assistant director

[What the role is]

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA)'s mission is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore.

The Science and Technology Division (S&T) designs, builds, and refreshes our digital capabilities and systems to enable effective, efficient, and resilient organisation processes.

The candidate will be working in the Tech and Digital Masterplanning department under S&T, leading the strategic development of SFA's digitalisation masterplan and technology roadmap. This role will collaborate closely with various SFA divisions to identify emerging technology needs and digitalisation opportunities, conceptualise and scope innovative projects and initiatives that harness technology and digital solutions to enhance our national food safety ecosystem. This position also involves developing comprehensive training roadmaps designed to cultivate essential digital capabilities across SFA, supporting our transformation into a digitally-enabled organisation.

[What you will be working on]

1. AI Strategy and Roadmap

Architect and continuously refine SFA's comprehensive AI framework and strategic adoption roadmap, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and WOG best practices Spearhead the organisation-wide deployment of enterprise AI platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, managing change management processes and ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows Engage cross-functional stakeholders to conduct AI feasibility assessments, gather requirements, and build strategic AI adoption initiatives across all business units

2. Emerging Technology and Innovation

Explore and implement innovative digital solutions, leveraging on information technologies and tools such as JupyterLab, Python, Microsoft Copilot, Power App, SharePoint and other cloud services Design and develop AI-powered applications and automated solutions utilising platforms such as Microsoft PowerApps AI Builder, JupyterLab, and AWS SageMaker to enhance operational efficiency and user experience Lead strategic initiatives to integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing enterprise systems including Salesforce, Snowflake, and other business applications Drive the implementation of WOG productivity tools (e.g Pair, Transcribe, AIBot) and RPA tools (e.g UiPath)

3. Digital Competency Development

Maintain, review, and continuously enhance the SFA Digital Competency Framework to align with evolving technological trends and organisational strategic objectives Research, evaluate, and integrate emerging digital training programmes and professional certifications to strengthen staff capabilities and support career development pathways Champion the organisation-wide implementation of digital competency initiatives, providing guidance and support to departments in building essential digital skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning

4. Digitalisation Masterplanning and Governance

Serve as the CIO office representative to monitor, assess, and report on critical digital risks, cybersecurity threats, and key performance indicators to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders Lead cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement across departments to ensure successful planning, execution, and delivery of digital transformation initiatives and strategic technology projects

5. IT Budget and Resource Management

Oversee IT budget planning and expenditure monitoring, including management of ICT contracts and proactive cost analysis to ensure optimal resource utilisation Manage IT resource contract, coordinating with external vendors to deliver comprehensive technical support for critical organisational events, meetings, and business operations

[What we are looking for]

• Minimum 2-3 years of proven experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, IT resource management, budget oversight, or related disciplines within technology or digital transformation environments.

• Demonstrated expertise in digital transformation and AI initiatives, with a track record of successful project delivery.

• Proficiency in enterprise digital platforms and tools including Microsoft Copilot, PowerApps, Salesforce, Snowflake, and other cloud-based solutions.

• Good understanding of AI, machine learning concepts, and emerging technology trends with practical application experience.

• Experience managing government digital transformation projects, including familiarity with public sector requirements and compliance frameworks.

• Working knowledge of Whole-of-Government (WOG) policies, procurement guidelines, and regulatory compliance processes.

• Proven track record in vendor management and service level agreement oversight.

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.

• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and interpersonal skills with experience engaging senior leadership and cross-functional teams