Executive (Operations), Public Defender’s Office

Ministry of Law, Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Law, Singapore, invites applications for an Executive of the Operations team within the Public Defender’s Office. You will help deliver quality legal representation for legally aided defendants and support the Chief Public Defender in day-to-day operations.

Your role focuses on processing defence aid applications, coordinating with government partners, handling public enquiries, maintaining records, and contributing to service improvements to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Qualifications

• Interest in public service and access to justice.
• Organised and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with members of the public.
• Able to exercise sound judgment, work independently and resolve issues appropriately.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic operational environment with changing priorities.
• Able to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Process and administer criminal defence aid applications and cases per legislation and guidelines.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including Government agencies and partner organisations.
• Manage enquiries from applicants and the public, providing clear information on PDO services.
• Maintain records and operational data, supporting monitoring and reporting of service performance.
• Provide administrative and secretariat support to the Chief Public Defender and Deputy Chief Public Defenders.
• Support reviews and improvements to operational processes, tools to improve efficiency and user experience.

Skills

Legal Case Mgmt

Resource Management

Service Operations

Industry Engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

What The Role Is

What the Public Defender’s Office Does

The Public Defender’s Office is established as a department in the Ministry of Law to enhance access to justice to accused persons of limited means through the provision of criminal defence aid.

What You Will Be Working On

You will be part of a team dedicated to providing quality legal representation for legally aided persons charged in court. You will be required to assist the Chief Public Defender with the day-to-day operations of the Public Defender’s Office.

Your responsibilities as an Executive of the Operations team will include:

• Supporting the processing and administration of criminal defence aid applications and cases, in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and operational guidelines.
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including other Government agencies and partner organisations, on matters relating to applications and assigned cases.
• Managing enquiries from applicants and members of the public, and providing clear and accurate information on PDO's services and processes.
• Maintaining accurate records and operational data, and supporting the monitoring and reporting of service and operational performance.
• Providing administrative and secretariat support to the Chief Public Defender, Deputy Chief Public Defenders and the wider office, where required.
• Supporting reviews and improvements to operational processes, systems and work tools to improve efficiency and user experience.

You may also have opportunities to contribute to projects to improve PDO's service delivery and user experience. This may include working with Government and social service agencies to facilitate appropriate support or referrals for aided persons who face financial, social or family-related issues.

What We Are Looking For

Key Competencies

• [Legal Case Management] Evaluate cases with reference to the relevant legislation and guidelines, monitor performance metrics and provide recommendations to resolve issues arising from case management.
• [Resource Management] Plan, organise and manage a project / programme to be completed within stipulated scope, timeline, budget, and quality.
• [Service Operations Planning & Management] Establish systems, processes, and resources (including outsourced partners) needed to deliver services effectively and efficiently.
• [Industry Engagement] Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to enhance their participation in ways that complement the agency's objectives and add value to the agency's services

Personal Traits / Work Experience

• A strong interest in public service and in contributing to access to justice.
• Organised, meticulous and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with members of the public, including persons who may be facing difficult circumstances.
• Able to exercise sound judgment, work independently and escape issues appropriately.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic operational environment and adapting to changes in processes and priorities.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team and with a range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable with technology and proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

An interest in working with data and using technology to improve operational processes would be an advantage.

Successful candidates will be offered a 1-year contract in the first instance.