Deputy Director, Service Planning

National Council of Social Service

Fixed Terms

Closing on 09 Sep 2025

What the role is

Lead in the planning and development of strategies to strengthen the Social Service Sector’s service delivery. This is accomplished through (a) working with stakeholders closely to synchronise and complement sector plans; (b) identifying service gaps /emerging areas and allocating resources to meet those needs; (c) rolling out targeted initiatives to strengthen service quality in the sector and grow capabilities in enablers such as innovation and collaboration; and (d) supporting the sector to do sandboxing and prototyping of new service solutions.
Successful candidates will influence critical decisions, shape organisational and sector strategy, and be exposed to national-level policy considerations.

What you will be working on

Policy alignment and stakeholder engagement

Oversee team’s strategic partnership development with whole-of-government (WOG) stakeholders and keep abreast of policy developments
Work with stakeholders to align/complement reviews (e.g., MSF Family landscape) and development plans (e.g., MSF Masterplan)
Manage negotiations: Lead discussions on service development plans, ensuring NCSS interests are represented
Prepare and support senior leadership: Brief and equip CE/GD for participation in whole-of-government (WOG) Committees and platforms

Identify and develop strategies to meet service gaps / emerging areas

Oversee landscape analysis across multiple subsectors to determine NCSS’ role in both programme funding and capability building
Identify service gaps / emerging areas and develop a strong understanding of issue areas
Formulate strategies with partners, and allocate resources to support the sector to meet the needs
Oversee regular reviews of NCSS's levers across multiple areas, for e.g., funding and space

Assess, develop and implement targeted initiatives to strengthen service quality in the sector

Assess service providers’ capabilities in delivery of services, as well as sector wide issues that affects service users’ access to services (for e.g., service navigation)
Develop and implement strategies to enhance sector’s service quality, especially in areas such as collaboration, empowerment, innovation, and service standards
Develop relevant resources for sector professionals and push utilisation and adoption, including self-help resources and training courses

Sandbox and nurture prototypes

Maintain a steady pipeline of prototypes that test innovation solutions to new or existing issues
Provide adequate and expedited funding support for prototypes to develop into programme pilots, and to mainstream programme phase

What we are looking for

Experience:

10-15 years of working experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, or social service sector
Proven track record in evidence-based decision making and team management
Demonstrated ability to manage diverse stakeholders and communicate complex ideas clearly
Knowledge of Singapore's social service landscape
Experience in the social service sector is advantageous.

Personal Competencies:

Strong communication & interpersonal skills to work with multiple stakeholders
Able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a dynamic environment
Strong organisational skills with keen attention to details
Results-driven self-starter with proven ability to identify opportunities and drive projects to completion

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About National Council of Social Service

NCSS is the umbrella body for over 500 member social service agencies in Singapore. Its 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. Community Chest and Social Service Institute (SSI) are part of NCSS. For more information visit www.ncss.gov.sg

About your application process

This job is closing on 09 Sep 2025.

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 National Council of Social Service or the wider Public Service.