PACER Plus

28/08/2026

New Head of PPIU Strengthens Engagement with PACER Plus Partners in Samoa

The newly appointed Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Dr Alisi Wenonahlita Kautoke, paid courtesy calls on the New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E. Si’alei van Toor, and the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E. William Robinson.

The meetings provided an important platform to discuss areas of mutual interest and reaffirm a shared commitment to the successful implementation of the PACER Plus Agreement. Discussions centred on strategic priorities for Phase II, including Samoa's 2026/2027 National Implementation Plan, with particular emphasis on strengthening coordination, fostering complementarities across work programmes, and enhancing collaboration among key stakeholders. The meetings highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to delivering tangible results that support Samoa's economic development aspirations and contribute to achieving sustainable development outcomes by 2030.

The courtesy calls reflect PPIU’s ongoing efforts to foster productive partnerships and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders and partners, committed to the region's economic growth and sustainable development.

The Head of PPIU expressed appreciation for New Zealand's and Australia’s continued support to Samoa and the Pacific region, particularly on initiatives that contribute to trade, economic growth, and private sector development.

27/08/2026

PACER Plus supports development of Vanuatu eBusiness Link

PACER Plus has supported the development of Vanuatu’s eBusiness Link, a new digital platform soft-launched on 10 August 2026. The platform seeks to make it easier for foreign investors to establish and register businesses in Vanuatu.

The platform provides a single online gateway connecting Vanuatu Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (VFIPA), Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) and Vanuatu Department of Customs & Inland Revenue (DCIR), allowing investors to submit applications, track progress, receive correspondence and invoices, and make secure online payments.

eBusiness Link is a practical example of PACER Plus supporting digital solutions that improve investment facilitation, public service delivery and the ease of doing business in Vanuatu.

Learn more at www.ebusinesslink.vu.

25/08/2026

🌴 DEADLINE EXTENDED: We're Hiring in Apia, Samoa!

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is recruiting for two key long-term positions:

• Trade Adviser – Trade in Services, Investment & Movement of Natural Persons (AUD $148,116 + expatriate benefits), 3 year fixed-term contract.

• Labour Mobility Adviser (AUD $148,116 + expatriate benefits), 3 year fixed-term contract.

Both roles are based in Apia, Samoa and are open to applicants of all nationalities.

These positions offer a competitive annual salary, along with an attractive benefits for expatriate applicants, including:
✅ Salary of AUD $148,116
✅ Generous monthly housing allowance
✅ Mobility allowance
✅ Education allowance

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to meaningful regional development and economic integration initiatives across the Pacific.

📅 Application deadline extended: Applications now close on Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Samoa time (GMT+13).

For full position descriptions and application details, visit: https://pacerplus.org/work-opportunities/

PPIU is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and people living with disabilities.

23/08/2026

The new Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Dr Alisi Kautoke, recently held introductory meetings with key regional partners to strengthen collaboration and identify practical opportunities to support PACER Plus Parties.

A courtesy call with Mr Guangzhou Qu, the Subregional Coordinator for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Pacific Islands, explored potential collaboration on agricultural export development and market access, including strengthening regional value chains and supporting Pacific producers to access regional and international markets.

Dr Kautoke also met with Ms Glynis Miller, Trade Commissioner and Head of Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand, and Mr Shahban Ali, Trade Development Manager, to discuss collaboration in strengthening investment promotion agencies across PACER Plus Parties and supporting increased investment flows.

Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement are critical to delivering meaningful results under PACER Plus. By working with regional partners, PPIU can leverage complementary expertise and networks to better support Parties to realise the benefits of the PACER Plus Agreement.

17/08/2026

Courtesy Call on Host Country by the new PACER Plus Implementation Unit Head

The newly appointed Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), Dr Alisi Wenonahlita Kautoke, was honoured to pay a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Samoa, Afioga Peseta Noumea Simi, and her team, in their capacity as Samoa’s PACER Plus focal point and host country of the PPIU.

The call provided an opportunity to discuss ways to further strengthen PACER Plus engagement in Samoa under the new Phase II of the Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme. Discussions focused on enhancing coordination between the PPIU and national stakeholders, as well as opportunities for strategic and high-level engagement with Government leaders.

The exchange also explored strategic priorities of Phase II (2026-2030), with a shared emphasis on delivering tangible, sustainable, and results-oriented outcomes for Parties by 2030. Discussions highlighted the alignment of support through Samoa’s 2026/27 National Implementation Plan and reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing Samoa’s trade and economic development priorities.

The PPIU extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for its continued partnership and support and looks forward to working closely together to advance the objectives of PACER Plus to deliver meaningful outcomes for Samoa and the region.

Government of Samoa

16/08/2026

To APPLY for the following positions, please visit our website at the link below and complete the online Application Form: https://pacerplus.org/work-opportunities/

Full position descriptions are also available at the above link ⬆⬆⬆

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit is recruiting for two key long-term positions:
• Trade Adviser – Trade in Services, Investment & Movement of Natural Persons
• Labour Mobility Adviser

Both roles are based in Apia, Samoa and open to all nationalities. Successful candidates (non-Samoan nationals) will receive expatriate benefits including housing, education allowance, and relocation support.

These are excellent opportunities for experienced professionals to contribute to impactful regional development work in the Pacific.

Applications close: Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 12:00 PM Samoa time (GMT+13)

Full position descriptions and application details are at: https://pacerplus.org/work-opportunities/

PPIU is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and people living with disabilities.

12/08/2026

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit is recruiting for two key long-term positions:
• Trade Adviser – Trade in Services, Investment & Movement of Natural Persons
• Labour Mobility Adviser

Both roles are based in Apia, Samoa and open to all nationalities. Successful candidates (non-Samoan nationals) will receive expatriate benefits including housing, education allowance, and relocation support.

These are excellent opportunities for experienced professionals to contribute to impactful regional development work in the Pacific.

Applications close: Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 12:00 PM Samoa time (GMT+13)

Full position descriptions and application details are at: https://pacerplus.org/work-opportunities/

PPIU is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women and people living with disabilities.

05/08/2026

NEW VACANCY - PACER Plus National Coordinator, Vanuatu

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit is recruiting for a new National Coordinator, Vanuatu.

This role will will be responsible for program coordination and management of PACER Plus activities, support engagement and coordination of stakeholders at the country level and support with Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation processes

More info:
https://pacerplus.org/work-opportunity/pacer-plus-national-coordinator-vanuatu/

31/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Dr Alisi Wenonahlita Kautoke has been appointed Head of the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), taking over from Mr Roy Lagolago, who has led the Unit

20/07/2026

Job Opportunity: PACER Plus National Coordinator – Samoa

The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Samoa are looking for a National Coordinator to help drive PACER Plus activities here in Samoa!

If you're passionate about trade, stakeholder engagement, and making a real impact at the national level, this could be the role for you.

✅ Coordinate PACER Plus programme activities in Samoa
✅ Work closely with national stakeholders
✅ Support monitoring and evaluation of key initiatives

📍 Samoa-based | Samoan nationals only
🗓️ Applications close Monday, 3 August 2026, 5:00pm

Find out more and apply here 👉 https://pacerplus.org/work-opportunity/pacer-plus-national-coordinator-samoa/