'Ana Kakau
@anakakau
Dedicated program and policy officer with expertise program management.
What I'm looking for
My expertise and vast experience have placed me in responsibilities which extended beyond project delivery. I have provided essential support for organizational efforts and ensured that national-level representation was consistent, and contributed to regional activities, most notably offering technical support to various Pacific Island countries' programming plans. My strong institutional awareness and diplomatic sensibility enabled me to act as my organization's de facto country-level lead, stewarding both external relationships and internal coordination with minimal oversight.
I have provided technical and coordination support to Tonga’s National Technical Working Group (TWG) on trafficking in persons, helping to finalize and roll out Tonga’s first-ever National Action Plan (NAP) to combat trafficking in persons, as well as the accompanying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for implementation. These are landmark national achievements, and I was instrumental in both their development and delivery.
My leadership and facilitative approach earned the respect and admiration of TWG members, including senior government officials. The Director of Immigration and others commended my ability to create an inclusive and productive working environment, describing the TWG as “the best working group we have ever been on.” My ability to navigate complex inter-agency dynamics and align diverse stakeholders around a common national priority was key to the program’s success.
Notably, my coordination contributed to a significant outcome: Tonga’s first identification of a trafficking victim and subsequent arrest of a suspect, with the case proceeding to the Magistrate’s Court. This milestone was made possible through the mechanisms I helped establish under the Pacific RISE-CTIP program, demonstrating tangible, and lasting impact.
It is my utmost goal to exemplify professionalism and integrity in all aspects of my work hence I consistently maintained strong communication and ensured timely delivery of project outcomes. I bring a thoughtful, collaborative style to engagement with government and civil society partners.
I am highly receptive to feedback, skillfully integrating lessons and perspectives to advance program goals without imposing external approaches. My humility, respect for local leadership, my own leadership capabilities, and commitment to sustainability make me an asset in any multi-stakeholder environment.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Program and Technical Officer
USAID PACIFIC RISE-CTIP
Apr 2023 - Present (2 years 4 months)
Provided program support and management for the "Pacific Regional Initiative and Support for More Effective Counter Trafficking in Persons" (Pacific RISE-CTIP). Developed mechanisms for effective reporting and monitored project data, tracking ongoing activities of partners, grantees, and consultants.
Policy, Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer
British High Commission
Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 7 months)
Kept abreast of host government policy developments, providing political advice on current affairs and developing a local network of key stakeholders. Devised and implemented internal and external communication plans, managing social media platforms to promote UK objectives.
Acting Country Manager - Tonga
Palladium International Pty Ltd (PSSSP)
Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 7 months)
Managed the delivery of the first half of the scholarship cycle, including program commencement, promotion, applications, and selection. Prepared regional Standard Operating Procedures and templates to standardize the program's approach across 7 Pacific Islands.
Principal Assistant Secretary, Human Resource/Corporate Services
Ministry of Justice
Oct 2018 - Present (6 years 10 months)
Provided policy advice to the CEO and managed the preparation and submission of timely, well-informed briefings on Ministry matters. Oversaw HR functions including staff recruitment, performance, leave, promotion, and disciplinary measures.
Assistant Secretary, Human Resource/Corporate Services
Ministry of Justice
Feb 2015 - Present (10 years 6 months)
Assisted in providing policy advice to the CEO and managed the preparation and submission of timely, well-informed briefings. Processed all recruitments for newly appointed or promoted staff and assisted with Human Resources/Corporate services.
English Teacher, Form 6
Church Educational System: Liahona High School
Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 7 months)
Prepared lesson plans and schemes for the Form 6 English curriculum, aligning with Ministry of Education prescriptions. Assisted in disciplining students and maintained school standards and expectations.
Legislative Aide & Community Liaison
Hawaii State House of Representatives
Jan 2013 - Present (12 years 7 months)
Prepared bills for filing and letters to encourage support, handling constituent correspondence. Identified supporting groups and gathered testifiers and testimony for hearings.
Intern/Work Experience
Richard Fale Campaign
Sep 2012 - Present (12 years 11 months)
Registered new voters and ensured they understood the voting process, assisting with absentee ballots. Participated in sign-waving, planned campaign rallies, and was involved in fundraising events.
Theatre Dancer/Female Tonga Lead, Ha Breath of Life
Polynesian Cultural Center
Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 7 months)
Organized line-ups and provided training for female dancers in the Tonga Section, utilizing fluency in Tongan and English. Ensured workers' attendance and work hours were maintained, promoting team unity.
Substitute Teacher
Church Educational System
Jan 2009 - Present (16 years 7 months)
Substituted for teachers across various subjects including English, Science, History, and Mathematics for Forms 1-6. Followed lesson plans and carried out instructions to students, assisting in discipline and enforcing school standards.
Volunteer Representative
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Jan 2008 - Present (17 years 7 months)
Acquired planning and organizing expertise by working with other volunteer representatives to achieve area monthly goals through teamwork. Helped people of all ages understand the perspective of eternity.
Cashier, Concessions Department
Polynesian Cultural Center
Jan 2005 - Present (20 years 7 months)
Served customers from all over the world, ensuring the center's desired financial results were maintained. Collaborated with co-workers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging team effort to achieve area goals.
Substitute Teacher
Church Educational System
Jan 2005 - Present (20 years 7 months)
Substituted for teachers in subjects like English, Science, History, and Mathematics for Forms 1-6. Followed lesson plans and carried out instructions, assisting in student discipline and enforcing school standards.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
International Communications Skills Course, International Communications
Completed the International Communications Skills Course offered by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This course focused on enhancing communication abilities for international contexts.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Activities and societies: Member of Brigham Young University Political Affairs Society; Secretary of Non-Profit Organization “Community Hands”; Tongan Representative for Brigham Young University- Hawaii Human Rights Organization
Studied Political Science with a minor in Public Management. Was an active member of the Brigham Young University Political Affairs Society and served as Secretary of the Non-Profit Organization “Community Hands.” Also acted as the Tongan Representative for the Brigham Young University-Hawaii Human Rights Organization.
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