You are responsible for developing defence relations strategies for bilateral and multilateral engagements to advance the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s interests and deepen navy-to-navy collaboration with partner navies while planning and conducting defence relations engagements both locally and overseas to support the RSN leadership.
MINDEF
Assistant Director (Defence Relations - Navy)
Permanent
Closing on 25 Mar 2026What the role is
What you will be working on
- Develop and review the RSN's defence relations strategy and translate strategy into actionable plans
- Analyse partner navies' interests, identify and evaluate risks and opportunities for the RSN
- Orchestrate, plan and conduct defence relations engagements with partner navies
- Identify opportunities and engage various stakeholders to secure engagements that maximise the RSN's interests
- Oversee development of deliverables for each account, including developing strategy and action plans
- Write proposals and present plans to seek management approval and prepare reports to apprise management of key defence relations issues
Challenge(s)
- Managing wide-ranging issues related to partner navies in time-sensitive and complex interactions
- Applying critical thinking to distil issues and providing recommendations to senior management
- Navigating complexities in managing both internal MINDEF/SAF and external stakeholders to effectively advance the RSN's interests
- Working in fast-paced and dynamic environment under time pressure
What we are looking for
- Education in Political Science, International Relations or a related field
- At least 8 years experience in defence relations, international relations, business development or international partnerships
- Experience in leading small teams to achieve organisational outcomes
- Excellent verbal and written skills with ability to prepare reports, briefing notes and official correspondence professionally
- Strong organisational and management skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to apply critical thinking
- Diplomatic tact, cultural sensitivity and capacity to build relationships
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders under time pressure and multi-task effectively
- Ability to travel overseas for work
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
About your application process
This job is closing on 25 Mar 2026.
If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the job ad closing date, we seek your understanding that it is likely that we are not moving forward with your application for this role. We thank you for your interest and would like to assure you that this does not affect your other job applications with the Public Service. We encourage you to explore and apply for other roles within MINDEF or the wider Public Service.
About MINDEF
The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.
The Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme is the non-uniformed career scheme of MINDEF that offers myriad opportunities in various job functions, such as corporate communications, cyber security, data analytics and visualisation, defence policy, finance, HR, psychology, and more. Embodying the same level of commitment towards defence, DXOs work together with their military counterparts to contribute to MINDEF/SAF’s mission and ensure Singapore's security and stability. United by this common cause, our lines of defence complement each other to secure the prosperity and progress of our nation.
Learn more about MINDEF