Job Description
Position Title:
Supreme Court Judge Associate
Division/Section:
Civil & Criminal Courts
Salary grade:
A12 $28,327.00
Position Code:
JC003260
Supervisor Code:
JC002352
Location:
Date approved:
Court Complex, Mulinuu
February 10, 2017
Overview of Ministry
The Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration prioritizes quality as incorporating best
practices in court administration and Samoan customs and practices in all aspects of its services.
To provide quality service addresses public grievances and disputes and contributes to a peaceful
Samoa.
More information can be found on our website at www.mjca.gov.ws
The Superior Courts Division is responsible to administer cases for the Court of
Appeal, four (4) Supreme Courts, Alcohol and Drugs Court, Court Annexed
Mediation Unit and various Tribunals. The Court Officer position contributes to
the effective and efficient administration of cases filed with the Superior Courts.
Purpose of Position
To give personal assistance to reporting Judge of the Supreme Court of his/her functions and to act as
his/her private secretary in respect of duties and and non judicial business and appointments related
thereto.
Key Relationships
Responsible to: Assistant Chief Executive Officer- Civil & Criminal Courts Division
Job Description
Key Duties
Key Responsibility 1: Preparation & Dispatching of Criminal Papers for Judges

Receive and dispatch Criminal papers for Judges

Receive and dispatch probation reports
Prepare Criminal sheets for Judges

Cases filed are processed with speed, accuracy and complies with relevant legislation.
Key Responsibility 2: Attend court to transcribe & record decisions

Attend Court for recording court proceedings as required transcribe and produce a transcript of
proceedings as required. Ensure equipments are in good condition and report any technical
difficulty

Ensure Judges and parties satisfied with translation of proceedings.
Key Responsibility 3: Adminstrative/Personal Assistant to assigned Judge

Attend to travel and accommodation arrangements of Judges overseas trip etc, workshops,
conference and meetings

Carry out administrative/ clerical/ reception duties required by the Judge
Key Responsibility 4: Database Management/Judges Filing

Enter and Update Court cases conclusions and decisions

Update criminal mentions outcomes database.

Update and Maintain efficient Office Filing for Judges
Key Responsibility 5: Other duties assigned by ACEO

Collect and submit data required for monthly reports.

Understands MJCA planning, budget and reporting cycle.

Ensure monthly, annual and other reports submitted on time.
Job Description
Core Competencies/Selection Criteria
SKILLS & ABILITIES
1. Communiation Skills
●
Good listener & asks Qs.
●
Excellent writing skills in English and Samoan.
●
Confidently speak, and present in English and Samoan in front of a group.
●
Effortlessly navigate both the Samoan and English language so to be able to translate court
proceedings contemporaneously.
2. Computer Skills

Understands and confidently uses Excel and Database to operate the criminal database.

Understands and confidently uses MS Word and e-mail for effective communication within
MJCA and with external stakeholders.

Files for the criminal mention are complete, contain all the documents and organised according to
the list before the Judge.
3. Organising skills
●
Performs multiple tasks at the same time. Eg. Organise files being called in Court,
translate, & attend to the Judge and everyone in the Court Room at the same time.
4. Inter-personal Skills
●
Excellent Va-Fealoai with MJCA
5. Management (Self/Work)

Prioritises work to meet deadlines.

Healthy and active.

Energetic to be able to be on feet from 9am -5pm court proceedings.

Looks after and uses resources wisely.
Job Description
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
1

2.
Values & Ethics
Understands and complies with SPS values and code of conduct at all times.
Commitment & Drive

3·
Contributes to a positive team culture that enables high performance.
Judgement

Rational thinking.

Courage for oneself and for what is right.

Intelligent with good common sense.
Diligence
4.

Punctual.

Attention to details.

Looks after and uses resources wisely
EXPERIENCE AND PAST WORK PERFORMANCE (Knowledge)

At least 3-5 years proven work experience in court administration or relevant field.
QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences, Law or Court Administration from a
recognised tertiary institution.