Job Title: Director
Department/Agency: Department of Youth & Women’s Affairs (DYWA)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$55,000 - $75,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: Department of Youth & Women’s Affairs (DYWA)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Director of the Department of Youth and Women's Affairs is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the department's programs and services. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the needs and priorities of youth and women in American Samoa are met through effective, culturally relevant, and sustainable initiatives. The Director will work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and other partners, to create and implement policies and programs that empower youth and women. This leadership role requires a combination of strong management skills, in-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural context, and a deep commitment to advancing the well-being and development of these groups.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Departmental Management:
Lead the development and implementation of the department's strategic vision, aligning departmental objectives with government priorities.
Oversee day-to-day operations of DYWA, ensuring effective service delivery and organizational efficiency.
Manage departmental budgets, personnel, and facilities in line with the government's financial and regulatory policies.
Establish performance goals, evaluate departmental effectiveness, and make necessary adjustments to improve service delivery.
Represent the department in meetings with the Governor, legislative officials, and other key stakeholders.
Program Development and Implementation:
Develop and oversee programs aimed at promoting youth and women’s empowerment, education, career development, and health and wellness.
Ensure the alignment of all programs with the cultural values and traditions of American Samoa.
Coordinate initiatives to address challenges such as gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and mental health.
Establish mentorship, leadership training, and vocational programs that prepare youth and women for the workforce.
Monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of programs, ensuring measurable outcomes and ongoing improvement.
Community Engagement and Advocacy:
Act as a key advocate for youth and women's rights, influencing policies and promoting initiatives that support their well-being and advancement.
Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, local businesses, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Lead outreach efforts to ensure that underrepresented and marginalized groups have access to department services.
Organize and participate in public events, forums, and awareness campaigns to raise consciousness about issues impacting youth and women.
Cultural and Social Development:
Preserve and Promote Culture: Develop and oversee programs that safeguard Samoan culture, language, and traditions, ensuring youth and women have opportunities to actively engage in and learn from these practices.
Empowerment Through Heritage: Create initiatives that empower youth and women to embrace their roles as stewards of Samoan heritage while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address contemporary societal challenges.
Global Cultural Exchange: Facilitate cultural exchange programs to foster knowledge-sharing and build connections with Pacific Island communities and global partners.
Policy Development and Implementation:
Draft, implement, and monitor policies related to youth and women's affairs, ensuring compliance with national and local laws.
Advocate for additional resources to support the growth and sustainability of DYWA programs.
Prepare policy recommendations for government leaders on youth and women’s empowerment, incorporating local, regional, and international best practices.
Stay abreast of developments in relevant policy areas, including gender equality, child protection, and sustainable development.
Staff Supervision and Development:
Hire, train, and evaluate department staff, ensuring a highly motivated and effective team.
Foster a work environment that encourages professional development, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity.
Provide leadership and mentorship to staff to help them achieve their full potential.
Promote diversity and inclusivity within the department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive Understanding: Deep knowledge of the social, economic, and cultural factors affecting youth and women in American Samoa.
Policy Expertise: Familiarity with policies, laws, and best practices related to youth and women’s issues, both locally and internationally.
Strategic Planning: Expertise in program evaluation methods, strategic planning, and performance metrics.
Governmental Knowledge: Strong understanding of local governmental structures and how departments interact to influence policy and programs.
Leadership and Management: Proven leadership and management skills, including budgeting, financial oversight, and human resource management.
Effective Communication: Excellent communication skills for engaging with diverse audiences, including government officials, community leaders, and the general public.
Program Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-faceted programs involving diverse stakeholders.
Advocacy and Influence: Ability to influence decision-making processes and advocate for meaningful change within the government structure.
Critical Thinking: Strong capacity to make decisions in complex and dynamic situations, with flexibility to adjust programs to emerging needs.
Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Multi-Program Oversight: Ability to oversee multiple programs while maintaining a focus on quality and measurable outcomes.
Problem Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address sensitive issues effectively and diplomatically.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:
A Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Public Administration, Social Work, International Development) is highly preferred.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Community Development, Gender Studies, or a related field is required.
Experience:
A minimum of 5 years in a senior management or leadership role, with proven experience in managing programs that serve youth and/or women.
Experience in community development, social services, or related fields is highly desirable, particularly within a Pacific Island context.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful policies and programs, including expertise in budget management and resource allocation.
Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations focused on youth and women’s affairs is a plus.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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