ACEO HEALTH SECURITY AND DISEASE SURVEILLANCE

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 20 October 2026 at 5:00pm    
   
d. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Senior Executive 
Services on 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. Ministry of Health    

The Ministry of Health (MOH) through this advertisement seeks suitably qualified medical 
specialists to provide specialty care at a hospital-based Health Specialist Facility that will coordinate, facilitate and provide quality health care utilizing new and existing resources. The Ministry of Health, Samoa 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   

Responsible to the: Director General, Ministry of Health.  

Primary Objective: 

To provide quality and effective public health surveillance services and advice for the improvement of Public Health services, programs and activities of the Health Sector at all levels for Communicable Diseases (CD) and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)Health Security in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR). 

Duties: 

Technical/Operational Advice 

1. Coordinate, lead, implement the ongoing systematic collection of data, analysis and timely 
   dissemination of data/information for early warning trends and thresholds of CDs 
   (infectious diseases) and trends of NCDs for timely and appropriate Public health response.
2. Ongoing and timely analysis of data to determine disease thresholds for declaration of 
   disease outbreaks /epidemics and pandemics.
3. Develop guidelines, tools and indicators for effective disease surveillance at the national and community levels based on established national guidelines.
4. UpToDate monitoring of the Global One Health Surveillance network and reporting of syndromic surveillance to the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network PPHSN. 
5. Provide appropriate technical advice and services to key health service providers concerned 
   in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the:  
   • Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control (CDSC) guideline 2020 
   • National Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and response plan. 
   • NCD Policy;  
   • NCD Strategy and  
   • NCD Plan of Action.  
   • Climate Adaptation Strategy for Health 2014 
   • Disaster Risk Management Strategy for Health 2017
6. Provide appropriate technical advice and services related to CDC diseases with a priority focus on the Vaccine Preventable Diseases and infectious diseases of Public Health importance.
7. Identify and provide technical advice to ensure the availability of relevant up-to-date, evidence-based and appropriate protocols to address situations requiring prompt public health response, such as notification of cases of communicable diseases, outbreaks, epidemics or environmental health crises.
8. Provide quarterly surveillance and biannual surveillance reports to the Director General 
9. Provide biannual surveillance reports to the Director General for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
10. Provide oversight and supervisory role in the implementation of public health services in particular to Infectious / Communicable disease surveillance programs, port health services, climate change and health programs including disaster risk management, typhoid control program and public health laboratory services.
11. Strengthen the divisional collaboration through regular provision of public health interventions for front-line staff (i.e. environmental health officers, health promotion officers, community nursing staff, Medical Officers etc.) carrying out public health response actions.
12. Ensure the effective and efficient provision of surveillance services and lead the promotion and implementation of the International Health Regulations.
13. Manage and coordinate Non – communicable disease with relevant staff of national health programs listed below in providing appropriate technical advice and services when needed.            •  STI-HIV/AIDS/SH;
    • TB-Leprosy
    • Filariasis and MDA Program 
    • Samoa Typhoid Control Program
14. Develop and implement Chronic Communicable Disease Registers and evidence-based programmes for screening and early interventions.  Assist in the establishment of a Public Health Laboratory to provide required services in support of health programs and appropriate public health interventions.
15. Foster and strengthen close working relationships and provide appropriate advice and services to the relevant divisions and stakeholders including health promotion and nutrition services and CD and NCD committees and working groups. 
16. Provide technical input for all Public Health related policies and legislations.
17. To provide regular reports on national disease surveillance information to the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN) in a timely manner.
18. Contribute to the development and effective use of various public health systems including disease surveillance information and health climate early warning systems (H-CLEWS) to monitor and forecast potential disease outbreaks 
19. Contribute to, assist with, and oversee the review, design and implementation of research to identify effective public health interventions, including implementation of relevant public health related research projects from time to time.
20. Identify and ensure case definitions are developed, updated, published and implemented for control, surveillance and response for public health response action.
21. Ensure the promotion of health literacy through the provision of relevant public health information and advice for awareness programs and Ministry bulletins. 
22. Secretariat / secretary to relevant national health surveillance committees including Communicable Disease Control Committee (CDCC).
23. Maintain professional links with the regional and international relevant health institutions, and to use these links to benefit the public health workforce in Samoa through development and maintaining of acceptable public health service standards and Quality Assurance Programs.  

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Promote and assist systematic monitoring and evaluation of all services provided by Preventive Health Sector.
2. Lead and oversee the monitoring and compliance by service providers and stakeholders with 
   International Health Regulations.
3. Identify and ensure that Preventive Health Services activities meet statutory requirements 
   under prevailing legislations.
4. Coordinate and manage surveillance technical activities and programs, within the context of 
   the public health emergencies (epidemic and pandemic) at the country state level.
5. Monitor the surveillance of CDs and NCDs for the whole country and work collaboratively 
   with responsible staff and agencies in implementing detection and control measures.
6. Ensure compliance of international aircrafts and vessels to health legislations and regulations 
   for the protection / prevention of CD 

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: 
   a. Workforce Plan,  
   b. Corporate Plan 
   c. Management plan 
   d. Annual Reports 
   e. Performance Management Plans/Appraisals 
   f. 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. Represent the ministry in intra-ministry work collaborations or other forums as directed from time to time.
10. Act as the Administration Head of the Ministry in the absence of the CEO as required.
11. 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. Review and implement a Communicable Disease Policy and Plan of Action.
2. Facilitate the implementation of IHR including participation in the process of verification and 
   risk assessment on reported public health events.
3. Conduct regular field visits to achieve the following on a quarterly basis; 
   a. Assess and evaluate implementation of surveillance activities  
   b. Identify gaps in the process and recommend corrective actions
4. Review the Division’s systems, policies and procedures for efficient execution of activities. 
   Timely submission of relevant reports but not limited to;  - Regular health surveillance (CD, Mortality) - - - Public health surveys (i.e: filariasis survey and mass drug administration).   
   Public Health Emergencies and disasters. Syndromic surveillance reports
5. Achievement of divisional activities as Key Performance Indicators as per Annual Budget 
   performance measures.

Selection Criteria 

Skill and Abilities 

Strategic Thinking (Essential)

•  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 the Director General based on analysis of a broad range of issues relating to the surveillance and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases.    
• 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 (Essential)

• 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 Public Health Sector.
• 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)

• Focuses on activities that support organizational sustainability and streamlines processes to seek operational efficiency.  
• Monitors and manages resourcing pressures for optimum outcomes.
• Ability in undertaking evidence-based research and identifying needs clearly in relation to public health services, communicable diseases control (CDC) and Non Communicable Diseases (NCD).
• Ability in the management, operations and surveillance of diseases and public health related activities.
• Fosters a culture of achievement and ensure planned targets / projects are realistic.  
• Ensure planned targets are monitored and measured and achieves expected outputs / outcomes. 

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)

• 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 Judgment (Essential)

• 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 (Essential)

• 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 (Essential)

• Proven, relevant years of experience in the health sector.

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 relevant tertiary qualification in Public Health or in a health oriented area, or any relevant field.
• Masters Public Health would be an advantage.

E. BENEFITS    

Duty Station: TTM Hospital Motootua, Samoa   
Duration: 3 years.   
Salary: $94,624 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    
Annual Leave 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   
Sick Leave: 20 days sick leave per annum on pro rata basis.    
Other Leave: All other leaves are subject to terms and conditions 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: The Government of Samoa shall pay a percentage of the Appointee’s 
contribution or another rate prescribed by the National Provident Fund from time to time.  This 
includes a successful candidate to be recruited from overseas or where relevant laws may apply.    
Accident Compensation Corporation: Government also shall pay a percentage of the 
Appointee’s contribution or another rate prescribed by the Accident Compensation Act 1989.  This 
includes a successful candidate to be recruited from overseas or where relevant laws may apply.    
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 for relocation and will not be the responsibility of the Ministry. Consideration 
however will be made for housing assistance, to be determined by the Commission.