Senior/ Assistant Director, Americas & Central Asia Division

Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) 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 for Singaporeans, supported by the ACA Division’s efforts in trade diplomacy, negotiation and policy analysis.

As part of the ACA Division you will network with foreign government and business counterparts, coordinate across ministries and stakeholders, and help Singaporean companies seize

Qualifications

• Background in economics or related disciplines is advantageous.
• Experience in policy development and implementation would be useful.

Responsibilities

• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills to synthesise complex information into clear recommendations.
• Plan and organise work with attention to detail and multi-tasking ability.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders across ministries and external partners.

Skills

Economics background

Political Science

International Relations

Policy analysis

Analytical skills

Written communication

Cross-cultural communication

Teamwork

Job description

What the role is:

The Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) 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 Economic Relations (TIER) Cluster in METI 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:

Officers in the ACA Division are part of a dynamic and dedicated team responsible for advancing Singapore’s economic engagement with these dynamic and strategically important markets.

Trade Diplomacy

• Supporting political office holders and senior management in visits, meetings, negotiations, and conferences to strengthen Singapore’s international economic presence
• Networking and developing connections with foreign government and business counterparts

Trade Negotiation

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

Trade Policy Analysis

• 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 Management

• 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:

We welcome applicants with the tenacity to navigate complex challenges, the curiosity to explore new ideas, and the teamwork to build trust with colleagues and partners. Above all, we value workplace harmony and are looking for individuals who are just as comfortable brainstorming bold ideas in the office as they are socialising and building rapport outside of work.

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 Energy, Trade and Industry

Working at METI places you at the heart of Singapore’s economic policy-making. We drive productivity-led growth, safeguard and expand our economic space, and build a future-ready economy where firms can thrive. Together, we create a Singapore which is a city of possibilities, a home to great firms, and a place where the world connects — with people at its heart.When you join METI, you contribute to our mission of creating good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans, enabling them to improve their lives and secure a better future.