Manager, Defence Partnership

SAFRA National Service Association; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SAFRA National Service Association in Singapore seeks a strategic partnerships lead to manage and grow relationships with MINDEF, SAF, and MROs, translating collaboration opportunities into impactful defence programmes aligned with national priorities.

You will negotiate partnership frameworks, coordinate cross‑functional teams, deliver outreach initiatives, and report on effectiveness to SAFRA leadership across defence and NS advocacy domains.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a related field with strong stakeholder skills.
• Experience in government relations or public sector engagement is preferred.
• Proven ability to plan, negotiate, and manage partnerships and events.

Responsibilities

• Establish, develop, and sustain strategic partnerships with MINDEF, SAF, MROs, and external organizations such as PA and NTUC.
• Facilitate planning, negotiation, and management of partnership frameworks and initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between SAFRA and defence stakeholders to enable effective engagement.
• Collaborate with Defence Advocacy to deliver programmes, events, and campaigns.
• Drive integration of partnership opportunities across SAFRA units to maximise impact.
• Ensure partnership initiatives comply with defence narratives, governance, and standards.
• Execute joint programmes and outreach activities with readiness and resource alignment.
• Provide and monitor reports on partnership effectiveness through engagement metrics and advocacy outcomes.
• Present regular management reporting and recommendations to SAFRA leadership.

Skills

Partnership development

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & compliance

Negotiation

Project management

Public policy knowledge

Communication

Advocacy

Education

Public Policy / Public Administration

Political/Social Sciences

Communications / Strategic Communications

International Relations

Defence Studies / Security Studies

Marketing / Stakeholder Management

Job description

Manage strategic partnerships with MINDEF, SAF, MINDEF-Related Organizations (MROs), and key external stakeholders to strengthen NS appreciation and defence commitment. The role drives purpose-driven collaborations, translates partnership opportunities into impactful programmes and initiatives, and ensures alignment with SAFRA’s corporate objectives, national defence priorities, and advocacy outcomes.

• Establish, develop, and sustain strategic partnerships with MINDEF, SAF, MROs, and external organizations such as PA and NTUC.
• Facilitate the planning, negotiation, and management of partnership frameworks and collaborative initiatives that support defence advocacy and NS appreciation objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between SAFRA and defence stakeholders, facilitating effective engagement, coordination, and relationship management.
• Collaborate with Defence Advocacy and internal stakeholders to conceptualize and deliver key programmes, events, and campaigns, including defence-related outreach and engagement initiatives.
• Drive integration of partnership opportunities across SAFRA Clubs, Event Management & Engagement, and business units to maximize organizational impact while ensuring delivery ownership.
• Ensure all partnership initiatives comply with approved defence narratives, governance requirements, and organizational standards.
• Execute implementation of joint programmes and outreach activities, ensuring delivery readiness, resource alignment, and achievement of intended outcomes.
• Provide and monitor report on partnership effectiveness through engagement metrics, participation levels, sentiment analysis, and advocacy outcomes.
• Provide regular management reporting and recommendations to SAFRA leadership and SAFRA Defence Engagement Steering Committee.

Requirements:

Preferred Degree Fields in the following:

• Public Policy / Public Administration
• Political and/or Social Sciences
• Communications / Strategic Communications
• International Relations
• Defence Studies / Security Studies
• Marketing or Stakeholder Management-related disciplines

- At least 6 years of work experience in Relevant Experience Areas, as follows:

• Government relations and public sector engagement
• Partnership development and account management
• Stakeholder engagement and management
• Defence, security, NS, or public outreach-related functions
• Programme and event management
• Community engagement and advocacy

- Strong project management, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

- Knowledge of Singapore's NS and Total Defence frameworks would be an advantage

- Ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, public sector stakeholders, and cross-functional teams

Singaporeans only