Executive/ Senior Executive (Operations), Public Defender’s Office

Ministry of Law; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Defender’s Office, a department under the Ministry of Law in Singapore, seeks to provide quality legal representation for legally aided persons. You will assist the Chief Public Defender with day-to-day operations and support service delivery and referrals as needed.

The role involves processing defence aid applications, coordinating with government agencies, handling inquiries, maintaining records, and supporting reviews to improve efficiency and user experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in legal case management or public sector administration.
• Ability to coordinate with government agencies and stakeholders.
• Strong record keeping and data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the processing and administration of defence aid applications and cases.
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders on applications and cases.
• Managing enquiries and providing clear information on PDO services.
• Maintaining records and supporting performance monitoring and reporting.
• Providing administrative support to the Chief Public Defender and deputies.
• Supporting process improvements to enhance efficiency and user experience.

Skills

Legal Case Management

Resource Management

Service Ops Planning

Industry Engagement

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.

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.

• 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.

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.