Assistant Director / Senior Manager / Manager (International Relations)

Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY); Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MCCY in Singapore seeks curious, articulate and motivated individuals to join the International Relations Unit under the Strategic Planning and Finance Division. The unit coordinates engagement with internal and international partners to support SINGOV objectives and enhance Singapore’s standing.

You will work with MCCY stakeholders to staff overseas trips, develop strategies to expand Singapore’s international influence through cultural diplomacy, and coordinate with MFA and other agencies on

Qualifications

• Facilitate bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
• Prepare briefs and talking points for policy discussions.
• Network with stakeholders to support engagement outcomes.
• Plan logistics for international engagements.

Responsibilities

• Support MCCY's international relations engagements and staff overseas trips.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand Singapore’s international influence.
• Coordinate with MCCY internal stakeholders to align with diplomatic agenda.
• Collaborate with MFA and SINGOV agencies on international meetings.
• Coordinate MCCY’s efforts for Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2027.

Skills

Strategic networks

Global partnerships

International engagement

Policy communication

Diplomatic coordination

Job description

What The Role Is

We are the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). We’re here to build a confident and resilient Singapore – a fulfilled and engaged people living in a cohesive and caring society. We seek to inspire Singaporeans through the arts and sports, engage the youth, strengthen community bonds and promote giving. We make Singapore the best home for everyone.

What The Role Is

We are the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). We’re here to build a confident and resilient Singapore – a fulfilled and engaged people living in a cohesive and caring society. We seek to inspire Singaporeans through the arts and sports, engage the youth, strengthen community bonds and promote giving. We make Singapore the best home for everyone.

We are looking for curious, articulate and motivated individuals to join the International Relations Unit under the Strategic Planning and Finance Division. The International Relations Unit coordinates and executes the engagement efforts with the Ministry’s internal and international partners to support greater SINGOV objectives, drive cultural diplomacy and enhance Singapore’s standing on the world stage.

What You Will Be Working On

You will work as part of a team to support our international relations operations and forge partnerships with other nations and profile MCCY among international partners. The responsibilities include:

• Supporting MCCY's political office holders and senior management on key international relations engagements by managing courtesy calls, visits and events. You will be required to staff overseas trips;
• Develop and execute strategies with our internal stakeholders to expand Singapore’s international influence through cultural diplomacy;
• Working and coordinating with MCCY internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and support of our diplomatic agenda;
• Working with MFA and other SINGOV agencies to advance the interests of Singapore internationally through collaboration on international meetings / events; and
• Coordinating MCCY’s efforts to support Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027

What We Are Looking For

Competencies:

Strategic Networks & Global Partnerships

Facilitate bilateral and multilateral cooperation to promote Singapore's brand, drive cultural diplomacy, and establish and maintain international partnerships and alliances

• Understand needs and work approach of key stakeholders/peers in regional and global networks, and leverage common purpose to work collaboratively
• Identify and optimise interconnected policies to enhance bilateral / multilateral cooperation
• Collaborate with MCCY’s institutions to drive exchanges and partnerships with international counterparts as part of cultural diplomacy

International Engagement

Formulate and present MCCY's position at international platforms to further Singapore's interest

• Act as resource persons for internal/external engagements, convey the agency's positions and address feedback on policy matters
• Draft briefs/talking points for issues under discussion
• Network and build relations at working level to support engagement outcomes
• Monitor evolving policy considerations and highlight dynamics of policy discussions

International Protocol Application

Understand and apply international protocols, etiquette when dealing with foreign delegates

• Plan logistics arrangements for international engagements
• Develop a draft programme to suit the visiting delegation
• Ascertain relevant facts of delegation to ensure they are attended to well

Treaty & Agreement Documentation

Communicate policy positions at international forums and document treaties or agreements appropriately

• Complete necessary documentation under each treaty
• Work with other departments, ministries, or agencies to identify problems, opportunities, and solutions when negotiating a treaty / International document

Other competencies

• At least 4 years of experience in managing international relations preferably in the public service
• Strong interest in international and current affairs and is politically astute
• Strong writing skills and able to work across agencies and stakeholders at various levels
• Have the drive and curiosity to learn new skills and try new approaches for better results
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to adapt quickly to new situations
• Keen to work and play as part of a team