Assistant Director (Futures and Research)

Singapore is internationally renowned for our transport infrastructure and for being a global aviation and maritime hub. At the Ministry of Transport (MOT), we spearhead developments in our air, land and sea transport sectors to advance Singapore’s economic competitiveness and Singaporeans’ quality of life. We seek dynamic, analytical and committed individuals to join our able MOT team in realising our vision of a global interconnected transport hub. If you share our vision and possess the qualities we seek, do join us!

The Assistant Director (Futures & Research) will play a key role in shaping, delivering, and stewarding MOT’s research and development (R&D) agenda. The officer will partner closely with the National Research Foundation (NRF), MOT's statutory boards (e.g., CAAS, MPA, LTA), and the wider research ecosystem to design funding initiatives, drive programme governance, and ensure rigorous management of Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) programmes across RIE2020, RIE2025 and the upcoming RIE2030. The role is central to ensuring MOT’s long term innovation capability, supporting national strategic objectives, and delivering impact through a transport-focused flagship programme (FP). Key responsibilities include: 1. Programme Design & Strategy Development • Co design and refine Funding Initiatives (FIs) under the FP with academia, government and industry stakeholders, including articulating problem statements, R&D agendas, and desired outcomes aligned to MOT's long-term requirements. • Support the development and review of long term RIE strategies for the transport and logistics sector. 2. Grant & Programme Administration • Administer the FIs and other RIE funding initiatives in accordance with rules and guidelines set by NRF. Tasks include checking that grantees and research collaborators meet requirements on governance, reporting, disbursement controls, conflict-of-interest declarations, and performance management. • Oversee grant call cycles: drafting FI papers, preparing grant disbursement documentation, coordinating evaluations, and facilitating approvals by Approving Authorities and NRF where required. • Monitor project progress, KPIs, milestones, budgets and compliance, intervening where necessary to ensure programme integrity. 3. Cross Agency & Ecosystem Engagement • Serve as MOT’s liaison with NRF, A*STAR, EnterpriseSG, academia, and industry partners on RIE planning, implementation, and governance matters. • Support FC Flagship Committee and related RIE governance fora through preparation of papers, briefings, and analysis. • Coordinate joint or cross sectoral initiatives across aviation, maritime, land transport, logistics and connectivity domains. 4. Policy, Evaluation & Impact Assessment • Evaluate proposals and provide policy input on scientific merit, translational potential, and alignment with MOT’s sectoral objectives. • Track and analyse performance across RIE2020 and RIE2025 programmes transitioning under FC, identifying lessons and shaping improvements to future tranches. • Develop insights and recommendations to strengthen innovation governance, capability development, and ecosystems across MOT Family.

Qualifications • Tertiary qualification in engineering, science, economics, public policy or other relevant fields. • Postgraduate qualification is an advantage Experience & Technical Skills • 3 years of experience in management, innovation policy, grant administration, or science and technology strategy. • Familiarity with RIE frameworks, NRF processes, FI governance, and public sector programme/grant management is an advantage. • Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess R&D proposals, financial implications, and strategic relevance. • Experience engaging research performers, industry technology players, and government stakeholders. Core Competencies • Strong communication (written & verbal), stakeholder management, and cross agency coordination skills. • Ability to manage multi stakeholder programmes with tight deadlines. • Sound judgement, attention to detail, and high standards of governance.