Senior/Assistant Director, Europe Division

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

Job summary

A government agency in Singapore is expanding its team and seeks candidates who can act as trade diplomats and negotiators. Ideal applicants will engage in G2G agreements, analyze economic developments, and demonstrate strong communication skills. A background in economics or international relations is advantageous, though not mandatory. This role demands teamwork and offers opportunities for travel within a dynamic environment, fulfilling the agency's mission to enhance economic growth and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Attention to detail is important.
• Prior experience in policy development would be useful.

Responsibilities

• Promote connectivity through G2G agreements.
• Develop avenues in the digital and green economies.
• Analyse geopolitical and economic developments.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Planning skills

Education

Training in Economics, Political Science, or International Relations

Job description

What the role is

At the Europe (EUR) Division, our mission is to grow and safeguard our external economic space for Singaporeans and Singapore companies by strengthening connectivity and interoperability with overseas markets, as well as building economic resilience and adaptability, through economic cooperation with Europe. The evolving trade landscape and recent global developments require us to continually innovate and adapt our strategies for economic engagement with partners in Europe. We have broadened our focus, to address new opportunities and challenges such as the digital and green economies as well as supply chain resilience. We are actively developing and implementing novel trade tools such as Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs) and Green Economy Agreements (GEAs), as well as establishing new economic platforms to strengthen institutional linkages between Singapore and our key markets. Our larger vision is to update Singapore’s playbook for international economic engagement, and contribute towards a future‑ready economy with growth opportunities for our people and companies.

What you will be working on

We are expanding our team in line with efforts to ensure that we continue to achieve our mission. You will wear at least four hats: (i) trade diplomat; (ii) trade negotiator; (iii) trade policy analyst; and (iv) account manager for a diverse range of local and foreign government, industry and people sector stakeholders. Key job functions include:

• Promote connectivity and interoperability with overseas markets through negotiating and implementing G2G agreements such as Free Trade Agreements, DEAs and GEAs
• Develop new avenues to deepen cooperation with other markets, including in emerging growth areas such as the digital and green economies as well as supply chain resilience
• Represent Singapore in negotiations, official visits, and conferences. Account‑manage and collaborate with local and foreign stakeholders, and other Singapore government agencies
• Analyse and report on relevant geopolitical and economic developments in other markets, and develop policy recommendations to political office holders and senior management
• Craft communications materials to convey announcements and Singapore’s trade policy strategies and positions
• Organise and manage outgoing and incoming visits by political officer holders to strengthen economic relations with markets under our coverage

What we are looking for

We welcome big picture thinkers and dreamers who can connect the dots between our geostrategic considerations and the specific trade rules, standards and projects that we are seeking to advance. We welcome tinkerers who are keen to experiment and fill a blank canvas with new projects and creative ideas. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. Attention to detail is also important. Above all, we value teamwork and workplace harmony very dearly, and are looking for candidates who can become our friends. Some useful qualities we look out for include:

• A keen interest to learn and develop skills in negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management
• A keen interest in international affairs and economic developments; prior training in Economics, Political Science, International Relations, or related disciplines would be advantageous
• Prior experience in policy development and/or implementation would be useful, but is not mandatory
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Good planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail
• A team player who works well with multiple stakeholders and in a dynamic environment
• 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!