Data Analyst, Economics Department, Ministry of Manpower

The Economics Department (ED) in the Ministry of Manpower advances evidence-based and data-driven policymaking through robust labour research, analysis and analytics. ED undertakes economic surveillance and forecasting, ex-ante policy analyses, ex-post impact evaluations, applied economic research and advanced analytics to inform manpower policies that shape Singapore’s labour market, workplaces and retirement outcomes. Data Analysts work closely with economists, research analysts, policymakers and operational divisions to generate data-driven insights that support policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. ED’s work spans key areas such as labour market dynamics, productivity and human capital development, wages and inequality, labour security and retirement adequacy, and labour market policies and regulations. ED is organised into three sub-units: • Economic Research Unit (ERU) Supports manpower policies that optimise workforce allocation, strengthen human capital and drive business outcomes. • Socio-Economic Research Unit (SRU) Supports manpower policies that strengthen workplace outcomes, improve inclusivity and enhance retirement adequacy. • Analytics Research Unit (ARU) Supports manpower policies by leveraging big data and advanced analytics to uncover deeper labour market insights, strengthen policy design and enhance operational effectiveness. Responsibilities As a Data Analyst in ED, you will help to shape manpower policies in Singapore through the application of data science, advanced analytics and clear policy communication. You will use a range of data analytics techniques – including machine learning, natural language processing, text analytics, network analytics, predictive modelling, statistical analysis, data visualisation and other frontier data science approaches – to examine traditional and emerging issues relating to manpower policies and the labour market. Your work will contribute to strengthening the evidence base for policymaking, uncovering new insights from complex datasets, and supporting better outcomes for workers, businesses and Singapore’s labour market. Your responsibilities will include: • Applying advanced analytics to manpower policy issues Use data science techniques to analyse a diverse range of manpower issues, including workforce allocation, skills mismatches, job transitions, retirement adequacy, lower-wage workers, vulnerable workforce segments, workplace outcomes and business impacts. • Developing new analytical approaches and datasets Identify, process and analyse novel datasets, including structured and unstructured data, to generate new insights on labour market trends, policy issues and operational challenges. • Using frontier data science methods Apply methods such as machine learning, natural language processing, text analytics, network analytics, predictive modelling and simulation techniques to support policy analysis and decision-making. • Supporting economic surveillance and policy monitoring Develop indicators, dashboards and analytical tools to monitor labour market developments, workforce trends and emerging risks in a timely and policy-relevant manner. • Strengthening policy design and operational effectiveness Work with policymakers and operational divisions to translate data insights into practical recommendations that improve policy design, programme implementation and operational outcomes. • Collaborating with economists and researchers Work closely with economists, research analysts and external partners to combine data science techniques with economic theory, empirical research and policy domain knowledge. • Communicating insights clearly and effectively Translate complex analytical findings into clear, intuitive and policy-relevant insights for senior management, policymakers and other stakeholders. Requirements We are looking for candidates who are intellectually curious, analytically rigorous and passionate about using data science to improve public policy. You should have: • A degree, Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Public Policy, or another quantitative discipline. • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to frame policy problems and translate them into data analytics projects. • Strong quantitative and technical skills, including experience in statistical analysis, machine learning, predictive modelling, text analytics, network analytics and/or data visualisation. • Proficiency in programming and data analytics tools such as Python, R, SQL, Stata or other relevant software. • Experience handling large, complex datasets, including structured and/or unstructured data. • A strong interest in public policy, labour market issues and applied data science. • Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical findings clearly and logically to non-technical audiences. • The ability to work collaboratively with economists, researchers, policymakers, data specialists and operational teams. • A willingness to learn new methods, data sources and policy areas. Candidates with experience in machine learning, natural language processing, text analytics, network analytics, causal inference, cloud-based analytics platforms, and/or dashboard development will have an advantage.