Background

Launched in May 2012, the Samoa Parliamentary Support Project aims to work with (i) MPs directly to strengthen their national leadership and accountability roles, and strengthen law-making and committee oversight functions; as well as (ii) the Parliamentary Secretariat to strengthen the capacity of Samoa’s MPs to more effectively and accountably promote and progress Samoa’s national development priorities and the achievement of the MDGs. The SPSP is a project supported by funding from the Australian Aid Program (AusAID) and executed by the UNDP Multi-Country Office in Samoa, and delivers a holistic and broad range of capacity development events and activities for MPs and staff of the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa to 2015.

Improving Secretariat infrastructure is also a priority, and in that context, strengthening ICT capacity is crucial. It is essential that the Parliament proactively utilise ICTs to improve services available to MPs. A comprehensive ICT review of the Parliament has already been undertaken by the Parliament, with support from the Tasmanian Parliament. A phased Parliamentary ICT Plan now needs to be developed, for implementation with support from the Project. Already, it appears necessary to invest in a dedicated server for Parliament, to ensure proper back-up of Parliament’s crucial store of information, as well as to enable Parliament to more effectively host and update its own website and to use it as a more effective tool for public outreach. Rolling out a networked ICT system which will bring all MPs on-line in the Maota Fono (main Chamber) and the Tofilau Eti Alesana Building (MPs’ offices) is also a key priority. An ICT Manager will be brought in as an immediate measure to support this initial ICT work.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Formulate and direct information and communication technology strategies, policies and plans.
  • Direct the selection and installation of ICT resources and the provision of user training.
  • Direct ICT operations and set priorities between system developments, maintenance and operations.
  • Design and maintain database architecture, data structures and naming conventions
  • Implement and administer database documentation, guidelines, policies and procedures testing database systems and upgrades (eg debugging, tracing, reproduction, logging) and resolve all identified problems.
  • Analyse, recommend, install and maintain software security applications.
  • Provide service support in diagnosing, resolving and repairing server-related hardware and software malfunctions.
  • Analyse information needs and specify technology to meet those needs.
  • Oversee the security of ICT systems.
  • Continually survey the current computer site to determine future network needs and make recommendations to the Deputy Clerk for improvement.
  • Oversee the operational establishment and preventive maintenance of backups, recovery procedures and enforce security and integrity controls.
  • In collaboration with the Deputy Clerk, National Project Manager, HR Specialist and HR Manager, coordinate skills development training for the Divisional employees and source relevant training if and when required.
  • Manage the ICT Services Division and advise the Clerk and Management Team on required interventions for improved Office efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.

 

Competencies

  • Demonstrated ability to manage the resources available to the Division to achieve defined targets and outputs within budgetary expectations (Essential).
  • Demonstrated ability in written and communication in both the English and Samoan languages, strategic planning, analytical skills, computer literacy, networking and public relation skills (Essential).
  • Must be above reproach in work ethics and must command the respect of subordinates (Essential).
  • Degree in an IT related major or equivalent professional work experience (Essential)
  • Experience in any cloning (Ghost) application (Essential)
  • Must have soft skills and trouble-shooting skills (Essential).
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a Division and facilitate high performance and improved
     service delivery (Essential)
  • Must be able to work under pressure to ensure efficient at all times.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Advanced degree in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or related field or equivalent is required.

Experience

  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in provision of ICT services in a recognized organization or institution, to promote and support efficient service delivery, improved work processes and effective outreach to the public.

Language Requirements

  • Fluent in Samoan and English both spoken and written languages.