Assistant Director (Strategy, Policy & Planning)

Ministry of Health (Singapore); Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Health (Singapore) seeks a senior policy leader to coordinate Whole-of-Government efforts, develop national mental health strategies, and advance social-health integration across sectors. You will manage priorities and stakeholder engagement in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, evidence-based recommendations, and liaison with interagency committees to implement the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy.

Qualifications

• Requires strong strategic thinking and leadership in public health policy.
• Proven ability to analyze health data and translate into policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for inter-agency coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to formulate and review national mental health policies across sectors.
• Engage inter-ministerial stakeholders to address gaps in services.
• Drive long-term planning including digital mental health strategies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy analysis

Stakeholder coordination

Data-driven decisions

Education

Medical degree

Public health postgraduate

Job description

What The Role Is

You will play a critical role to support the coordination of Whole-of-Government efforts and development of strategies and policies in support of the implementation of the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy. You will also support longer term strategic planning and development of enablers in mental health care and promotion of social-health integration for the mental health ecosystem of the future. You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that would require the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

What You Will Be Working On

You will lead a team to formulate and review national mental health and well-being policies, and engage relevant community & inter-ministerial stakeholders to identify and address gaps in mental health services across the healthcare, social and other related sectors. This will include mental well-being related areas as part of population upstream preventive efforts.

You will also lead the team to drive longer term planning and develop strategies such as a digital mental health (DMH) blueprint and a national mental health research strategy to defines action areas to accelerate the development, dissemination, and implementation of DMH tools; and prioritise areas for mental health research, respectively.

You will also lead the team to support the implementation of the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy through coordinating and monitoring of Whole-of-Government efforts under the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy; and provide support as MOH liaison & secretariat for interagency mental health committees.

What We Are Looking For

• Relevant qualifications in healthcare, public health or related field, preferably medicine, psychology or allied health or life science.
• Medical degree holders are required to be registered with Singapore Medical Council
• Postgraduate education in Public Health or equivalent would be an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience in healthcare and public policy development.
• Experience in mental health-related work, legislation review, health administration and project planning/management (supervisory position) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of health and social care sectors
• Ability to lead and manage a team and think strategically.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, and well-versed in coordination and logistical arrangements.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team, and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  Key Competencies Required:
• Thinking Clearly & Making Sound Judgements – Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to support the crafting of sound policy recommendations; ability to grasp timelines, operating context and ground realities.
• Learning & Putting Skills into Action - Possesses the drive and curiosity to learn and apply new skills, knowledge and new ways of working.
• Improving & Innovating – Ability to seek continual improvements, and to innovate and experiment while managing the risks involved.
• Working Effectively with Stakeholders – Ability to mobilise and rally partners and stakeholders towards a collective purpose.
• Serving with Heart, Commitment and Purpose – Ability to commit to the work scope to deliver on agency and whole-of-government outcomes.
  As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.