Executive (Operations), Public Defender’s Office

Ministry of Law; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Law in Singapore is seeking personnel to support the Public Defender’s Office in delivering quality legal representation for legally aided defendants. You will assist the Chief Public Defender with day-to-day operations and coordinate with government agencies and partner organisations to administer defence aid applications.

The role emphasizes service delivery improvements, data management, and delivering clear information to applicants.

Qualifications

• Experience in processing and administering legal aid applications.
• Strong teamwork and stakeholder coordination.
• Excellent communication with the public.
• Proficient in MS Office and data handling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced government environment.

Responsibilities

• Support processing and administration of criminal defence aid applications and cases.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on applications and cases.
• Manage enquiries from applicants and the public with clear information on PDO services.
• Maintain accurate records and support monitoring of service performance.
• Provide administrative and secretariat support to the Chief Public Defender and team.
• Contribute to improvements in operational processes and tools.

Skills

Legal case management

Resource management

Service operations planning

Industry engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

What the role is:

What the Public Defender’s Office DoesThe 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 elevate 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.#LI-SW1

About Ministry of Law

In Singapore, having the rule of law and advancing people’s access to justice are not just lofty ideals but the backbone of a functioning and a progressive society. At the Ministry of Law, not only do we contribute to developing the legal frameworks and policies that uphold our way of life, but also to providing community legal services that Singaporeans benefit from. The key policies we oversee include Singapore’s legal and intellectual property infrastructure, the civil and criminal justice systems as well as land resources. Our officers are experts from different fields, and enjoy an excellent and challenging career in a fast-paced environment with plenty of opportunity to grow. If you share our vision of shaping the future of Singapore, you will definitely fit right in here at MinLaw.