Senior Legal Counsel

Ministry of Education; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental education agency in Singapore is looking for a Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal services to senior management and schools. Responsibilities include drafting contracts, advising on legal issues, and interpreting legislation. Candidates must be qualified under the Legal Profession Act with over 3 years of experience. Strong legal research, analytical, and communication skills are essential. This role offers an opportunity to impact the future of education in Singapore.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of post-qualification experience required.
• Strong advisory and statutory interpretation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Draft and vet tenders, contracts and legal documents.
• Provide advice on legal issues in schools and HQ divisions.
• Interpret and review legislation related to MOE.

Skills

Strong legal research skills

Drafting skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified person under Legal Profession Act

Job description

What the role is

The MOE Legal Services Branch provides legal services to MOE Senior Management, HQ Divisions and Schools, to ensure the operationalisation of MOE policies, the smooth running of schools and the safeguarding of legal risks for MOE. As a Legal Counsel/ Senior Legal Counsel, you may also have to work with the Attorney‑General's Chambers (AGC) on complex and sensitive cases.

What you will be working on

• Draft and vet tenders, contracts and other legal documents
• Provide timely and practical advice on a wide range of legal issues encountered by schools and HQ divisions, including issues in tort law, family law, intellectual property law, data protection, as well as legality of existing and proposed MOE policies and processes
• Interpret, advise on and review primary and secondary legislation under MOE’s purview
• Collaborate across MOE HQ in projects and initiatives that require legal expertise
• Participate in inter‑agency projects to advance whole‑of‑Government objectives

What we are looking for

• Be a “qualified person” as defined in the Legal Profession Act, and have at least 3 years of post‑qualification experience
• Strong legal research and drafting skills, as well as advisory and statutory interpretation skills
• A dynamic individual with strong analytical, communication and writing skills
• Ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders
• Motivated and able to work both independently as well as in a team
• As part of the processing of your application, you may be required to undergo a medical examination that will be fully paid by MOE. You will be provided with instructions regarding the medical examination. Note: The medical examination is part of the selection process and does not indicate that you have been offered the appointment.
• If you are facing issues submitting your application through the Careers@Gov portal, please contact us at [e-mail] for assistance.

About Ministry of Education

The wealth of a nation lies in its people - their commitment to country and community, their willingness to strive and persevere, their ability to think, achieve and excel. Our future depends on our continually renewing and regenerating our leadership and citizenry, building upon the experience of the past, learning from the circumstances of the present, and preparing for the challenges of the future. How we bring up our young at home and teach them in school will shape Singapore in the next generation. The mission of the Education Service is to mould the future of the nation, by moulding the people who will determine the future of the nation. The Service will provide our children with a balanced and well‑rounded education, develop them to their full potential, and nurture them into good citizens, conscious of their responsibilities to family, society and country.