Assistant Director (Research), ECDA/CD

The Research Team under the Child Development division plays a cross-cutting role to develop and drive ECDA’s research strategy, by coordinating research initiatives, partnerships, and knowledge translation activities that support evidence-based policy development and practice improvements across Singapore's early childhood sector. As an Assistant Director in the Research Team, you will lead a team to work closely with MSF and ECDA Divisions, other government departments, relevant research agencies/institutes and preschools to inform evidence based early childhood policies, programmes and practices. This role supports ECDA’s efforts to push for quality preschools through a sustained focus on research to build up knowledge, establish strategic partnerships with the research community and more effectively translate research to policy and practice.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing ECDA’s research strategy, which includes the following: • Develop research priorities and build knowledge base on early childhood-related research – to establish ECDA’s research priorities and lines of inquiry, synthesize local and international research to identify policy-relevant insights and practice implications. Build and maintain a repository of research relevant to ECDA’s needs. • Strategic engagement of research community and experts – to engage and forge partnerships with research entities/Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to conduct research or provide expert opinions on ECDA’s research priorities. This can include managing panels of experts to provide guidance and insights. • Translate research to inform policy and practices – translate research into resources and platforms that can inform policy (e.g. horizon scans) and practice in the Early Childhood sector (e.g. guides, frameworks). Develop a publications agenda to share and promote relevant research with preschools and educators to drive the accessibility of evidence-based practices. • Drive and implement research initiatives aligned with ECDA's strategic priorities and policy needs – to coordinate multi-phase research projects with internal and external stakeholders, manage research project timelines and deliverables and steer project to ensure alignment with ECDA’s needs. Research initiatives include, but are not limited, to the evaluation of innovative pilots and programmes, and implementing measures of holistic child outcomes • Provide secretariat support for inter-agency meetings relating to research. • Undertake any other additional tasks and duties as assigned.

You should be a highly motivated self-starter who values teamwork and excellence. An ideal candidate should possess the following: Education Qualifications - A relevant tertiary qualification e.g., social sciences, education, psychology, economics, sociology, public policy or field with strong research methodology components. Relevant Experience - Experience leading and managing a team. - At least 4-5 years of experience in research, evaluation of social programmes or related areas preferred. - Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement across diverse institutional contexts (academic, government, practitioner communities). - Experience in early childhood development, education policy, or social policy research would be advantageous. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, etc). Skillsets in data management and familiarity with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R, STATA would be advantageous. Characteristics and Skills - Good leadership and management capability. - Strong project management skills to drive and manage different workstreams and projects. - Good stakeholder management and interpersonal skills. - Ability to analyse, interpret, and package information for the purpose of reporting. Strong writing skills needed. - Comfortable working in greenfield areas with limited precedence. - A good grasp of quantitative/ qualitative research methods and/or data analysis techniques. - Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.