Head/Deputy Head/Assistant Head, Manufacturing, Trade & Connectivity

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a department within the Prime Minister's Office, and we set the national direction for research, innovation and enterprise (RIE) by developing policies, plans and strategies; funding strategic initiatives that strengthen our scientific and technological capabilities, grow our RIE talent base, and achieve economic and national impact; and fostering RIE collaboration in Singapore and internationally. You will join a team shaping how research and innovation drive Singapore’s competitiveness and deliver meaningful economic impact. You will be responsible for overseeing and managing NRF’s Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity (MTC) programmes as well as planning and strategising new initiatives in this space. Your duties will include the following: • Play an active role in shaping and guiding the development of strategic initiatives, together with partners from public sector agencies, universities, research institutes, and industry, to strengthen Singapore’s edge in the global manufacturing and trade value chain, and to enhance the connectivity and resilience of our small and open economy. These initiatives include sector-specific plans that drive research and innovation targeting both horizontal and vertical domains, including areas such as robotics, additive manufacturing, sea transport, and aviation. • Manage strategic trade-offs in allocating resources across MTC sectors to ensure that the overall budget is optimised and well-utilised – balancing between strengthening existing capabilities and placing strategic bets to build long-term ones. • Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of awarded programmes related to the MTC Domain, to assess whether they are on track to deliver intended outputs and outcomes for Singapore. This includes maintaining oversight and managing the programmes across their lifecycle, in line with funding objectives and policy requirements. • Support and participate in inter-agency committees and forums to develop RIE plans, deliberate on funding proposals, and exercise governance over funded initiatives. • Background in science or engineering will be an advantage; for backgrounds in other disciplines, the candidate will need to be comfortable in assessing and making recommendations on science and technology-related subject matters. • At least 5 years of relevant working experience in an administrative/policy-making position and familiarity with Singapore’s RIE ecosystem. • Strong analytical abilities and with a broad sense of perspective. • Strong ability to collaborate well with others, build good working relationships and be a good team player. • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills (written and verbal). • Independent, meticulous, resourceful, strong sense of initiative, able to work in a fast-paced environment and to perform under pressure.