Jonah Tisam, PhD

Jonah Tisam, PhD, has a diverse work experience history. Jonah currently serves as the Director at Whupi (NZ) Ltd, a position they have held since February 2016. In addition, they are the Team Leader for International Business Consultations at Norma, starting in March 2021.

Prior to these roles, Tisam worked as the Principal Consultant at Tisam Intl (NZ) Business Consultants, starting in January 2016. Jonah also served as the Team Leader - International Consultant for Bau Ng Limited in Association with PNG Transport Dept, working on two projects from March 2021 until November 2021.

Tisam has experience in the public sector as well. Jonah worked on The Marine Park (Marae Moana) Project for the Cook Islands Government from December 2017 to February 2018. Before that, they served as the CEO for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the Cook Islands, responsible for office management and providing policy and advisory services.

In their early career, Tisam held the position of CEO for the Leader of the Opposition in the Cook Islands from 2006 to 2010. Jonah also worked as the CEO for the Office of the Minister for Works and Physical Planning from January 2006 to June 2006.

Tisam has an academic background as well. Jonah completed their PhD in Public Policy at AUT University, with a focus on Governance and New Public Management in the Cook Islands. During their time at AUT, they also worked as a teaching assistant and academic consultant, supporting students and conducting research.

Furthermore, Tisam has played a key role in rural development as a Rural Development Strategist for Labuta Cocoa Cooperative Limited. Jonah organized a cooperative for village-based farmers to improve their marketing and negotiate fair prices for their cocoa products. This initiative gained popularity, attracting farmers from neighboring Local Level Governments (LLG).

Overall, Jonah Tisam, PhD, brings a wealth of experience in leadership, consultancy, public policy, and rural development to their current and past roles.

Jonah Tisam, PhD, has an extensive education history. Jonah first attended the University of Papua New Guinea from 1975 to 1979, where they earned a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, specializing in Arts. Jonah then pursued further education and obtained a Master's Degree in Public Policy and Management from Monash University, studying from 2001 to 2006. During the same period at Monash University, they also completed a Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management.

In 2002, Jonah participated in a Professional Development Training program at the Singapore Civil College, focused on Managing Change in the Public Service. Furthermore, they obtained a CAMPAM Certification in Public Policy from the University of Birmingham. Jonah also undertook various professional certifications, including an AOSOP from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, covering topics such as Company & Taxation Law, Accounting for Executives, and Business Executive Management. Additionally, they obtained a Professional Accounting Certification from the Mitchell College of Advance Education.

Most notably, Jonah pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy in Governance & New Public Management at AUT University, starting in 2011 and completing their studies in 2015. Jonah later continued their research and earned another Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Public Policy and Governance from Auckland University of Technology.