Senior/Assistant Director, International Trade (GES)

Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore); Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore) is seeking a dynamic TIER officer for the International Trade (GES) Division. You will formulate strategies to enhance Singapore's green economy through international cooperation and represent the country's interests in international negotiations on carbon credits and climate change.

A successful candidate will have experience in international relations, solid knowledge of carbon markets, and strong analytical and communication skills. Join us in promoting sustainable development and combatting climate change!

Qualifications

• Experience in cross-cultural negotiations and international relations in the public sector.
• Good knowledge of carbon credits, markets, and the Paris Agreement.
• Experience in climate change and sustainability areas in the private sector is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for carbon credits and negotiate bilateral agreements.
• Drive green growth areas through international cooperation.
• Represent Singapore's interests in international negotiations.
• Adapt across different workstreams as needed.

Skills

Cross-cultural negotiations

Knowledge of carbon credits

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interest in international economic affairs

Job description

What The Role Is

The Trade and International Economic Relations (TIER) cluster drives the formulation of Singapore's foreign economic policy and advances Singapore's economic interests in the international economic arena.

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. It is a complex global challenge that calls for concerted international action and collaboration between governments, industry and individuals. Singapore, as a low‑lying city state, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Hence, we have to work together with the international community to address climate change and build a climate resilient future.

At MTI, we seek to pursue sustainable development by balancing economic needs with environmental protection and social inclusion. The transition to a low‑carbon and green economy is challenging for Singapore, given our scarce natural resources and open economy.

The Green Economy and Sustainability (GES) team sits within MTI’s International Trade Division, which is charged with formulating Singapore’s foreign economic policy and advancing Singapore’s economic interests internationally.

The GES team develops and implements an international engagement strategy to drive Singapore’s economic interests in the green economy and sustainability. We also work closely with agencies such as MSE, MOF, NEA and PMO(NCCS) to formulate and coordinate strategies that ensure Singapore is prepared for a low‑carbon future.

The team plays a critical role in charting the path forward for Singapore’s low‑carbon transition, and we’re looking for driven, capable and committed individuals to join us.

What You Will Be Working On

As a TIER officer in the International Trade (GES) Division in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, you will be part of a dynamic team responsible for formulating Singapore’s strategies to drive our green economy interests through international cooperation. You will work on one or more of the following work streams:

• Develop and implement strategies and policies to strengthen bilateral cooperation with like‑minded countries on carbon credits aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in support of our plans to achieve Singapore’s Nationally Determined Contribution. This includes identifying and seizing opportunities for collaboration on carbon credits with suitable countries.
• Represent Singapore to negotiate bilateral agreements in relation to Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, including understanding and tracking the latest development of Article 6, identifying suitable countries to enter into talks and analysing trends in global carbon markets and potential implications on Singapore.
• Develop and implement strategies to drive green growth areas and deepen green economy cooperation on the multilateral, plurilateral and bilateral fronts. This involves analysing relevant geopolitical, trade and climate developments to inform our international green economic cooperation strategy and developing policy recommendations to political office holders and senior management. Additionally, develop strategies and policy responses to trade‑related climate measures and monitor and analyse global developments on carbon pricing, such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms, assessing the impact of these measures on companies and making policy recommendations in response to these developments.
• Represent Singapore’s green economy and low‑carbon interests in international negotiations, including standing in international climate negotiations at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP).

As the climate space is fast evolving, an officer may be deployed across different workstreams based on the officer’s development and MTI’s organisational needs.

What We Are Looking For

Candidates should possess the following:

• Experience in cross‑cultural negotiations and international relations, particularly in the public sector; and/or
• Good knowledge of carbon credits, markets and the Paris Agreement; and/or
• Relevant experience in climate change and sustainability areas in the private sector, and/or non‑government organisations – experience in carbon markets or other environmental goods/commodities is an advantage. Prior experience working in the public sector on climate change and sustainability will be perceived favourably.
• Keen interest in international economic affairs.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work well both independently and in a team.
• Strong ability to learn on the fly, is driven, meticulous and resourceful.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.