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Ministry of Trade and Industry

Senior/Assistant Director, International Trade (Green Economy & Sustainability)

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Permanent/Contract

Closing on 31 May 2025

What the role is

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

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: (a) 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. These include identifying and seizing opportunities for collaboration on carbon credits with suitable countries. (b) Represent Singapore to negotiate bilateral agreements with countries in relation to Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. These include understanding and tracking latest development of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, identifying suitable countries to enter into talks and analysing trends in global carbon markets and potential implications on Singapore. (c) Develop and implement strategies to drive green growth areas and deepen green economy cooperation on the multilateral, plurilateral and bilateral fronts. These include 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. (d) Develop strategies and policy responses to trade-related climate measures (TrCMs). These include monitoring and analysing global developments on carbon pricing and TrCMs such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms, assessing the impact of these measures on companies, and making policy recommendations in response to these developments. (e) Represent Singapore’s green economy and low-carbon interests in international negotiations. These include representing Singapore 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: • Experience in cross-cultural negotiations and international relations, particularly in the public sector; and/or • Good knowledge in carbon credits/markets and Paris Agreement; and/or • Relevant experience in climate change/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 on climate change/sustainability areas in the public sector 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

About Ministry of Trade and Industry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) seeks to transform Singapore into a leading global city of talent, enterprise and innovation. Our mission is to promote economic growth and create good jobs to enable Singaporeans to improve their lives. In MTI, you can expect an exciting, challenging and rewarding career!