Senior/Assistant Director, Europe

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Permanent/Contract

What the role is

At the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Division, our mission is to strengthen connectivity and interoperability with overseas markets, as well as build economic resilience and adaptability, through economic engagements with Europe and Central Asia.

What you will be working on

Given the expansion plans and strategy reviews, we are opening up vacanciesin our division. You will wear at least four hats: (i) trade diplomat; (ii) trade negotiator; (iii) trade policy analyst; and (iv) account manager for a diverse range of local and foreign government, industry and people sector stakeholders. Some job functions include:

• Promote connectivity and interoperability with overseas markets through negotiating and implementing G2G agreements such as Free Trade Agreements, DEAs and GEAs

• Develop new avenues to deepen cooperation with other markets, including in emerging growth areas such as the digital and green economies

• Represent Singapore in negotiations, official visits, and conferences. Account-manage and collaborate with local and foreign stakeholders, and other Singapore government agencies

• Analyse and report on relevant geopolitical and economic developments in other markets, and develop policy recommendations to political office holders and senior management

• Craft communications materials to convey announcements and Singapore's trade policy strategies and positions

• Organise and manage outgoing and incoming visits by political officer holders to strengthen economic relations with markets under our coverage

What we are looking for

We welcome big picture thinkers and dreamers who can connect the dots from our geostrategic considerations to specific trade rules, standards and projects that we are advocating. We welcome tinkerers who are keen to experiment and fill a blank canvass with new projects and ideas where there were none before. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. Attention to detail is also important. Above all, we value teamwork and workplace harmony very dearly, and are looking for candidates who can become our friends. Some useful qualities include:

• Keen interest to learn and develop skills in negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management

• Keen interest in international affairs and economic developments; prior training in Economics, Political Science, International Relations, or related disciplines would be advantageous

• Prior experience in policy development and/or implementation would be useful, but is not mandatory

• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills

• Good planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail

• Team player who works well with multiple stakeholders and in a dynamic environment

• Keen on opportunities to travel

About Ministry of Trade and Industry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) seeks to transform Singapore into a leading global city of talent, enterprise and innovation. Our mission is to promote economic growth and create good jobs to enable Singaporeans to improve their lives. In MTI, you can expect an exciting, challenging and rewarding career

About your application process

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 for other roles within Ministry of Trade and Industry or the wider Public Service.