Assistant C.E.O. Education Sector Coordination

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 13 October 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 Sector Coordination Division through the provision of policy advice and secretarial services to ensure effective coordination and implementation of activities in the Education Sector Plan.   

Duties 

Technical / operational management and policy advise: 

1. Provide policy advice to the CEO on policies and procedures guiding administration of the Education Sector in line with prevailing legislation.
2. Facilitate and coordinate periodic reviews for the Education Sector Plan.  
3. Provide support and assistance to sector agencies in relations to the Education Sector 
   Plan.  
4. Manage and oversee the implementation of the Education Sector Plan including external 
   relations with technical advisors and consultants where ESP is concerned.  
5. Contribute and oversee the work activities of any established sub-committees of the 
   Sector to ensure an integrated approach in the implementation of the Education Sector 
   Plan out within specified timelines.
6. Facilitate and ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of relevant information to 
   sector partners and relevant stakeholders.
7. Lead, coordinate, and facilitate the compilation of progress reports from various 
   implementing groups and agencies for the Education Advisory Committee meetings;
8. In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, develop and review a functional Medium Term Expenditure Framework annually to identify budgetary requirements and resourcing gaps for the Sector in line with the performance measures and indictors identified in the Sector Plan.
9. Lead and facilitate the Sector Annual Reviews and the Mid-Term Review of the Sector Plan and compile the Review Reports stating the progress towards achievement of Sector outcomes.
10. Lead, facilitate, participate in selection processes and provide assistance and advice to the Sector agencies in the procurement of consultants/advisors where needed and to coordinate their work on the implementation of planned activities under the Sector Plan
11. Oversee, manage and ensure that resources are utilized in accordance with existing Government and Donor policies and guidelines.
12. Ensure fulfillment of procurement needs of the sector in line with Government Procurement Guidelines and Policies as well as requirements from the Development Partners.  

Monitoring and Evaluation  

1. Design, develop and implement an appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanism 
   for monitoring the progress of planned activities
2. Develop a clear channel of communication between sector stakeholders and implementing agencies to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation role;
3. Monitor the progress of activities planned out for each subsector to ensure achievement 
   of sector outcomes in line with National Priorities.  
4. Provide updates to the CEO, sector agencies, funding agencies in relation to the implementation of sector priorities.  

Project management

1. Identify budgetary requirements for the sector in line with the performance measures and indicators as identified in the plan.
2. Ensure that resources are managed in accordance with the government and donors 
   policies and guidelines.
3. Ensure that the planned activities are effectively and efficiently carried out within 
   specified timelines.
4. Lead and manage resource allocation for the sector to ensure efficient and effective utilization of available resources. 

Secretarial Role

1. Coordinate and provide secretarial support to the Education Advisory Committee meetings and ensure that its decisions are properly documented and conveyed to the appropriate agencies on time.
2. Report to the Chief Executive Officer & Management, Advisory Committee & Steering 
   Committee any issues that hinder the progress of implementation of activities in the Sector Plan.
3. Provide progress updates on the Education Sector to the Sector Coordinators Forum Meetings and conduct  presentations when required;
4. Liaise and mediate with developing partners on linkages of Sector agencies, required consultations with sector on any issues relating to the Sector Plan and ensure timely submission of progress reports to donors. 

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. 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 initiative to promote and enhance good customer service as per the Public Service Commission’s directive.
11. Represent the Ministry as part of the Selection Panel Position of Responsibilities Interviews.   

Key Deliverables: 

1. Finalize the following (but not limited to);  
   • Mid Term Review report of the ESP and table for endorsement by ESAC.   
   • Sector Capacity Development plan. 
   • Conceptual Design (Phase 2) of the SEMIS.    
   • Conduct annual Review of the MTEF1. 
   • Review and update a realistic monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework for Implementing Agencies of the ESP. 
   • Update and finalize the sector Research strategy
2. Conduct awareness sessions for sector documents (Policies and Strategies) upon completion.
3. Review and implement the Education Sector Communication and Information Sharing 
   strategy.  
4. Develop yearly Key Result Areas (KRAs) for staff and identify staff capacity needs and 
   trainings over the 3 year contractual period.  
5. Achievement of KPIs as per Budget Measures for each Financial Year

Selection Criteria

MERITS 

Skills and Abilities 

COMPETENCY 

1. Strategic Thinking (Essential)

• Recognises impact of organisation’s direction and role within the government and community.
• Understand the Ministry’s strategic direction and how the Division’s objectives will contribute to achieving these.
• Provides advice to Government based on analysis of a broad range of issues.
• Ability to think outside the box to ensure the Division’s objectives are achieved.  
• Share ideas that contribute to the achievement of Division objectives.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent report writing skills with the ability to develop relevant recommendation for effective decision making.

2. Building Sustaining and Relationships (Essential)

• Is committed to building and sustaining relationships with schools, Ministry, across the public service, with the public and other stakeholders.
• Welcomes constructive feedback and suggestions from stakeholders including teachers, principals and others in the education sector.  
• 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 Ministry of Education and Culture particularly the Education Sector 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 (Essential)

• Is service delivery focus and supportive of initiatives to achieve the Ministry’s objectives.  
• Diligently plan and execute targets to achieve expected outputs / 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.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Integrity (Essential)

• 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 (Essential)

• Committed and supports the strategic direction of the Division and Ministry.
• Adopts a positive attitude towards work and colleagues.
• Carries out expected tasks with diligence.
• 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..

Experience & Past Work Performance 

Experience (Essential) 

• Relevant years’ experience in the Education Sector
• Experience in project Management and Coordination  
• Leadership and Management  
• Monitoring and Evaluation

Past Work Performance (Essential)

• Proven track record of excellent performance from previous work.
• Able 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.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Educational Qualifications (Essential)

• A Bachelor Degree in relevant field (or Project Management, Public Management Administration) 

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.  
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. 
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.