Senior Assistant Director / Assistant Director, Analysis (MRSD)

Department of Statistics; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Statistics in Singapore is seeking an Assistant Director / Senior Assistant Director to lead a team of analysts focused on labour market research and policy insights. You will guide analytical strategy, oversee flagship studies, and ensure timely, rigorous outputs that inform MOM and national policy discussions.

You will mentor staff, shape a forward-looking research agenda, translate complex findings into actionable advice, and collaborate with government stakeholders to

Qualifications

• Intellectually curious and strategic, with a passion for data-driven policy.
• At least 6–8 years in research, analytics, economics, statistics, data science, or public policy, with demonstrated leadership.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills; applies statistical methods to real-world problems.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing abilities for senior management discussions.
• Experience mentoring staff and guiding project prioritisation and timelines.
• Working knowledge of SAS, R, Python or STATA; data visualization tools such as Tableau/Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to a team of analysts and oversee flagship publications.
• Identify emerging labour market issues and shape a forward-looking research agenda.
• Translate data insights into clear, policy-relevant recommendations for senior leaders.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on labour market statistics, methodologies, and modelling.
• Collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders across Government to inform evidence-based decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Programming (SAS/R/Python/STATA)

Data visualization (Tableau/Power BI)

Education

Master's degree in Statistics/Economics/Data Science/Public Policy

Tools

SAS

R

Python

STATA

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

What the role is:

Singapore's labour market is constantly evolving, shaped by technological advancements, economic developments, demographic shifts, and changing workforce aspirations. Making sense of these changes — and what they mean for workers, employers, and policymakers — requires more than good data. It requires sound analysis, careful judgement, and a genuine appreciation of the policy context.The Analysis team sits at the heart of how Singapore understands its workforce. Our research and statistical insights inform policy discussions across Government, contribute to public understanding of labour market issues, and shape the national conversation on topics such as employment, wages, workforce participation, and job quality.As an Assistant Director / Senior Assistant Director, you will lead a team of analysts, guide the team's analytical agenda, and serve as a trusted advisor on labour market issues within and beyond the department. You will provide the technical leadership needed to ensure that the team’s work is rigorous, timely, and policy-relevant – and that it informs the decisions and conversations that matter to Singapore’s workforce and economy.

What you will be working on:

• Strategic leadership — Mentor and guide a team of analysts in their research, analytical work, and professional development. Oversee and review key research projects and flagship publications on official labour statistics. Foster a culture of analytical excellence, curiosity, and continuous learning. Develop the team’s research capabilities to deliver successful outcomes.


• Shape what matters — Identify emerging labour market issues, anticipate information needs, and drive a forward-looking research agenda that informs policy discussions and decision-making.


• Turn data into insights — Provide timely and evidence-based assessments of labour market developments, translating complex findings into clear and actionable insights for senior management and stakeholders.


• Be the expert in the room — Serve as a subject matter expert to advise on labour market statistics, research methodologies, modelling approaches, data sources, and interpretation of findings, offering well-grounded perspectives on emerging issues.


• Build partnerships and influence — Work closely with policymakers, economists, researchers, and stakeholders across Government to support evidence-based policymaking and deepen understanding of labour market developments.

What we are looking for:

• Individuals who are intellectually curious, strategic in their thinking, and passionate about using data and research to shape public policy.


• Knowledge in Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Business Analytics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related disciplines will be an advantage.


• At least 6–8 years of relevant experience in research, analytics, economics, statistics, data science, public policy, or related fields, with demonstrated experience leading teams, providing technical leadership, and delivering high-quality analytical outputs.


• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with experience applying statistical, econometric, or other analytical methods to real-world problems, ideally in the context of labour market or social research.


• Strong judgement and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex issues, identify key implications, balance statistical rigour with analytical relevance and provide well-reasoned perspectives under tight timelines.


• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with confidence in representing analytical findings and contributing effectively to discussions with senior management and stakeholders.


• Experience in mentoring and developing staff, with the ability to guide the team in work prioritisation, manage timelines and uphold analytical quality.


• Working knowledge of statistical programming languages, such as SAS, R, Python or STATA; data visualisation tools, such as Tableau or Power BI; and econometric or predictive modelling will be an advantage.

To support Whole-of-Government statistical capabilities and provide diverse opportunities for our officers, DOS recruits for statistical roles across the Public Service. For this role in Ministry of Manpower (MOM), successful candidates will be employed by DOS and seconded to MOM. Successful candidates may also explore other career opportunities in DOS and other public agencies after their stint with MOM. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

About Department of Statistics

The Singapore Department of Statistics is the National Statistical Authority responsible for statistics on the Singapore economy and population.We collect, compile, analyse and disseminate a wide range of economic, business, household and population data, as well as analyse and monitor trends in the economy and population.With these vital inputs, policymakers, business decision makers and our data users gain valuable insights into current and emerging economic and social trends, enabling them to make calculated and informed decisions in the formulation of policies and strategies for the future. Apart from public agencies and businesses, our users also include researchers, analysts, educators, students, the media and the general public.Join our team and make a difference by contributing important statistical input to facilitate policy planning and decision-making and support Singapore's present and future economic and social development.