logo
National Heritage Board

Assistant Director, Legal

National Heritage Board

Fixed Terms

Closing on 25 Jul 2025

What the role is

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Legal Counsel to join the National Heritage Board, to provide legal support to its divisions, museums and heritage institutions in presenting and promoting the arts, culture and heritage of Singapore, as well as preserving Singapore’s built and intangible cultural heritage. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for legal professionals who are passionate about combining their corporate practice with all aspects of museum and cultural heritage work.

What you will be working on

Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, your day-to-day work will encompass the following:

Legal Advisory & Compliance

  • Provide strategic legal advice to NHB's divisions, senior management and Board of Directors on various matters pertaining to museum work

  • Review and draft legal agreements, including contracts, memorandums of understanding, sale and purchase of artworks/artefacts, auction house terms and conditions, collaboration and performance agreements, commissioning agreements, tenancy and licence agreements, insurance, sponsorship and service level agreements with local and international cultural institutions

  • Ensure compliance with relevant Singapore legislation, in particular the National Heritage Board Act, the Preservation of Monuments Act and other applicable laws governing heritage and cultural matters, working closely with AGC and other external legal counsel on complex matters requiring specialist expertise

  • Evaluate and manage legal risks and develop mitigation strategies for NHB's operations, exhibitions, business development efforts and programmes

  • Represent NHB in handling legal claims and disputes

Heritage & Cultural Property

  • Advise on legal matters pertaining to acquisitions and deaccession of artworks and artefacts

  • Handle legal aspects of international art loans, travelling exhibitions and memorandums of understanding with international museums and cultural institutions

  • Assist Senior Legal Counsel in the development of sector-related legislation such as terrestrial and maritime archaeology, and the formulation of sector-related policies

  • Examine requests for repatriation and restitution of cultural objects

Corporate Governance

  • Develop and maintain internal policies and templates

  • Provide internal training and guidance to staff on legal compliance and risk management

What we are looking for

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) legal qualification, called to the Singapore Bar

  • At least 5 years PQE (post-qualification experience), with exposure to public sector legal work preferred

  • [Application of Law] A strong foundation in contract, intellectual property and real estate law, understanding and application of fundamental legal principles, laws, legislation and government regulation is essential to this role

  • [Legal Review & Drafting] Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating and maintaining a wide variety of legal agreements, as well as adaptability to rework existing templates to suit novel situations

  • [Contract Advisory & Management] Proven experience in providing clear and practical legal advice to business units on contractual interpretation, legal risk and mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance. Experience in maintaining an organized contract management system including the creation and regular updating of templates.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Strong communication and interpersonal abilities

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

  • A keen interest in the visual arts, museum and cultural heritage sector, or experience in an arts-related organization or museum/auction house

All applicants will be notified on whether they are shortlisted or not within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.

About National Heritage Board

The National Heritage Board (NHB) champions the development of a vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Singapore. Our role is to make heritage enriching, relevant, accessible and above all, enjoyable to Singaporeans and visitors alike. If you have the Passion …to build a nation of confident people and sense of rootedness …to deliver great service towards a strong community …to inspire generations of Singaporeans through heritage preservation …to continually innovate and develop yourself as a professional …to have fun while doing all of the above We Want You! http://www.nhb.gov.sg