Senior / Research Specialist, Sector Research & Evaluation

National Council of Social Service

Fixed TermsClosed

What the role is

We are a close-knit, high-performing, and multi-disciplinary research division in the Singapore Public Service. Our work includes longitudinal/panel and birth cohort studies, environmental scanning and sense making, evaluation at the sector, fund, and programme level, and economic evaluation. We operate in various areas ranging from family and child welfare, offending and rehabilitation, population studies, social service provision, quality of life, and future and current state analysis.

We are recruiting an evaluation team with positions for Research Specialist / Senior Research Specialist (Evaluation) to work on evaluation- and implementation science-related initiatives in Singapore’s social service sector.

What you will be working on

Key Responsibilities and Activities

Evaluation Framework and Policy

Contribute to the further development NCSS’ evaluation framework. Coordinate and align the framework with other evaluation frameworks in the sector.
Conduct reviews of evidence on programmes (e.g., mental health, caregiver support) in the social service sector.
Engage and onboard social purpose entities onto NCSS’ evaluation framework.
Contribute to the development and implementation of sector-, fund-, and programme-level evaluation and implementation science projects based on evidence and analysis.
Conduct detailed data analysis to evaluate programme effectiveness, improve operational processes, and make recommendations on funding allocation.
Support in the development of logic models and theories of change for NCSS initiatives.

KPIs (Not Exhaustive):

Smooth onboarding of social purpose entities on evaluation and NCSS’ framework
Evaluation reports for programmes onboarded to NCSS’ framework
Strategic plan for evaluation in the sector that includes, but not limited to:
Standards for evidence in the sector
Roadmap for consultancy to social purpose entities
Roadmap for capability building among social purpose entities

What we are looking for

Personal Competencies:

Team player
Good communicator
Open-minded, flexible and creative
Proactive, self-driven
Analytical and critical

Skills & Knowledge:

Expertise in programme evaluation.
Quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Proficient in the use of one or more analytic software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata).
Demonstrable experience in tailoring written communication to a diverse range of stakeholders in English.
Strong project management and organisational skills. These include:
Work planning and time management,
Multi-tasking and working under time pressure from multiple stakeholders,
Communication skills,
Working both independently and as a member of a team.

Experience:

Experience in the social service sector and/or policy work is a plus.

About National Council of Social Service

NCSS is a statutory board and an umbrella body for some 450 member social service organisations in Singapore. Our mission is to provide leadership and direction in enhancing the capabilities and capacity of our members, advocating for social service needs and strengthening strategic partnerships for an effective social service ecosystem. Since 1992, NCSS has taken over the functions of the former Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) and Community Chest of Singapore. As we stay focused on our vision to nurture a compassionate society, grow an impactful sector and enabling the people we serve to lead dignified lives, we are guided by our core values of passion, impact, collaboration, and courage.