Deputy Director (Defence Relations - Joint)

MINDEF; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

MINDEF in Singapore seeks a senior officer to strategise and plan the Defence Relations efforts with the SAF, overseeing a busy events calendar for key SAF leadership. You will maintain an overview of engagements across MINDEF and SAF and lead briefing preparation for high-level engagements.

The role requires deep geopolitical insight, exceptional English communication, and strong leadership to coordinate across ministries and military counterparts, driving SAF interests forward.

Qualifications

• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in a second language is advantageous.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience.
• Good appreciation of developments in regional security issues.
• Professional approach with creative thinking to advance SAF's interests.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with MINDEF and the SAF to strategise and plan Defence Relations efforts.
• Oversee the Defence Relations calendar of events for SAF leadership.
• Maintain an overarching view of Defence Relations engagements across MINDEF and SAF.
• Lead briefing preparation for identified SAF leaderships for Defence Relations engagements.
• Interface with MINDEF Policy to strategise and review SAF's Defence Relations approaches.

Skills

English proficiency

Geopolitical analysis

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder interfacing

Networking

Cultural sensitivity

Quick analysis

Policy coordination

Job description

What the role is:

You work closely with MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to strategise and plan the SAF's Defence Relations efforts to achieve policy outcomes and advance the SAF's interests. This includes planning and overseeing the Defence Relations calendar of events for identified SAF leadership and maintaining an overarching view of Defence Relations engagements across MINDEF and the SAF.

What you will be working on:

• Keep abreast of political, geopolitical and military developments in countries of interest, including agreements, high-level and working-level engagements, and bilateral exercises to assess implications on SAF's Defence Relations policy
• Develop deep expertise knowledge in each country's strategic dynamics, key issues, personalities and perceptions of Singapore/SAF
• Identify emerging trends
• Conduct research, synthesise information and present informed recommendations in coordination across MINDEF and the SAF
• Lead briefing and preparation of briefing folders for identified SAF leaderships for Defence Relations engagements
• Interface with MINDEF Policy to strategise and review SAF's Defence Relations approaches

Challenge(s)

• Managing dynamic nature of job and extensive interaction with stakeholders while working under time pressure as defence relations may be adversely affected by developments in geopolitics
• Discerning and distilling wide-ranging sources of information which can impact the SAF and its operations
• Being culturally sensitive to differences between various ASEAN member state political and defence structures

What we are looking for:

• At least 15 years of relevant experience
• Strong command of written and spoken English
• Proficiency in second language is advantageous
• Keen interest in current trends across Singapore's political/geopolitical, defence and security developments
• Good appreciation of developments in countries/regions/organisations and knowledge on regional security issues
• Strategic thinking ability with capability to provide quick analysis and assessments
• High level of maturity and interpersonal skills for networking and interfacing with internal and external stakeholders
• Team leadership skills with ability to develop individual potential and collectively achieve desired outcomes
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to translate strategic objectives into practical implementation
• Professional approach with creative thinking in recommending approaches to advance SAF's interests
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About MINDEF

The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.The Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme is the non-uniformed career scheme of MINDEF that offers myriad opportunities in various job functions, such as corporate communications, cyber security, data analytics and visualisation, defence policy, finance, HR, psychology, and more. Embodying the same level of commitment towards defence, DXOs work together with their military counterparts to contribute to MINDEF/SAF’s mission and ensure Singapore's security and stability. United by this common cause, our lines of defence complement each other to secure the prosperity and progress of our nation.