GOVERNMENT OF TUVALU

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, ENERGY, COMMUNICATION AND INNOVATION

VACANCY: TEAM LEAD, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION UNIT

Location: Funafuti, Tuvalu
Remuneration: AUD 110,000 to AUD 140,000 per annum, plus applicable benefits and allowances
Employment: Full-time
Reporting to: Permanent Secretary, MTECI

BUILD THE DIGITAL GOVERNMENT OF A SMALL ISLAND STATE

The Government of Tuvalu is establishing a permanent Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) to lead and coordinate the transformation of government through digital technology, data and innovation.

This is not a conventional ICT management position.

Tuvalu has made significant investments in digital connectivity, infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital government. The next challenge is to connect these investments into a coherent, secure and sustainable whole-of-government digital system that improves how Government operates and how citizens access public services.

The Team Lead will be the founding leader of the DTU and will have the opportunity to shape an important new institution from the ground up.

THE ROLE

The Team Lead will provide strategic leadership for the establishment and operation of the DTU and drive Tuvalu’s whole-of-government digital transformation agenda.

The successful candidate will:

- develop and implement Tuvalu’s whole-of-government digital transformation strategy and roadmap;
- translate the Government’s Digital Nation vision and Digital Implementation Plan into practical programmes and lasting institutional capability;
- coordinate digital transformation initiatives across ministries, departments, agencies and State-owned enterprises;
- establish Government-wide approaches to digital architecture, interoperability, data governance, cybersecurity, digital identity and responsible AI;
- lead or oversee major digital transformation programmes and ensure that they deliver measurable improvements in government performance and citizen services;
- scrutinise major digital investments, technology proposals, consultants, vendors and development partners, including challenging proposals that do not provide sufficient value for money;
- establish mechanisms to reduce duplication and promote the principle of “build once, reuse nationally”;
- establish the DTU’s operating framework, performance arrangements and core team;
- develop the Government’s digital systems and investment register and common assurance framework;
- build sustainable digital capability within Government rather than creating continuing dependence on external consultants and projects; and
- advise Ministers, Cabinet and senior Government leadership on digital transformation, emerging technologies,



risks and opportunities.

The successful candidate must be able to live in Funafuti, Tuvalu during the term of their employment. They will have sufficient leave time to allow them to travel outside of Tuvalu and will also have significant international duty travel opportunities.

WHY TUVALU?

Tuvalu is at an important stage in its digital transformation.

With a small population, geographic isolation and limited specialist human resources, Tuvalu faces challenges that larger countries can often address through scale. Digital transformation provides an opportunity to approach those challenges differently.

The successful candidate will help build a model of digital government designed specifically for a small island developing state, with a long-term ambition to develop the DTU into a Government Centre of Digital Excellence.

This is an opportunity to build something, not simply manage something that already exists.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced digital transformation leader with the judgement, credibility and independence to work across Government and lead institutional change.

You must possess the following:

- a relevant tertiary qualification in digital transformation, information technology, computer science, business, public administration, engineering or a related discipline;
- substantial senior-level experience leading digital transformation, technology programmes, organisational reform or comparable whole-of-government initiatives;
- demonstrated experience leading complex programmes involving multiple institutions and stakeholders;
- strong understanding of digital government, enterprise architecture, data, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies;
- demonstrated experience managing vendors, consultants and development partners;
- strong programme and project management capability;
- experience in public sector transformation, preferably in a government environment; and
- fluency in English speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

More importantly, you should be able to:

- think strategically while delivering practical results;
- influence senior decision-makers and work effectively across institutional boundaries;
- constructively challenge ministries, consultants,



vendors and development partners;
- distinguish genuine transformation opportunities from technology projects that simply create more systems;
- exercise solid commercial and procurement judgement;
- build trust while maintaining the independence to provide objective advice;
- work with limited resources and make things happen; and
- build national capability rather than permanent dependence on external expertise.

*Experience working in a small island, developing country or similarly resource-constrained environment will be an advantage.

*Commanding a level of Tuvaluan-language proficiency is considered a plus but is not mandatory.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The DTU will initially operate as a lean strategic unit within the Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation.

The Team Lead will have a significant role in designing the Unit itself, determining its operating model, recruiting its core team and establishing the Government-wide systems and frameworks needed to coordinate digital transformation.

The position therefore offers an unusual level of opportunity to shape a national digital transformation institution from its beginning.

The Government’s objective is not to create another ICT department. It is to build the permanent strategic capability required for Tuvalu to become a secure, interoperable, resilient and citizen-centered digital State.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants should submit:

1. A curriculum vitae outlining relevant qualifications and experience;

2. A covering letter explaining why they are suited to leading Tuvalu’s digital transformation agenda;

3. A brief statement addressing one example of a major digital or organisational transformation they have personally led, including the problem, their role, the actions taken and measurable results achieved; and

4. Contact details for 3 referees who can confirm the qualifications, experience, and suitability of the applicant.

Applications should be submitted to:

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Simalua Taliu ([email protected]), Deputy Secretary Mr. Lauti Ako ([email protected]), AND Technical Advisor Dr. Jess Marinaccio ([email protected])

Applications close: 23 October 2026

Further information is available from:

Permanent Secretary Mrs. Simalua Taliu ([email protected]), Deputy Secretary Mr. Lauti Ako ([email protected]), AND Technical Advisor Dr. Jess Marinaccio ([email protected])

The Government of Tuvalu is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates, including Tuvaluans and candidates from the wider Pacific and internationally.

Pay: $110,000.00 – $140,000.00 per year

Work Location: Remote

📌 TEAM LEAD, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION UNIT (Australia)
🏢 Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Government of Tuvalu
📍 Australia