Asst. Director/Snr Asst. Director/Dy Director (Research Strategy and Governance)

MDDI conducts Sentiments Research to support data-driven communications, policy thinking and implementation of key issues across Whole of Government. We use quantitative and qualitative research methods to understand how people feel about issues, current affairs and policies. Our research is structured around key focal areas ranging from social, economic, security, infrastructure, to communications- and media-related issues. Your role is in the Research Capability Development Department (RCDD) in MDDI’s Research and Data Division (RDD). As part of RDD, you will play a strategic role in shaping how the government governs and sustains its landscape of sentiments research capabilities and services. You will work across government and industry stakeholders to ensure that our research function is well-governed, well-resourced, and positioned to deliver impact. You will also play a forward-looking role in shaping the government’s use of sentiments research for data-driven policymaking and communications, including the role of AI and technology in sentiments research.

You will take on a strategic governance role covering the government's research capabilities and services landscape. Beyond day-to-day governance, you will also play a forward-looking role in shaping how new research capabilities are developed, piloted, and governed - including setting appropriate KPIs and accountability structures for initiatives in the experimentation phases. This requires both rigour in governance and the flexibility to work with ambiguity as new approaches are tested. Your job scope may include: • Advising on research governance issues, including identifying risks and gaps, and recommending improvements • Developing the government’s sentiments research capabilities for the future, including working out the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and putting in place governance structures • Engaging a broad range of WOG stakeholders to build alignment on governance standards and processes for research services • Overseeing governance of the government's research services landscape, including managing funding agreements, contracts, and KPI monitoring to ensure research service providers deliver on their mandates and remain accountable to stakeholders • Developing and maintaining data governance frameworks and policies to ensure that research data is managed responsibly and in accordance with government standards

• At least 8-10 years of relevant public sector experience, with a strong track record in capability development, governance, contract management, or research administration • Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to navigate complex governance and policy issues at both the division and WOG level • Experienced working with Audit, Procurement, and Legal functions • Strong command of English for complex submissions and presentations • Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across agencies or with external partners • Meticulous and organised, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently • Initiative and sound judgement in handling ambiguous or novel governance challenges • Experience with or exposure to sentiments research or social science research is preferred, as we are seeking officers who can move fluidly between capability development, governance, and research work We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates would be notified. For more information on careers in MDDI, please access the link (https://www.mddi.gov.sg/join-us/careers/life-at-mddi/). For more information on our job vacancies, please access Careers@Gov (https://www.careers.gov.sg/) and search for “MDDI” in the Search bar.