Manager (Defence Relations - Navy)

Ministry of Defence of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ministry of Defence of Singapore is seeking a Defence Diplomacy Officer to strategise and execute plans engaging partner navies and advancing the RSN's defence interests. You will support broader defence diplomacy through fostering strategic partnerships, organising events, and supporting port calls and working visits to the RSN and MINDEF/SAF.

The role requires research on partner navies, planning visits, coordinating with foreign counterparts, preparing briefing materials, and managing

Qualifications

• Education in Political Science, International Relations, Strategic Studies, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in international relations is advantageous.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Diplomatic tact, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on partner navies and regional maritime developments to support RSN leadership in making informed decisions on defence engagement.
• Plan and coordinate defence relations activities such as visits, conferences, and exercises.
• Liaise with foreign counterparts and Defence Attaché Offices to manage programme and administrative requirements for incoming and outgoing visits.
• Prepare meeting materials including briefing notes and presentation slides, and serve as note-taker to record minutes and follow up on action items.
• Draft reports and approval documents for events and activities.
• Support RSN principals on overseas work trips, manage end-to-end trip planning, on-ground support, and post-trip administration.
• Review and refine engagement plans following the completion of activities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organisational skills

Diplomatic tact

Cultural sensitivity

Relationship building

Education

Political Science / International Relations / Strategic Studies

Job description

What The Role Is

You are responsible for strategising and executing plans to engage partner navies and advance the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) defence interests. You will support MINDEF/SAF's broader defence diplomacy efforts through fostering strategic partnerships, organising defence relations events, and supporting partner navies' port calls and working visits to the RSN and MINDEF/SAF.

What You Will Be Working On

• Conduct research on partner navies and regional maritime developments to support RSN leadership in making informed decisions on defence engagement
• Plan and coordinate defence relations activities such as visits, conferences, and exercises
• Liaise with foreign counterparts and Defence Attaché Offices to manage programme and administrative requirements for incoming and outgoing visits
• Prepare meeting materials including briefing notes and presentation slides, and serve as note-taker to record minutes and follow up on action items
• Draft reports and approval documents for events and activities
• Support RSN principals on overseas work trips, manage end-to-end trip planning, on-ground support, and post-trip administration
• Review and refine engagement plans following the completion of activities

Challenge(s)

• Managing wide-ranging, time-sensitive and complex issues related to Navies-of-Interest, requiring the ability to apply critical thinking to distil and prioritise issues effectively
• Navigating the complexities of engaging both internal MINDEF/SAF stakeholders and external foreign counterparts to advance RSN's defence interests
• Multitasking effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, often under significant time pressure

What We Are Looking For

• Education in Political Science, International Relations, Strategic Studies, or a related field
• At least 2 years of experience in international relations is advantageous
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Diplomatic tact, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• A good understanding of Singapore's defence policies and current geopolitical developments, particularly in the maritime domain, is preferred
• Integrity, adaptability, and a collaborative team spirit
• (Applicants with no experience may apply.)
• Appointment will be commensurate with your experience.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.