Assistant Director (Strategy, Policy & Planning)

Ministry of Health; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Health in Singapore is seeking a senior leader to coordinate Whole-of-Government efforts and develop strategies and policies for the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy. You will lead multi-ministerial collaboration and drive longer term planning, including a digital mental health blueprint and a national research strategy.

The ideal candidate will have medical/public health qualifications, 10+ years in healthcare policy, and strong leadership, analytical, and

Qualifications

• Healthcare/public health qualification required; medicine/psychology/allied health or life science preferred.
• Medical degree holders must be registered with Singapore Medical Council.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant healthcare and public policy experience.
• Experience in mental health policy, legislation review, health administration and project planning (supervisory).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Whole-of-Government efforts and policy development for national mental health strategy.
• Lead a team to formulate and review national policies and engage stakeholders.
• Develop DMH blueprint and national mental health research strategy.
• Coordinate MOH activities and act as liaison for interagency committees.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder coordination

Team management

Independent work

Education

Public health qualification

Medical degree

Postgraduate in Public Health

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.

About Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health’s (MOH) vision is to champion a healthy nation with our people – to live well, live long and with peace of mind. As an open country constantly exposed to an interconnected world, Singapore faces complex issues in public healthcare. MOH constantly grapples with new challenges brought on by an increasingly globalised world, a rapidly ageing population and rising expectations. MOH’s responses to these challenges include preventing and managing the outbreak of diseases such as SARS and Influenza A (H1N1), designing a healthcare system that delivers care in an integrated and effective manner, growing the capacity and capabilities within the sector, and managing healthcare inflation.As an MOH officer, you will be involved in formulating and implementing policies that guide Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. You will work alongside a team with varied skills and backgrounds, but with the common goals of (i) promoting good health and reducing illnesses; (ii) ensuring that Singaporeans have access to good and affordable healthcare; and (iii) pursuing medical excellence. Your work will have far-reaching impact on the health and lives of Singaporeans.