Orchestra Director

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. Applications can be submitted using the following options;  
• PSC Level 2 – FMFM II Government Building; OR  
• Email at: recruitment@psc.gov.ws   
 
c. All Applications for the position will be closed on 3 July 2026 at 5:00 pm  
 
d. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Senior Executive Services on telephone 22123. 
 
A. 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).  
 
B. ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE 

Education and training is the Government’s key priority. It is a critical ingredient in the 
nation’s overall development of a creative, productive, democratic and caring society. 
A quality education system prepares citizens for changing roles in a dynamic social, 
economic and global technological environment that is constantly changing.  
 
MANDATE 

The Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) is mandated to carry out its duties and functions under the: 
▪ Education Act 2009 
▪ Teachers Act 2016 
▪ Ministry of Youth, Sports and Cultural Affairs Act 1993 

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Education and Culture 

Primary Objective 

To lead the operations of the National Orchestra of Samoa in promoting the national ethos and 
Samoan culture through music programs/performances and ensure highest quality of Music Education for all Government schools.  

Duties  

A. Technical Duties  

National Orchestra 

1. Review in collaboration with technical divisions policies and procedures for the National Orchestra of Samoa operations.
2. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the National Orchestra of Samoa in collaboration with the relevant MESC divisions and staff.
3. Conduct training for the National Orchestra of Samoa as a unit and ensure quality of performances continues to improve.
4. Develop and publish compositions and arrangements to integrate Samoan culture and the 
   national ethos.
5. In collaboration with technical division to oversee and monitor implementation of 
   Strategic Plan to guide the goals, activities, performances, timelines, resources and costing 
   of the National Orchestra of Samoa.
6. Work collaboratively with Corporate Services to manage TORs and liaise with the CEO on the selection of Choir Leaders, Musicians and Tutors for the National Orchestra of Samoa as appropriate.
7. Conduct research on issues of concerns and propose strategies to address them accordingly  

National Youth Choir:

• Through the National Orchestra of Samoa: 
  i. Develop in collaboration with all Secondary Schools of Samoa and communities youth groups.   ii. Develop sustainable goals, activities, performances, timelines, resources and 
  costing of the National Orchestra of Samoa  
  iii.Oversee the day-to-day operations of the National Youth Choir in collaboration with the relevant MESC divisions and staff  

National Youth Orchestra:

• Through the National Orchestra of Samoa: 
  i. Develop a National Youth Orchestra Programme to cater for all young people of Samoa  
  ii.Develop and sustain goals, activities, performances, timelines, resources and costing of the National Youth Orchestra

Junior Orchestra:  

• Through the National Orchestra of Samoa: 
  I. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the National Junior Orchestra and ensure quality of music theory and practical programme continues to improve.  
  ii. Develop goals, activities, performances, timelines, resources and costing of the 
  National Junior Orchestra

Network

• Ensure strengthened partnerships and collaborations with relevant organisations to assist 
  with resources for the National Orchestra of Samoa by providing performances where 
  appropriate.
• Maintain international partnerships to promote development and advance the profile of the 
  National Orchestra of Samoa. 

B. Leadership and Management 

1. Actively participate as part of the Leadership and Management Team in the decision making and governance processes of the organization. 
2. Assist in the development and implementation of the following Ministry Reports/Plans: 
   • Annual Budget  
   • Annual Public Accounts 
   • Capacity Development Plan  
   • Corporate Plan 
   • Annual Report 
   • Performance Management Plans & Appraisals 
   • OSH Policy, Business Continuity Plan  
   • Any other relevant Plan/Report 
3. Lead and role-model the Public Service Values for Divisional team members, organization 
   and wider Public Service.
4. Provide on the job support, mentoring, coaching as well as training for staff to ensure their 
   continuous development.
5. Ensure that effective performance management and evaluation processes are undertaken as 
   per the Performance Appraisal System for Divisional staff. 
6. Assist in managing  the core functions of the Division in order to foster quality assurance 
   and ethical standards of all services and be accountable for the effective and efficient 
   usage of resources.
7. Assist the ACEO in ensuring that internal systems are in place for effective and efficient 
   planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on team performance. 
8. Assist in identifying priority budgetary requirements for the Divisions annual submission 
   of performance measures and budgetary provisions and ensure the Division’s resources 
   are managed in accordance with prevailing policies. 
9. Act as the Division Head in the absence of the ACEO as required. 
10. Assist with the implementation of the Talofa with a Smile Campaign initiative to promote 
    and enhance good customer service as per the Public Service Commission’s directive. 

Key Deliverables: 

1. Review, finalize and oversee the implementation of the following:  
   • Work plan for the National Orchestra of Samoa yearly 
   • National Orchestra of Samoa Operational Manual (GNOS)  
   • Strategic Plan for the National Orchestra and National Youth Choir  
   • Publications of the National Orchestra of Samoa’s Music  
   • National Music Curriculum Framework  
   • Music Teacher’s Guide  
2. Review, develop and implement a recruitment program through schools and communities 
   to ensure sustainability of the National Orchestra of Samoa (Junior Orchestra and Youth 
   Orchestra).  
3. Review and ensure successful facilitation of the six (6) Sections for a full National Orchestra 
   of Samoa: audio and visual, choir, brass, strings, percussion and woodwind: 
   • Collaborate with the Human Resource unit to recruit and established qualified musicians for the six sections of the National Orchestra of Samoa. 
   • Review and improve the quality of the core musicians through professional 
   development training. 
4. In collaboration with the Culture Division and Curriculum Division conduct the following 
   (but not limited to): 
   • Develop and conduct awareness programs and appropriate initiatives to strengthen 
   development of Music Education and career opportunities for primary and secondary schools   
   • Conduct trainings for relevant staff to implement, monitor and evaluate existing 
   policies pertaining to National Orchestra of Samoa     
   •  Develop composition and arrangement of Music for Samoa’s National Orchestra  
5. Work closely with ACEO ICT and Media to conduct the following:  
   • Develop programs that incorporates technology into orchestra performances 
   and build awareness such as music videos (MTVs, etc,)  
6. Successful implementation of Divisional KPI every Financial Year 

SELECTION CRITERIA

MERITS 

Skills and Abilities 

COMPETENCY 

Strategic Thinking (Essential)

• Understands organizational direction and sets work tasks that align with the strategic objectives.
• Understands the relationship between self and organizational goals.
• Recognize impact of operational work on organization’s direction.  
• Considers wide issues when assessing the impacts of issues.  
• Undertakes objective, critical analysis and draws conclusions or weighs up options based on evidence.  
• Determined and passionate in meeting operational goals and possesses a positive attitude towards change.

Building and Sustaining Relationships (Essential)

• Commits to client service, builds and sustains relationships within the organization and across the public service.  
• Facilitates cooperation and fosters teamwork through reciprocal sharing of information with key stakeholders.  
• Capitalizes on diversity and supports interactions from different perspectives to enhance interactions at the divisional level.  
• Encourages and motivates people to engage in continuous learning and in activities to sustain morale.  
• Communicates in a clear, concise and articulate manner.
• Possesses a strong grasp of the key issues and presents a convincing and balanced rationale.

Delivers/achieves result (Essential)

• Explores ways to improve effectiveness by harnessing technology and implementing continuous improvement activities.  
• Responds flexibly to changing circumstances and deploys resources wisely and identifies optimum resourcing combinations.  
• Adopts a planned approach to the management of programs and defines high-level objectives and supports translation into implementation strategies.  
• Supports a culture of achievement and ensures planned projects / targets are monitored to achieve expected outputs.  
• Strives for quality and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Plan, coordinate and organize different types of training for teachers.

Leadership (Essential)

• Shows ability to lead and manage planned targets with commitment to achieving same.  
• Shows confidence and willingness to lead targets.  
• Shows sound analytical and innovative skills and commitment in carrying out duties.

Management (Essential)

• Scope out length of task and projects, determine resources and set individual objectives and goals in line with divisional direction.  
• Measures performance against individual objectives and track progress of divisional goals.  
• Effectively manages tasks and projects accountable for.
• Effectively manage staff and student composition.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Integrity (Essential)

• Widely trusted and seen as a direct and truthful individual.
• Presents truthful information in an appropriate and helpful manner.  
• Work in a professional manner despite personal preferences.
• Guided by the Samoan Public Service Values of honesty, impartiality, service, respect, transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Act in a professional way including inclusiveness, fairness and maintenance of confidential information at all times. 

Commitment/Personal Drive (Essential)

• Pursues work with energy and drive.  
• Persevere to achieve goals in the face of resistance and setback.
• Consistently meets goals and pushes for results.

Intellect and Judgment (Essential)

• Applies intellect and knowledge to weigh up complex information and identify critical factors and issues.  
• Explores options in full and makes sound decisions under pressure.  
• Handles concepts and complexity comfortably and can communicate and summarize them effectively to others.

Creative and Innovation (Essential)

• Generates new ideas regarding the job. 
• Tries old solutions to problems, but will search for new methods when challenged.  
• Seen as creative and a contributor in brainstorming settings. 

EXPERIENCE 

Past Work Performance (Essential)

• Proven track record of excellent performance from previous work. 
• Able to define goals and plans a route for achievement 
• A high achiever with a reputation for success and quality performance. 
• Sets high standards of performance for self and others. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Qualifications (Essential)

• A Bachelor Degree in Music with a teaching qualification or a relevant discipline.

E. BENEFITS 

Duty Station: Malifa, Samoa  
Duration: 3 years  
Salary: $94,624.00 per annum  
Hours of Attendance: The standard 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 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.