JOB DESCRIPTION
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GENERAL MANAGER, Samoa Ports Authority
Position
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General Manager
Authority
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Samoa Ports Authority
Position Purpose & Background
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The General Manager leads the Samoa Ports Authority under the direction of the Board of
Directors.
Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) is a State Own Enterprise established under its governing legislation
the Ports Authority Act 1998 (“the Act”) as amended from time to time and with its financial
obligations regulated under financial laws such as Public Finance Management Act 2001 and Public
Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001. SPA is undergoing significant reforms as the
result of Performance Audits (2012) and Port Scoping Study (2013) in order to well – position itself
to achieve its vision of being the most efficient and cost effective hub and spoke port in the South
Pacific region. The Samoa Ports Authority principal roles are:
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The provision, management and maintenance of adequate and efficient port services,
facilities and security in ports and approaches;
The regulation of navigation and maintenance of navigation aids within ports and
approaches;
The promotion of the use, improvement and development of ports; and
The coordination of all activities of or within ports and approaches.
The Samoa Ports Authority has a staff of 99. Inclusive in this aggregate number are four (4)
Managers and 95 employees. They are employed at three ports in Apia only (Fisheries Wharf,
Lady Naomi Terminal and Apia International Port). SPA is estimated based on average in the
last few years to operate on an annual budget of SAT$6 million.
Responsible To
(a)
The responsible Minister for the Samoa Ports Authority on Policy advice to Government
on national strategic developments and direction of Samoa Ports;
(b)
The Board of Directors on all matters pertaining to the Samoa Ports Authority including
but not limited to its administration, operation, management, development, etc;
(c)
The Ministry of Public Enterprise for compliance with Public Finance Management Act
2001, Public Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001
Accountabilities/Duties
(a)
General
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The General Manager is responsible for the day to day management of the operation of
the Samoa Ports Authority in accordance with current legislation and the general policies
and specific directions of the Board.
 Must strive to continually enhance the profitability of Samoa Ports Authority and its
public image and positive contribution to the economy of Samoa.
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 Providing high quality policy advice to the Minister and Board of Directors on all areas
of the Authority’s mandate;
 Facilitate Board Meetings and the timely discussions of all matters pertaining to the
efficient running of the Authority to achieve its mandate including but not limited to
providing high quality advice and recommendations, professional and completed
proposals, quality and accurate forecast and assessments on all issues affecting revenue
generation, business operations and developments of the Authority, matters affecting
staff morale and performance, etc;
 Delivery on the targets and/or objectives set for the Authority and in the General
Manager’s Performance Agreement;
 Prompt execution of all resolutions and decisions of the Board of Directors;
 Ensuring that the Authority has the strategies, capabilities and supporting culture to
enable the delivery of its mandate and corporate objectives;
 Developing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on the Performance Management
System of the Authority;
 Leading and managing the staff of the Authority to ensure achievement of its mandate
and objectives through role – modelling of the Samoa Public Service Values and
Principles of Employment;
 Submit to the responsible Minister through the Board of Directors the Annual Report on
the operations of the Authority no later than 3 months after the end of each financial year
 Perform all duties and deliver all requirements (including performance targets, profit
margins, shareholder’s return, reports, etc) set out in the various legislations governing
and administered by the Authority and all other relevant and applicable legislation
including the Public Finance Management Act 2001, Public Bodies (Performance and
Accountability) Act 2001 and Cabinet directives.
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Position specific
 Managing, under the direction of the Board of Directors a State Owned Enterprise
currently undergoing significant change in the way service are delivered and technology
and skill supporting this;
 Efficient and effective administration of and adherence to all legislation that the
Authority administers and to comply with;
 Provision of high quality policy and port management advise that supports
Government’s long term growth goals;
 Exercising strong Financial Management to oversee and control annual budgets,
financial resources, debt and financial obligations, total asset management and ensure the
Authority is run as a profitable commercial entity;
 Provision of good Commercial and Business acumen especially in the areas of port and
shipping economics and management to explore opportunities for revenue generation,
business growth and enhancing/promoting efficient and safe port operations;
 Implement the SPA Corporate Plan, Business Plan and other Board approved
development Plans/studies as well as develop/submit actions plans and cost effective
strategies to advance Port Infrastructure development;
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(b)
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Oversee the efficient running of all the Divisions of the organisation to ensure they are
operating at a high standard, executing all their functions and roles, achieving their goals
to ensure each Division and the Authority achieves its mandate;
Exploring opportunities for wider public sector participation for service delivery;
Must follow all organizational policies and procedures, complete tasks correctly and on
time.
Represent the GoS in dealings with and as a member of identified international and
regional organizations, institutions and forums and ensure compliance with their
requirements including maritime security.
Responsibilities specific competencies
Skills and Abilities
Strategic Thinking
 The ability to optimize benefits and opportunities to assess real or potential risks and
threats to the Authority and able to develop strategies to maximize these opportunities
and minimize or eliminate these risks and foremost to align activities to its Corporate
Plan objectives.
 The ability to link GoS SDS 2012-2016, Transport Sector Plan, Corporate Plan and
Business Plan 2016-2020.
 Articulates a clear vision of the organization and inspires a sense of shared purpose and
direction.
 Drives the organization’s vision and long – term direction to achieve government and
SPA objectives and ensure improved services to the community.
 Considers emerging ports and shipping trends and multiple perspectives when assessing
impact of key issues and identifies opportunities and viable solutions for business growth
and revenue generation.
 Provides advice to government that reflects analysis of a broad range of issues affecting
port operation, management and development as well as the whole – of – government
agenda.
 Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of political, social and economic factors
affecting the organization.
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Building Relationships
 Builds and sustains relationships within the organization, the Board of Directors, the
Minister, across the public service, across agencies, port users and with a diverse range of
external stakeholders.
 Drives a culture of collaboration, participation and values diverse viewpoints to enhance
operations.
 Recognizes importance of consultation, stakeholder engagement and fostering teamwork.
 Encourages and maintains a performance culture ensuring regular feedback and
recognition of achievement.
 Empowers, mentors and engages in activities to sustain morale.
 Communicated the big picture clearly to a wide range of internal and external audience
with precision, confidence and in an articulate manner.
Delivers/achieves results/outcomes
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Drives activities that support organizational sustainability, operational efficiency
and flexible resource management.
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Engenders a culture of accountability and transparency.
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Optimizes professional expertise to improve overall performance and delivery of
organizational outcomes.
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Drives and steers the change agenda and demonstrates understanding of the
complex range of factors which effect change.
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Drives a culture of achievement and commitment to achieving outcomes beyond
expectations.
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Drives an efficient and effective system of reporting progress and evaluation
results.
Management
 Drives effective planning and exhibits strong organization ability seen through
integration of structures, systems and teams to better achieve objectives.
 Drives strategies to achieve operational efficiencies and value for money.
 Invest time in managing and developing people as well as building positive staff morale.
 Integrate plans into a transparent management framework to fulfil obligations of
management accountabilities.
 Manages projects across sector and multiple agencies and keeps stakeholders informed.
 Uses workplace planning to develop and maintain the capability to deliver services
effectively.
 Encourages communication and dissemination of information within the organisation and
the public.
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Personal Attributes
Integrity and Honest
 Provides impartial and forthright advise.
 Models high standard of ethics and probity.
 Is widely trusted and seen as a direct, truthful and courageous individual.
 Serves the Government of the day and all the public irrespective of personal preferences.
 Exemplifies integrity, service, respect, transparency, accountability, efficiency and
effectiveness.
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Leadership
 Ability and confidence to build lead and navigate an effective and sustainable
organization through stewardship and good corporate governance.
 Ability to manage politics, change, take risks, be innovative and deal with complexity.
 Is resourceful, optimistic, energetic, open minded, flexible and capable of solving
problems and make decisions.
 Drives and sustains a performance culture both internally (agency level) and externally
across Government Ministries & related entities.
Commitment & Personal Drive
 Displays personal commitment to the purpose and values of the public service as seen
through personal drive, focus and energy.
 Takes responsibilities and initiates timely action to resolve issues.
 Is prepared to make tough corporate decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
 Accepts accountability for mistakes made in the organization and ensures corrective
action is taken.
Intellect and Judgment
 Is intellectually sharp and exhibits a sophisticated understanding of port administration,
operation and management as well as the environment affecting whole – of – government
agenda and impacts on the organization.
 Shows levels of high analytical, conceptual and innovative thinking.
 Proficiently handles concepts and complexity, blends analysis and insight to effectively
inform and enhance organization performance.
 Anticipates implication and applies judgment to develop solutions.
Creativity and Innovation
 Consistently generates and employs original ideas, tackling both simple and complex
problems.
 Pursues new methods and solutions, thinks outside the box, connects disparate ideas, is
unafraid to use unorthodox methods.
 Brings out the best in others in brainstorming sessions or one – on – one, leading them to
discover new connections, new solution and new ways of doing the job.
Experience & past work performance
 Experience in Port Management, Maritime Transport Economics, Logistics or similar.
 Must possess a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the areas of port management,
logistics, international commercial shipping, financing or similar at a senior management
level. Managerial experience in other disciplines may also be considered including
strategic planning, engineering and private or government corporations at a senior
executive level.
Academic Qualification
A recognized professional University qualification in Maritime Transport Economics, Port
Management and Shipping or any other substantially equivalent tertiary qualification.
Remuneration & Term
The position is on a Contractual term of three (3) years.
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The salary for the position is subject to Cabinet remuneration package. The amount will include
5% employer contribution to National Provident Fund and 1% contribution to Accident
Compensation Fund.