate.
• Keep MFAT informed through e-mail, liaison meetings and written reports as agreed/required.

Procurement:

• Participate as a member of the tender evaluation panel to select the preferred supplier.
• Provide technical advice and support to the contract negotiations to engage the construction contractor and to agree implementation and delivery plans.

People Leadership and Relationship Management:

• Provide leadership to the project team including as effective line manager of the Project Coordinator and functional manager to the Infrastructure Project Manager (who will lead the construction work stream of the Tonga Parliament Project).
• Foster and ensure high levels of engagement and performance and accountability within the project team.
• Provide progress and performance reporting to the New Zealand High Commission in Nuku'alofa, and the bilateral programme advising of emerging risks and issues.
• Provide progress and performance reporting to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade personnel (through the project) for use in portfolio reporting.
• Manage relationships associated with the Parliament Project projects, including partner government agencies, contractors, other donors, offshore personnel, relevant MFAT Divisions, other NZ Government agencies, communities, civil society and other stakeholders.
• Work with Commercial Division to identify and source the external expertise as needed.
• Participate at meetings and negotiations in Tonga and New Zealand as needed.
• Work as a member of the Parliament Project team contributing to the achievement of the full range of project outcomes.

The qualifications and expertise required to be successful in this role will include:

Essential:

• Project Management qualification and/or professional credential and minimum 5 years' experience delivering projects applying rigorous project management methodologies.
• Experience leading a project team, fostering high levels of engagement and performance.
• Experience preparing and managing project documentation and budgets.
• Experience in procurement and contract management (including evaluating tenders, contract negotiations).
• Experience providing technical advice, analysis and reporting.
• Sound understanding of the application of good public financial management in a project context.
• Sound planning and organising skills, and ability to prioritise workload and coordinate a range of tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to build, maintain relationships with internal and external peers / contacts, including partners in a cross-cultural environment.
• Strong sense of customer service and passion for delivering high quality outputs.
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to reside in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Government security clearance.
• Competence in Microsoft Office suite of products.
• As a contract position, candidates must have an ability to operate as a business registered with the New Zealand Companies Office.

Person Specification

• Ability to work in a complex work environment with the patience, and tenacity to deal with institutional and cultural challenges.
• Ability to mentor, motivate, develop effective teams and transfer skills to staff and stakeholders in the Pacific context.
• Ability to establish rapport, communicate effectively, and work with, people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and education.
• Political sensitivity and stakeholder engagement - ability to interact with key government officials and adjust approach to obtain outcomes.
• Self-managing, adaptable and proactive - thinks ahead and able to manage own workload.
• Ability to interact well with the local community.

This role will appeal if you are interested in being part of a programme that directly contributes to the enhancement of democracy and the building of local skills and capacity the Pacific. The initial assignment will be for up to 18 months full time, with an option to extend up to a further 9 months. This role is based in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

Closing date for applications: 5:00pm (NZT) on Friday 10th May 2024

Hudson Recruitment has been engaged to manage this procurement process. Please refer all correspondence, queries or requests for more information and a copy of the full Role Description pack to:

Maky Redon
P | 09 887 9957
E | **********@hudson.com
(Please note that I am unable to accept your application via email)