Singapore Food Agency

Deputy Director

Fixed Terms

Closing on 08 Jun 2026

What the role is

The International Cooperation & Trade Partnerships (ICTP) Division formulates and drives SFA's interests through international cooperation on agri-food issues, including at bilateral and international platforms; Promotes food trade and facilitates market access through trade partnerships to drive import diversification and export facilitation.

International Cooperation (IC) Department sets the strategic direction for SFA’s bilateral and international cooperation. Formulates and leads the engagement strategies for bilateral accounts and advances as well as safeguards SFA’s interests at international platforms.

What you will be working on

The job holder is responsible to:

Lead a team in the alignment of strategies and policy positions on bilateral, regional and international food-related issues in support of SFA’s objectives.
Coordinate within the team and across divisions, to ensure adequate preparation for bilateral, regional and international meetings and visits by foreign VIPs.
Oversee the coordination of the team and across divisions to foster SFA’s relationships with foreign counterparts and stakeholders.
Maintain oversight in the monitoring and assessment of developments in countries, international organisations and non-governmental organisations on food-related issues.
Supervise the preparation of updates on international engagements, including background papers and other relevant material.
Attend and lead a delegation in relevant bilateral, regional and international meetings.
Develop and implement targeted plans, policies and programmes for international relations within the organisation.
Optimise resource allocation within the team to propose positions on cross- cutting and complex international relations issues.
Provide guidance to the team in implementing the Division’s work plans, monitor budget, and develop and roll-out training for the team.

What we are looking for

Qualifications in international relations, public policy or a related field
At least 8 to 10 years of relevant working experience, with 4 to 5 years in a supervisory position
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical thinking skills, with keen ability to analyse multiple sources of information and data, and derive insights for policy formulation
Ability to interact and work with a broad spectrum of people across boundaries and seniority
Ability to facilitate discussion, communicate ideas and elicit insights from others
Willingness to travel

About your application process

This job is closing on 08 Jun 2026.

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 Singapore Food Agency or the wider Public Service.

About Singapore Food Agency

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is a new Statutory Board formed under the ‘Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to oversee food safety and security. The SFA will serve as the single point of contact for public feedback on food-related issues, and strengthen management of foodborne disease outbreaks to protect public health. The SFA will also facilitate more business-friendly regulations with oversight of all food safety policies and consolidation of food laboratory capabilities to deepen competencies in food diagnostics, and research and development in food safety.

Learn more about Singapore Food Agency