Senior/Assistant Director, Innovation, Research and Development Division

Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore); Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) is looking for a candidate to manage R&D strategies and policies to enhance innovation in Singapore. You will oversee initiatives for A*STAR and the National Space Agency, identify emerging tech sectors, and engage in international collaborations.

Ideal candidates should possess excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, with a background in Science & Technology being advantageous. This role is crucial for fostering economic growth and competitiveness in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy formulation or project management.
• Familiarity with Science & Technology is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee R&D and corporate strategies for A*STAR.
• Implement Singapore’s space strategy for National Space Agency.
• Develop and implement deep tech sectors.
• Monitor progress of initiatives funded through RIE2030.
• Engage in international science and technology platforms.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder management skills

Education

Background in Science & Technology

Job description

What The Role Is

As Singapore’s constraints in manpower, land, energy and carbon continue to tighten, delivering economic impact with our R&D strategies becomes more important than ever. Having deep technology advantage will enable us to double down on our strengths to strive for global leadership in key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and pursue emerging growth areas such as space technology that can push the frontier of our economy. The end goal is to enable our enterprises to remain competitive and create good jobs for our people. As we embark on the new Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 tranche, MTI’s Innovation, Research and Development Division shapes this phase of Singapore’s development as an innovation-driven economy, by driving new policies and strategies to enhance research and innovation among the business and research communities.

What You Will Be Working On

• A*STAR deskhead. Formulate and oversee the implementation of R&D and corporate strategies for A*STAR. This includes working with A*STAR and relevant stakeholders to maximise value capture, ensuring that A*STAR is sufficiently resourced for the future, and measuring, tracking and communicating the success of A*STAR’s initiatives.
• National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) deskhead. Formulate and oversee the implementation of Singapore’s space strategy as well as NSAS’ corporate workplans. This includes working with NSAS and relevant stakeholders to ensure NSAS is sufficiently resourced to achieve their mandate, and measuring, tracking and communicating the success of NSAS’ initiatives.
• Innovation & enterprise. Identify, develop and implement emerging deep tech sectors where Singapore has a right to play. Monitor and review overall innovation & enterprise landscape in Singapore. Track implementation and review progress of initiatives funded through RIE2030. Working with agencies in reviewing and refining policies to strengthen Singapore’s position as an innovation and IP hub.
• Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity Domain. Monitor and review progress and achievements of initiatives funded through the domain, work with economic agencies to develop sectoral R&D plans, evaluate R&D programmes and resourcing requirements, and apply appropriate policy levers to align the plans and activities of research performers with desired policy outcomes.
• International relations. Further MTI’s science, technology and innovation agenda internationally through bilateral/multilateral engagements. This includes engaging in international science and technology platforms (e.g. G20, ASEAN), to find areas of concrete collaboration and broaden global thought leadership, while being sensitive to geopolitical considerations.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience or interest in policy formulation, scheme. design or project management. A background in, or familiarity with Science & Technology, will be an advantage.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.