ACEO Crops

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 5 October 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 Agriculture  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is the principal organization that provides regulatory and technical advice for subsistence and commercial farmers, agri processors and exporters and to effectively manage and use the potential in agriculture and fisheries for food security. 

D. ABOUT THE POSITION: 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Responsible to: The Chief Executive Officer – Ministry of Agriculture  

Primary Objective: 

Responsible to undertake development and advisory services to improve crop production for 
subsistence and commercial producers, processors and marketers.  

Duties: 

Technical/ Policy  

1. Provide strategic policy advice on all issues pertaining to the efficient operation and management of the Crops services.
2. Ensure appropriate delivery methods to implement, monitor and evaluate systems of operations for all Crops functions and services;  
3. Oversee the accuracy and timely dissemination of relevant information to all Ministries 
   and Stakeholders.
4. Provide advice in establishing effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders to develop 
   and initiate sustainable crop development and production opportunities for growers.
5. Lead and advocate increased community awareness of the functions and roles of the Crops Division and its services to the public.
6. Negotiate with external agencies and organizations for funding of identified projects to be 
   implemented by the division and to build on existing research capabilities.  
7. Formulate proposals and negotiate with regional and international research agencies and 
   institutions for developing scientific programmes for information and technology 
   exchange.
8. Collaborate with involved partners and stakeholders to design research programmes on 
   improved crop production and protection initiatives for development into export potential 
   and establish processes of developing these with growers and the private sector.
9. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate and conduct:  
   • Technical and advisory support for district crops related development projects 
   • Workshops, trainings and demonstrations for farmers on sustainable farming systems, practices, materials/tools and technologies used for crop production annually. 
   • World Food Day, Coconut planting Day, First Harvest Initiative. 
   • Market access & agribusiness training 
   • Crops Development programs 
   • Awareness;  
   o On farming system, technologies and innovations 
   o Adaptation of Pest and Disease Management Program  
10. Lead in reviewing the division’s processes, procedures and policies to ensure alignment with Ministry legislations. 

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Monitor and review community initiatives around low cost crop production and protection 
   technologies for crop development for consumption and potential export.  
2. Provide progress reports on the implementation and evaluation of projects and crop 
   service delivery to growers and other related stakeholders on a timely basis. 

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: 
   • Workforce Plan,  
   • Corporate Plan 
   • Management plan 
   • Annual Reports 
   • Performance Management Plans/Appraisals 
   • 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. Lead and manage 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. Ensure that internal systems are in place for effective and efficient planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on team performance.
8. Identify 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 Administration Head of the Ministry in the absence of the CEO as required.
10. 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. Ensure sustainability of agriculture through implementing a fair distribution system of the 
   targeted number of crops and plant varieties to all farmers as per budget allocation for 
   each Financial Year.
2. Improve and strengthen the diversification of local production that are resilient to climate 
   change, pest and diseases through awareness and collaboration with exporters.  
3. Ensure successful implementation of policy, strategies, regulatory measures and technical 
   advice for a resilient and sustainable risk reduction and climate change adaptation.  
4. Lead and coordinate relevant trainings and professional development sessions with the 
   farming community to ensure professional/ skill gaps are properly addressed.  
5. Develop and implement robust systems and framework to monitor and evaluate the 
   operation, management and delivery of Crops services to the public.
6. Finalize and implement an efficient and effective Strategy for the improvement of food crops production and expansion of export opportunities.
7. Strengthen collaborations with donor partners and the farming community to ensure our 
   obligations and commitment to project sustainability are achieved and funding requirements are met.    
8. Achievement of divisional activities as Key Performance Indicators as per Annual Budget performance measures.

SELECTION CRITERIA 

MERITS

Skills and Abilities 

COMPETENCY 

Strategic Thinking 

• 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 and Sustaining Relationships 

• 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.
• Capitalizes on diversity and harnesses different viewpoints to enhance the operations of the division.
• 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 

• 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.  
• Ensure planned targets are monitored and measured and achieves expected outputs / outcomes.  

Leaderships

• Effectively leads the organization to ensure achievement of set targets.  
• Ability to lead and manage change and shows high level of commitment in meeting set targets.
• Deals with concepts and complexity comfortably and exhibits sound judgment in making decisions.  
• Ability to lead a performance culture that drives service delivery internally (within the agency).

Management

• Scope out length and complexity of task and projects, determine resources and set divisional objectives and goals in line with organizational direction.  
• Set work into process steps and schedules, forecast obstacles and plan mitigating factors and continuously measure performance against goals.  
• Manages projects across multiple agencies and keeps stakeholders informed.
• Ensure staff capacity is adequate and relevant and identify workforce issues that need addressing.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

Integrity 

• 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. 

Intellect and Judgement 

• 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. 

Creative and Innovation

• Develops innovative ideas and methods of doing things.  
• Searches for new and more effective methods, making connections between previously unrelated ideas.
• Is seen as a motivator and guide for others to generate new ideas in brainstorming sessions. 

EXPERIENCE & PAST WORK PERFORMANCE

Experience

• Relevant years of experience in the management of crops research, development and advisory services and activities will be an advantage. 

Past Work Performance

• 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

• A Bachelor Degree in Agriculture or relevant discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline will be considered as well.