Assistant C.E.O Court of Appeal and Supreme Court

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 01st December 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 lead and manage the administration and operational functions of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, ensuring efficient court services, effective case management, performance monitoring, and the timely delivery of justice in accordance with judicial and public service standards. 

Policy, Courts Administration, Operations and Service Delivery 

1. Provide strategic policy advice on all matters pertaining to the efficient operation and management of the Supreme and Courts of Appeal Division.
2. Identify service delivery requirements and appropriate delivery methods to develop and implement effective operation systems for Supreme and Court of Appeal.  
3. Identify critical policy concerns and lead policy development initiatives including the preparation and implementation of guidelines, policies and protocols for the effective management of the Supreme and Courts of appeal Division.
4. Lead the provision of effective administrative and managing the daily operations and management of Supreme and Courts of Appeal.
5. Lead in review, amendment and updating of divisional procedures, processes and policies to 
   ensure alignment with relevant legislation, court rules and Ministry requirement.  
6. Develop and implement the Division’s Strategic Management Plan in alignment with the 
   Ministry’s strategic priorities and policy directions.  
7. Lead and promote public awareness initiates to enhance understanding of the role and function 
   of the formal justice system and its position in administering requests from the public as well 
   as legislative and policy changes.  
8. Lead in development and implementation of policies, guidelines and ethical standards to 
   support Court Staff in the professional ethical and consistent administration of court services.  

Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of the Division’s performance against approved strategic, operational, and service delivery targets.  
2. Prepare and submit periodic performance reports, analyses, and recommendations to support management decision-making.  
3. Monitor compliance with relevant policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.  
4. Identify performance gaps and recommend corrective actions to improve operational 
   effectiveness and service delivery.  
5. Maintain accurate performance data and records to support accountability, reporting, and continuous improvement. 

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. Service Charter 
   g. 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 job support, mentoring, coaching as well as training for staff to ensure their 
   continuous development in terms of report writing, transcriptions and court interpreters to 
   sustain the efficiency of the administration of Justice.
5. Coordinate internal and external consultations for Ministry policies and plans to ensure 
   effective and efficient development of policies and plans for the Ministry.
6. Provide high standard of leadership through communication and good people management to 
   ensure staff work effectively.
7. Ensure that effective performance management and evaluation processes are undertaken as 
   per the Performance Appraisal System for Divisional staff.
8. 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.
9. Ensure that internal systems are in place for effective and efficient planning, implementation, 
   monitoring, evaluating and reporting on team performance.
10. 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.
11. Act as the Administration Head of the Ministry in the absence of the CEO as required. -
12. Represent the Ministry in local and international forums when required and undertake other 
    duties as directed by the CEO.
13. Report to the CEO and Management Team on the Division’s work and progress.  
14. Assist with the Implementation of the Talofa with a Smile Campaign initiative to promote 
    and enhance good customer service as directed by the Office of the Public Service Commission. 

Key Deliverables

1. Effective administration of matters before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, ensuring 
   the timely processing and management of cases, appeals, and judicial proceedings.
2. Efficient coordination and management of Judicial Settlement Conferences and Court
   Annexed Mediation services to support the timely resolution of disputes.
3. Accurate and secure management of court records, case files, and registry information in 
   accordance with legislative, policy, and procedural requirements.
4. Timely processing and certification of affidavits, statutory declarations, court orders, and 
   other legal instruments in compliance with applicable laws and court rules.
5. Effective leadership and management of registry, secretarial, and administrative support 
   services to ensure efficient court operations.
6. Compliance with relevant legislation, court rules, policies, procedures, and service standards 
   to uphold the effective administration of justice.
7. Timely monitoring and reporting of court performance and service delivery outcomes to 
   support management decision-making and continuous improvement.
8. Achievement of Key Performance Indicates as Budget Measures every Financial Year.

Selection Criteria 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Strategic Thinking 

DESCRIPTOR 

• 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 Supreme and Courts of Appeal Division for MJCA.
• 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.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUIT

 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 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 

• 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.  
• Experience in public administration, court administration, legal services or related field. 

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.

QUALIFICATION 

Educational Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor Degree in Social Science, Law, Public Administration, Management, Business. Administration of any area and Management or other relevant discipline from a recognized tertiary institution.

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.