Senior/Assistant Director, Americas & Central Asia Division

Ministry of Trade and Industry; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Singapore is looking for candidates to support trade negotiations and policy development. You will assist in enhancing Singapore's international economic presence, analyze geopolitical developments, and facilitate connections with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates possess strong analytical, communication, and planning skills, with a background in relevant fields. This role offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel.

Qualifications

• Prior training in Economics or related disciplines preferable.
• Experience in policy development beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support political office holders in negotiations and conferences.
• Assist in the negotiation of trade agreements.
• Analyze geopolitical developments for policy recommendations.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to advance trade interests.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Planning and organisational skills

Cross-cultural communication

Education

Degree in Economics, Political Science, International Relations

Job description

What the role is:

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) seeks to transform Singapore into a leading global city of talent, enterprise and innovation. Our mission is to promote economic growth and create good jobs to improve Singaporeans’ lives. The Trade and International Engagement (TIER) Divisions in MTI support this by formulating Singapore’s foreign economic strategy, expanding our external economic space, and safeguarding our economic interests in the international economic arena. The Americas and Central Asia (ACA) Division advances Singapore’s economic engagement across Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean, Türkiye, Central Asia and Russia. Global developments have generated impetus for us to broaden and deepen economic engagement with these diverse markets which offer emerging opportunities in areas such as digitalisation, innovation, and sustainability. The ACA Division is at the frontier of shaping new avenues of cooperation to help Singapore build resilience in a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.

What you will be working on:

• Trade Diplomat

  Supporting political office holders and senior management in visits, meetings, negotiations, and conferences to strengthen Singapore’s international economic presence. Preparing and executing communication and engagement strategies to convey Singapore’s trade policy positions and initiatives. Networking and developing connections with foreign government and business counterparts.

• Trade Negotiator

  Supporting the negotiation and implementation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and economic collaboration platforms.

• Trade Policy Analyst

  Analysing and reporting on geopolitical and economic developments across the ACA markets and providing policy recommendations. Formulating and refining strategies, policies, and plans to enhance Singapore’s bilateral and plurilateral economic relations across the ACA regions.

• Account Manager

  Coordinating across ministries, statutory boards, and industry stakeholders to advance Singapore’s trade and economic interests. Identifying opportunities, addressing challenges, and facilitating connections with foreign partners to support Singapore companies in their overseas ventures.

What we are looking for:

• Background and Experience

  • Prior training in Economics, Political Science, International Relations, or related disciplines would be advantageous.
  • Prior experience in policy development and implementation would be useful.

• Core Skills

  • Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Good planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
  • Skilled in cross-cultural communication and comfortable engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• Personal Qualities

  • Resilient and adaptable in navigating diverse political, economic, and cultural contexts. Comfortable with ambiguity and able to manage competing priorities.
  • Curious and proactive in exploring new areas and proposing fresh ideas.
  • Team player who works well with multiple stakeholders, values workplace harmony, and can rally diverse stakeholders around common objectives.
  • Keen on opportunities to travel.

About Ministry of Trade and Industry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) seeks to transform Singapore into a leading global city of talent, enterprise and innovation. Our mission is to promote economic growth and create good jobs to enable Singaporeans to improve their lives. In MTI, you can expect an exciting, challenging and rewarding career!