Manager/ Projects (Seed Bank) - Singapore Botanic Gardens (Contract)

National Parks Board; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental conservation organization is seeking a Partnership Manager for the Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank. This role focuses on establishing partnerships with local and international institutions to enhance conservation efforts. Candidates should have a degree in a related field and at least 3 years of experience in partnership development. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of seed banking practices are essential. A passion for conservation and bilingual proficiency in Southeast Asian languages is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in partnership development or scientific collaboration.
• Experience managing multiple projects effectively.
• Ability to work with international researchers and institutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage partnerships with botanical institutes.
• Craft collaborative research projects for postgraduate students.
• Represent SBG at workshops and prepare reports on outcomes.

Skills

Partnership development

Project management

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of cryopreservation techniques

Familiarity with Southeast Asian flora

Education

Degree in Botany, Conservation Biology, or related field

Job description

What the role is:

You will be the Partnership Manager for the Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank, playing a pivotal role in expanding our conservation impact through strategic collaborations.

As Partnership Manager, you will spearhead efforts to build meaningful relationships with local and international institutions. This role is essential to enhancing our capabilities in seed banking and advanced conservation techniques such as cryopreservation. You will be the bridge connecting SBG with the global seed banking community, creating opportunities for collaboration that benefit both Singapore's conservation goals and our partners' research objectives.

What you will be working on:

• You will develop and manage partnerships with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), regional and international botanical institutes with seed banks. Your work will include crafting collaborative research projects suitable for postgraduate students, facilitating knowledge exchange with institutions, such as to coordinate sample duplication programmes with partners.
• Day-to-day, you will be reaching out to potential partners, identifying common areas of interest, and structuring agreements that create mutual benefits. You will assist to design projects that advance seed banking science whilst providing valuable research opportunities for students and institutions.
• Additionally, you may represent SBG at conferences and workshops and prepare comprehensive reports on partnership outcomes and their contribution to conservation efforts.
• As part of your work, you will be required to participate in and be familiar with the seed banking process.
• Your work will directly contribute to increasing the number of seeds preserved, enhancing our technical capabilities, and establishing Singapore's leadership in regional seed banking efforts.

What we are looking for:

• Areas of study in Botany, Conservation Biology, Plant Sciences, or related field is preferred, with experience in international research collaborations, and knowledge of cryopreservation techniques being advantageous.
• At least 3 years of experience in partnership development, project management, or scientific collaboration, with a strong understanding of seed banking principles and conservation practices and demonstrated experience in building and maintaining professional relationships with academic or research institutions.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across different cultures and institutions, and strong project management and organisational abilities to work independently whilst managing multiple partnerships simultaneously.
• Familiarity with Southeast Asian flora and regional conservation priorities would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in Southeast Asian languages (such as Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu, Thai, Vietnamese) or Chinese would be beneficial for establishing partnerships with seed banks and conservation organisations in the region.
• Passion for conservation and motivation to contribute to significant conservation efforts that will benefit Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Successful candidate will be offered a 11-month employment contract.

About National Parks Board

At the National Parks Board (NParks), we take pride in conserving our natural heritage and enhancing green spaces for all to enjoy in our City in Nature. We have a multi-talented and highly passionate team that is driven by the goal to create a unique world-class living environment through excellence in biodiversity conservation, greenery and recreation, and veterinary care in partnership with the community. If you share our love for nature and animals, and our zest for innovation and continuous learning, we have the perfect working environment for you.