Deputy Director General - Public Health

A. HOW TO APPLY: 
 
1. MAKING AN APPLICATION 

a. For your application to be considered you must complete ALL requirements of the Application Package  
➢ Complete and signed Application Form (Form 2) 
➢ Certified Copies of all academic achievements/qualifications/training etc. 
➢ Recently updated Curriculum Vitae (12 months) 
➢ 3 Referees and their details i.e (email addresses & phone numbers) 
  
2. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION  

a. All applications should be addressed to: 

The Chairman 
Public Service Commission  
Level 2, FMFM II Government Building  
Apia, Samoa  
 
b. All Applications can be submitted using the following options; 
• PSC Level 2 – FMFM II Government Building; OR 
• Email: recruitment@psc.gov.ws   
 
c. All Applications for the position will be closed on 14 May 2026 at 5:00pm  
 
d. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Senior Executive 
Services on email ses@psc.gov.ws or telephone 22123.

B. Samoa Public Service  

The Samoa Public Service is comprised of government entities which fall under the following categories; Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies, Ministries and State-Owned 
Enterprises (Public Bodies).  
 
C. About the Ministry of Health   

The Ministry of Health is the lead Government agency responsible for the governance and 
guidance of the health, healthcare and health industry of Samoa. The Ministry underwent 
a significant re-organization in 2019 with the primary aim of reviving the nation’s focus 
on disease prevention, community engagement and strengthening Primary Health Care

D. ABOUT THE POSITION: 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position

Deputy Director General/Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Public Health Services

Ministry 

Ministry of Health

Position Purpose & Background

The DDG/DCEO is a key position in the management team of the Ministry of Health.  It has hands-on functions critical to the overarching role of the Ministry to ensure health promotion and protection through effective planning, strategy and quality management of Public Health Services in Samoa in order to;  
- Provide high quality, safe and competent primary health care with integrity within district hospitals, community health centers and at community level;
- Well governed organization with high standards of assurance that is responsive to stakeholders and the public (community) in transforming public health services to meet future needs;
- Provide efficient and cost effective public health services and appropriate community based interventions and programs;
- Monitor trends of Public health outcomes in accordance with relevant Health Legislations, International Health Conventions, Treaties and health programs.
- Coordinated collaboration with Hospital and Clinical on specialized support 
services.
- Research and policy development of health prevention / protection policies and National Health Security. 
 
The DDG/DCEO Public Health Services is responsible for leadership and management of relevant Ministry of Health functions, and for the maintenance of high standard in the development, administration implementation and monitoring of the Annual Work Plan and Budget for Public health Services. The following core specialized services/departments fall under the position.  

1. Primary Health Care - Community & District Health Care Services through multi-disciplinary teams (Medical, Nursing, and Allied) 
   a. Upolu District Hospital and Health Centers 
   b. Savaii District Hospitals and Health Centers 
2. National Disease Surveillance & International Health Regulations: 
   a. Port Health and Border Security 
   b. Disease Surveillance, Research and Outbreak Investigations, 
   c. Climate Change and Health Emergencies 
   d. Water Quality, 
   e. Sanitation and Vector Control 
3. Health Protection and Enforcement Services: 
   a. Health Care Waste, Burial and Occupational Health 
   b. Food Safety and Regulations, 
   c. Tobacco Control and FCTC, 
   d. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) 
4. National Health Programmes, Wellness, Health Education and Health Promotion:
   a. Expanded Program on Immunization, 
   b. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SHR), STI/HIV-AIDS 
   c. Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy programs 
   d. School Nurse programs 
   e. Non-Communicable Disease Screening and Prevention,  
   f. Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Control, 
   g. Health Promotion and Nutrition
5. Oversee Budget Allocation and Management

Responsible To

(a) The DG/CEO for the Ministry of Health  
(b) The Public Service Commission for leadership and management of employees under the Public Service Act 2004. 
(c) The Ministry of Finance for compliance with Public Finance Management Act 2001 
(d) All Relevant and applicable Acts (to be part of an Annexure) 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Technical and Operational Advice

• Provide sound technical advice to the DG/Chief Executive Officer and/or the Minister on appropriate strategies and interventions in response to disease outbreaks, disaster / post disaster and emergency events at the national level. 
• Provide sound and strategic technical advice to the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Minister on appropriate strategies in regards to public health and preventative services. 
• Lead and coordinate public health services for prevention and protection of potential outbreaks and chronic diseases.  
• Provide Technical Advise on policy development/reviews and plans that support and strengthen public health services (population health).  
• Regulate and enforce the implementation of relevant health legislations in Samoa 
• Lead and oversee initiation and development of relevant research for new insights and innovative solutions in priority areas of Public Health Services. 
• Lead and coordinate reviews or development of relevant, guidelines and protocols for improving Public healthcare service delivery, public health functions and Safe Practice.

Training, Education, Surveillance, Promotion and Awareness

• Oversee the professional development and educational program standards, and accreditation for public health services in accordance with relevant policies and plans. 
• Oversee the coordination of mentored competency-based orientation programs for the entire public health and primary health care professionals 
• Lead, manage and monitor emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and provide advice to DG/CEO on strategic direction. 
• Lead all public awareness initiatives on community well-ness for enhanced Public Health service delivery. 
• Provide relevant strategies for promoting and creating awareness within communities in regards to Healthy Living (primordial prevention), primary prevention and primary care services.
• Engage and advocate in high level negotiations with international partners, stakeholders and organizations to secure opportunities for professional development public health and primary care staff.
• Lead and Coordinate National Health Campaigns and Awareness Programs

Leadership and Management

• Participate as a part of the Leadership and Management Team in the decision making and governance processes of the Ministry  
• Leading and managing the staff of Public Health Services governance structure of the Ministry to ensure achievement of its mandate and objectives through role modeling of the Samoa Public Service Values and Principles of Employment; 
• Provide on the job support for all staff under his/her supervision; 
• Ensure the enforcement of the performance management plans and evaluations processes are undertaken for all staff under his/her supervision; 
• Lead and manage the core functions of Public Health and Primary Healthcare in order to foster quality assurance and ethical standards of all services and be accountable for the effective and efficient allocation of resources; 
• Assist in the development and implementation of the following Ministry Reports/Plans  
  ▪ Health Sector Plan 
  ▪ Workforce Plan  
  ▪ Corporate Plan  
  ▪ Management Plan 
  ▪ Annual Report  
  ▪ Performance Management Plans/Appraisals 
  ▪ And any other relevant Plans/Reports
• Working across the public sector to improve public health services delivery and achieve respective national outcomes.  
• Act as the Director General when required
• Represent the Ministry in local and international forums when required
• Assist with the implementation of the Talofa with a Smile Campaign initiatives to promote and enhance good customer service as directed by the Office of the Public Service Commission

KEY DELIVERABLES

1. Lead and ensure effective Monitoring of Public Health Services 
   ▪ Primary Health Care - Community & District Health Care Services through multi-disciplinary 
   teams (Medical, Nursing, and Allied) 
   ▪ National Disease Surveillance & International Health Regulations  
   ▪ Health Protection, Enforcement and Promotion 
   ▪ National Health and Screening Programmes: 
   ▪ Oversee Budget Allocation and Management 
   ▪ Effective and efficient interventions to address existing public health issues adequately.
2.  Oversee maintenance of relevant disease registries e.g. Cancer registry, NCD registry etc 
3. Oversee implementation of Samoa’s public health system to minimize the high levels of morbidity and mortality related to CDs and NCDs and neglected tropical diseases. 
4. Revitalization of village Women’s Committee (Komiti Tumama) through the implementation of the PEN-Fa’aSamoa and Health Programs by community participation and empowerment. 
5. Improve and implement risk management and response to disasters, public health emergencies and climate change. 
6. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity and integrating climate change measures into public 
   health policies and plans

SELECTION CRITERIA 

Strategic Leadership 

• Recognizes impact of organization’s direction and role within the government and community. 
• Understands organizational direction and aligns/translates strategic objectives into operational activities.  
• Provides advice to Government based on analysis of a broad range of issues.    
• Considers multiple perspectives when assessing impact of key issues and identifies viable solutions.
• Applies intellect and knowledge to weigh up information and identify critical factors and issues. 
• Demonstrates determination in meeting organizational goals and is ambitious to continue in the face of changes and challenges

Building relationship

• Is committed to client service, builds and sustains relationships within the organization, across the public service, with the public and other stakeholders.
• Consults broadly to obtain buy-in, draws on knowledge of work partners and fosters teamwork and cooperation through sharing information.
• Capitalises on diversity and harnesses different viewpoints to enhance the operations of the Division and the ministry.  
• Encourages and motivates people to engage in continuous learning and empowers them through delegation of responsibilities for work.
• Mentor, provides constructive feedback and recognizes success and engages in activities to sustain morale.
• Communicates with precision and confidence, clearly and in an articulate manner, adapts methods of communication.
• Adapts communication style and message to meet needs, has a strong grasp of key issues and presents a convincing and balanced rationale.

Delivers/achieves results/outcomes

• Focuses on activities that support organizational sustainability and streamlines processes to seek operational efficiency.  
• Monitors and manages resourcing pressures for optimum outcomes. 
• Oversees the implementation of multiple change initiatives with a focus on the desired outcomes.  Defines high-level objectives and ensures translation into practical implementation strategies.
• Fosters a culture of achievement and ensure planned targets / projects are realistic.  
• Ability in undertaking customer based research and identifying needs clearly in relation to Public Health Services.
• Ability in the provision, operations and management of Public Health services, and activities/programs and appropriate interventions. 
• Ensure planned targets are monitored and measured and achieves expected outputs / outcomes.

Communication

• Proficiently conveys and provides policy advice, briefings, reports to the Minister and Cabinet and all relevant stakeholders. 
• Exhibits high quality writing and reporting skills and communicates effectively to Government and stakeholders.  
• Good standard of IT literacy and optimizes / capitalizes on opportunities for efficient and more accountable means of communications.
• Understands the Samoan culture well and able to collaborate with the community regarding implementation of appropriate public health interventions.
• Able to articulate the vision will all health professionals and support staff under his/her supervision in order to foster teamwork and an enabling working environment. 

Personal Attributes

Integrity/ Ethics

• Exhibits and applies high integrity and ethical principles.
• Is indisputably trusted and operates professionally.  
• Act professionally in carrying out duties and responsibilities despite personal preferences.
• Adheres to and promotes the Samoan Public Service Values of honesty, impartiality, service, respect, transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness. 

Commitment & Personal Drive 

• Defines work in terms of results and pursues success with energy and drive.
• Anticipates obstacles and is prepared with contingency plans to sustain goals / objectives and keeps everyone on track.  
• Helps others to define goals and plan a route for achievement.  
• A high achiever with a reputation for success and quality performance.  
• Sets high standards of performance for self and others. 

Judgment/ Intelligence/ Commonsense

• Understands the environment affecting work of the organization and impacts on divisional level.  
• Exhibits sound conceptual and analytical skills and apply intellect and knowledge in identifying critical factors and issues.  
• Handles concepts and complexity proficiently, provides insight and understanding for others and appropriately integrates them into the workplace.  
• Has good judgment as to what information is significant and useable in each situation.
• Demonstrates effective judgment to weigh up options and develop realistic solutions.

Creativity and Innovation 

• Develops innovative ideas and methods to ensure effective and efficient Public Health Services.  
• Searches for new and more effective methods, making connections between previously experiences.
• Is seen as a motivator and guide for others to generate new ideas in brainstorming sessions.
• Upkeep with relevant changes and trends.

Experience & past work performance

• Proven experience in leadership at a minimum of five (5) years of service. [OR Relevant 
  Years of Service] in Public Health or Population Health.

Academic qualification

• A minimum Degree (Post Graduate Degree will be an advantage) in Public Health or Medical / Health field 
• Other academic qualifications and achievements will also be considered. 
• Must be a Registered Healthcare Professional 

Remuneration & Term 

The salary for the position is (DCEO) grade $106,452 - $122,806 per annum before tax. 
This amount is inclusive of 7% employer contribution to National Provident Fund and 1% 
contribution to Accident Compensation Fund. 

Responsibility Allowance: 
Together with other Contract of employment entitlements, this position is entitled to a 
Responsibility Allowance (RA). The percentage rate of the Responsibility Allowance 
(RA) will be determined by the Commission. 

E. BENEFITS  

Duty Station: Motootua, Apia Samoa  
Duration: 3 years  
Salary: A standard package that consists of a Base Salary of $106,452 - $122,806 per annum and 
Responsibility Allowance1. 
Hours of Attendance: The standard working hours of attendance are Monday to Friday from 
9:00am to 5:00pm excluding Public Commission holidays that are generally observed in the public 
service and declared by the Commission. 
Performance Reviews: The Appointee’s performance shall be reviewed in accordance with the 
Performance Management Guideline. 
Annual Payout: Appointee is entitled to a payout of five (5) days untaken annual leave per 
contract year which is equivalent to a total of fifteen (15) days to be paid at the cessation of the 
Contract Term 
Annual Leave: 20 days’ annual leave per annum on pro rata basis  
Sick Leave: 20 days’ sick leave per annum on pro rata basis.  
Other Leave: All other leaves are subject to the rules set out in the Public Service Working 
Conditions and Entitlements Manual and Commission Endorsement. 
End of Contract Benefits: The Appointee is entitled at the expiry of the Contract Term, to a 
payment equivalent to 8 working days for every contract year served at the salary rate paid to the 
Appointee on cessation of employment.  
National Provident Fund: Government shall pay a percentage of the Appointee’s contribution or 
another rate prescribed by the National Provident Fund from time to time.  
Accident Compensation Corporation: Government shall pay a percentage of the Appointee’s 
contribution or another rate prescribed by the Accident Compensation Act 1989. 
Duty Travel: The government, development partner or relevant body meets all travelling expenses 
at prescribed rates necessarily incurred by staff required to travel away from Apia on official duty 
travel.  
Regional/ International Recruited Staff: A successful candidate recruited from overseas is to 
bear all costs associated of relocation and will not be the responsibility of the Ministry.