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Ministry of National Development

Senior Assistant Director, Research & Development

Ministry of National Development

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What the role is

R&D plays an important role in contributing to MND’s vision of creating An Endearing Home, A Distinctive Global City for all Singaporeans. As cities around the world face increasingly complex urban sustainability challenges, R&D is essential in future proofing Singapore’s development. The R&D division in MND works closely with MND statutory boards, other government agencies, partners from the research community including IHLs, Research Institutes, and the industry to conceptualise R&D plans and drive implementation. Our research efforts are guided by Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plans which are organised along four domains - Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS), Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity (MTC), Human Health and Potential (HHP), Smart Nation and Digital Economy (SNDE). Of relevance to the MND Family is the Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS) domain, where the efforts in this domain seek to “Renew and build a liveable, resilient, sustainable and economically vibrant city for tomorrow”. .

What you will be working on

Your primary duties include the following: • Drive R&D strategies, formulate policies and integrate initiatives and programmes for the Urban Solutions and Sustainability Domain (USS) in the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) ecosystem, by engaging National Research Foundation, USS and I&E agencies, to move solutions from research to deployment and commercialisation. Where necessary, you may be required to work with other agencies given cross domain synergies. For instance, the Human Health and Potential domain. • Translate and integrate national-level R&D strategies and policies into MND family’s priorities, objectives and programmes. • Formulate Innovation & Enterprise strategies to strengthen the I&E ecosystem for the Built Environment sector. • Perform overall programme management which includes reviewing and reporting of programme outputs and disbursement of R&D grants, assess the impact and effectiveness of the programmes and make recommendations. • Administer research grants, which may include the review of fund governance guidelines and disbursement processes to ensure proper project and financial governance. • Be familiar with and keep abreast of latest developments in science and technologies relevant to MND’s and USS’ work, identify new emerging areas of strategic interest and assess how they would impact our work. • You will have the opportunity to take the lead, engage agencies to get buy-in, and shape MND Family’s transformational initiatives for the next bound by formulating implementation plans.

What we are looking for

You should preferably possess: • Good honours degree in Engineering, Design & Environment, Science, Social-Behavioural Science, Social Sciences or equivalent • At least 2 to 5 years of work experience for M, AD positions; 6-8 years of experience for SAD position • Good analytical skills, with an ability to take a strategic perspective when formulating proposals and recommendations • Good communication and writing skills to express complex/technical ideas simply • Good interpersonal skills • Prior experience in R&D strategy formulation, technology foresighting/roadmapping, technology translation, and/or good working knowledge of the R&D landscape in Singapore will be an added bonus

About Ministry of National Development

The Ministry of National Development (MND), the lead government agency responsible for land use planning and infrastructure development, aims to transform Singapore into an endearing home and a distinctive global city. At MND, we aspire to create a quality, vibrant and sustainable living environment for our people. We also strive to shape Singapore into a world-class city of knowledge, culture and excellence – one which keeps pace with global challenges and the rising aspirations of Singaporeans. Our Vision: An Endearing Home, A Distinctive Global City Our Mission: Develop world-class infrastructure Create a vibrant and sustainable living environment Build rooted and cohesive communities