Lead Engineer, Data Governance, xData

Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX); Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking a Data Governance Manager to lead the development of data governance policies and ensure compliance with relevant laws. The candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance data management processes and respond to data breach incidents. Ideal applicants have a degree in IT, 5 years of experience in governance roles, and strong analytical skills. This dynamic role offers a two-year contract with potential for permanent tenure based on performance.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in data governance or management roles.
• Familiarity with compliance regulations and data governance frameworks.
• Ability to work effectively across teams and manage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain data governance policies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Conduct regular data audits and risk assessments.
• Coordinate response to data breach incidents to minimize impact.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Good communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Degree in Information Systems

Degree in Information Technology

Degree in Data Engineering

Tools

ISO 27001/27701

Data Quality Measurement Tools

Job description

What the role is:

The Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which aims to pioneer innovation solutions and develop world class science and technology capabilities to transform and empower the Home Team in delivering safety and security for Singapore. Join us to dive into the heart of HTX's data‑driven future. As we harness the power of data and analytics, we are seeking passionate individuals to fortify our data governance and management framework. In this dynamic role in the Chief Data Office, you will collaborate with brilliant minds in data governance and security, shaping the future of data operations. As we continue to push the boundaries of data, analytics and AI, your contributions will be instrumental in our success.

What you will be working on:

Data Governance Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop, adopt and maintain data governance policies and procedures aligned with Whole-of-Government (WOG) directives and organisational objectives.
• Monitor and interpret relevant data protection laws, regulations and WOG directives to ensure organisational compliance in data governance and security.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in offering consultation and support for data protection and data management.

Data Risk Assessment

• Create and establish data risk management frameworks to enable a structured and consistent approach in identifying, assessing and mitigating data risks across the organisation.
• Collaborate and evaluate with system owners, data owners, business users and project managers on data architecture and infrastructure.
• Ensure data assets are aligned with business objectives and effectively managed throughout their lifecycle by conducting regular data audits and risk assessments.
• Provide advisory support for data risk assessments for ICT projects and evaluate effectiveness of controls in fortifying system resilience and protecting the organisation’s data assets.

Data Breach Incident Management

• Coordinate HTX’s response to a data breach incident to minimise impact and restore normal operation, managing the entire incident lifecycle from initial detection to recovery and post‑incident analysis.
• Develop and maintain data breach incident playbooks with escalation procedures and regulatory compliance requirements.

Data Lifecycle Management Improvement and Innovation

• Innovate and automate using technological solutions to enhance the data lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders in tool development and oversee the maintenance and support of these tools to ensure effective usage within the organisation.
• Implement compliance monitoring programmes for applicable regulations with automated reporting and regular audit coordination.
• Implement comprehensive data asset inventories and establish lifecycle management processes from creation to disposal.
• Conduct regular access rights reviews across all data systems and implement role‑based access control frameworks.
• Develop data quality measurement frameworks with monitoring and alerting mechanisms for datasets.

Stakeholder Management and Communication

• Support the Data Governance Steering Committee and Data Stewardship Teams to align data governance with business objectives.
• Develop and deliver targeted education programmes on data governance policies, procedures and best practices for staff at all levels.
• Monitor and report key risk indicators for enterprise data risk initiatives and outcomes to management.
• Develop communication plans and regular EDMs on Data Governance, Data Protection and Data Sharing.

What we are looking for:

• Degree in Information Systems, Information Technology, Data Engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in data governance, data management, GRC roles.
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) from DAMA and Data Governance and Stewardship Professional (DGSP) from ICCP, Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) from ISACA would be advantageous.
• Experience in implementing ISO 27001/27701, Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) Certification, Data Security and privacy audit for the Singapore Government would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with IM8, data governance frameworks, data lifecycle management, data maturity assessment and compliance regulations would be an advantage.
• Ability to appreciate technical challenges and offer solutions for data governance related policies.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with keen eye for detail.
• Good oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work effectively across teams, manage stakeholders, and communicate complex concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset, proactive at identifying and resolving data‑related issues across multiple teams and departments.
• Be inquisitive and an advocate for best practices and continuous learning to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in data governance and management.

All new hires are appointed on a two‑year contract in the first instance and will be assessed and considered for permanent tenure over time, based on performance.

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.

All applicants will be updated on the status of their applications within 4 weeks upon closing of the advertisement.

About Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX)

HTX is the world’s first Science and Technology agency that integrates a diverse range of scientific and engineering capabilities to innovate and deliver transformative and operationally‑ready solutions for homeland security. As a statutory board of the Ministry of Home Affairs and integral to the Home Team, HTX works at the forefront of science and technology to empower Singapore’s frontline of security. Our shared mission is to amplify, augment and accelerate the Home Team’s advantage and secure Singapore as the safest place on planet earth.