Assistant C.E.O Legal Aid Coordination Unit

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 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).  

Values of the Samoa Public Service  

1. Honesty: Acting Honestly, being truthful and abiding by the laws of Samoa;
2. Impartiality: Providing impartial advice, acting without fear or favor and making decisions on their merits;  
3. Service: Serving the people well, through faithful service to the Government
4. Respect: Treating the people, the Government and colleagues with courtesy and respect;
5. Transparency: Taking actions and making decisions in an open way;  
6. Accountability: Being able to explain the reason for actions taken, and taking responsibilities for those actions;
7. Efficiency and Effectiveness: Achieving good results for Samoa in an economical 
   way. 

C. About the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration 

MJCA together with other Law and Justice Sector agencies, they work tirelessly to promote and 
safeguard human rights, promote societies based on justice and the rule of law, promote peace and 
security in our communities, and protect and promote the livelihoods of our Samoan people.  They 
serve and provide administrative support to the Courts.   

D. ABOUT THE POSITION: 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Responsible to the: Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. 

Primary Objective: To provide strategic leadership, management, policy oversight, and operational 
direction for the Legal Aid Coordination Unit (LACU), ensuring the effective implementation of the 
National Legal Aid Policy and the efficient, transparent, accountable, and sustainable administration of 
legal aid services in Samoa. 

The ACEO shall ensure that legal aid services are delivered in accordance with constitutional obligations, Government priorities, approved policies, and applicable laws while improving access to justice for vulnerable and disadvantaged persons. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership and Governance 

1. Provide strategic leadership for the implementation and continuous improvement of the 
   National Legal Aid Policy.
2. Lead the development of long-term plans, operational frameworks, and service delivery strategies for legal aid services.
3. Ensure that legal aid administration aligns with constitutional requirements, national development priorities, and access to justice objectives.
4. Advise the CEO on all legal aid policy, governance, operational, and financial matters.
5. Promote good governance, accountability, integrity, and transparency in the administration of legal aid services. 

Policy Implementation and Legal Aid Administration

1. Oversee the implementation of the National Legal Aid Policy and all associated procedures, 
   guidelines, and operational frameworks.
2. Ensure effective administration of legal aid applications, including:  
   o Eligibility assessments; 
   o Means testing; 
   o Interests-of-justice assessments; 
   o Approval and review processes.
3. Monitor compliance with legal aid standards, policies, and procedural requirements.
4. Ensure the fair, independent, and consistent allocation of legal aid matters to accredited providers.  

Management of Legal Aid Providers

1. Oversee the registration, accreditation, and management of Legal Aid Providers.
2. Ensure effective provider roster management and allocation systems.
3. Monitor provider performance, quality assurance requirements, and compliance obligations.
4. Review and approve recommendations relating to provider performance, complaints, and 
   disciplinary matters.
5. Promote continuous capacity building and professional development for Legal Aid Providers.  

Financial Management and Accountability

1. Oversee the effective management of the Legal Aid Scheme budget.
2. Ensure proper verification and approval processes for legal aid payments and provider invoices.
3. Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and funding allocations.
4. Develop financial forecasts and funding proposals for legal aid services.
5. Ensure compliance with Government financial management policies and procedures.
6. The position will oversee the administration of an expanded legal aid scheme with anticipated 
   budget increases under the National Legal Aid Policy.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

1. Direct the collection, management, and analysis of legal aid data.
2. Establish performance indicators and monitoring frameworks.
3. Oversee preparation of:  
   o Quarterly reports; 
   o Annual reports; 
   o Statistical reports; 
   o Financial reports; 
   o Policy implementation reviews.
4. Provide strategic advice and recommendations based on evidence and performance data.
5. Ensure accurate record management and case management systems are maintained.  

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

1. Lead engagement with Government agencies, the Judiciary, legal practitioners, development 
   partners, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders.
2. Foster collaboration to strengthen access to justice initiatives.
3. Coordinate awareness and outreach programmes relating to legal aid services.
4. Manage strategic partnerships supporting implementation of legal aid initiatives.
5. Represent MJCA at national, regional, and international forums concerning legal aid and access 
   to justice. 

Secretariat and Committee Support

1. Provide executive oversight and technical leadership to the Legal Aid Steering Committee.
2. Ensure timely preparation of committee papers, reports, recommendations, and implementation updates.
3. Support decision-making processes through evidence-based advice and analysis.
4. Monitor implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations.  

Leadership/ Human Resource Management

1. Actively participate as part of the Leadership and Management Team in the decision-making and 
   governance processes of the organization.
2. Assist and manage in the development and implementation of the following Ministry Reports/Plans: 
   • Workforce Plan
   • Corporate Plan 
   • Management Plan 
   • Annual Reports 
   • Performance Management Plans/Appraisals 
   • Succession Planning 
   • Any other relevant Plan/Report
3. Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop staff within the Legal Aid Coordination Unit.
4. Lead and role-model the Public Service Values for Divisional team members, organization and 
   wider Public Service.
5. Provide on the job support, mentoring, coaching as well as training for staff to ensure their 
   continuous development.
6. Ensure the effective performance management and evaluation processes are undertaken as per 
   the Performance Appraisal System for Divisional Staff.
7. 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 planning, 
   implementation, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on team performance.
8. Identify priority budgetary requirements for the Division annual submission of performance 
   measures and budgetary provisions and ensure the Division’s resources are manages in 
   accordance with prevailing policies.
9. Act as the Administration Head on the Ministry in absence of the CEO as required.
10. Promote a high-performance and client-focused culture.
11. Ensure staff comply with Government employment policies, values, and ethical standards.
12. 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. Implement and monitor the National Legal Aid Policy to ensure its effective application and 
   compliance.
2. Ensure the timely, efficient and accurate assessment and processing of legal aid applications.
3. Coordinate the transparent allocation, administration and monitoring of legal aid matters.
4. Manage and oversee the performance and compliance of legal aid service providers.
5. Prepare and submit accurate, timely and comprehensive reports to management and relevant 
   stakeholders.
6. Administer and monitor legal aid funds in accordance with approved financial policies and 
   procedures.
7. Promote and enhance access to justice through the effective delivery of legal aid services to 
   vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
8. Successful Implementation of Budget Activities per Financial Year.

SELECTION CRITERIA 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

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 pertaining to Law and Justice Sector.
• 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.

Building and Sustaining Relationships

• Commits to client service, builds and sustains relationships within the organization, across the public service, across agencies and with a diverse range of external stakeholders.  
• Consults broadly to obtain buy-in and draws on knowledge of key stakeholders and fosters teamwork and cooperation through sharing information.
• Capitalizes on diversity and harnesses different viewpoints to enhance the operations of the Law & Justice Sector secretariat.  
• Encourages and motivates people to engage in continuous learning and empowers them by delegating responsibility for work.  
• Mentors provides constructive feedback, recognizes success and engages in activities to sustain staff morale.  
• Communicates with precision and confidence, clearly and in an articulate manner harnessing the most appropriate methods of communication.  
• Adapts communication style and message to meet needs, that has a strong grasp of key issues.

Delivers/achieves Results 

• Focuses on activities that support organizational sustainability and streamline processes to seek operational efficiency.  
• Monitors and manages resourcing pressures for optimum outcomes.
• Oversee 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 ensures planned targets / projects are realistic.  
• Ensure planned targets are monitored and measured and achieves expected outputs / outcomes.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES 

Integrity

• Exhibits and applies high integrity and ethical principles.
• Is indisputably trusted and works 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.  
• Help 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

• 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

• Develop 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 

Experience

• Relevant years of experience in the area of public policy.
• Project Management Experience.
• Familiarity with Government’s procurement policies and guidelines.
• Budget and Human Resources management.
• Experience in Coordination and logistical arrangements.

Past Work Performance 

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

QUALIFICATIONS 

Educational Qualification

• A minimum qualification of a Bachelor Degree in Public Policy, Management, Commerce or Related field.

E. ABOUT THE POSITION: 

BENEFITS  

Duty Station: Apia, 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.