Assistant Director (RPR Policy), RSM/RPR

The Rehabilitation, Protection and Residential Care (RPR) Division is part of the Rehabilitation and Social Mobility Policy Directorate of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). RPR develops and reviews policies, strategies and legislation to strengthen the protection, rehabilitation and support of vulnerable populations, including domestic violence survivors, children and adults in need of care and protection, rough sleepers, homeless individuals and families, low-income and vulnerable seniors, and destitute persons. Through evidence-based policymaking, community engagement and collaboration with Government agencies and sector partners, the Division addresses emerging risks, improves service responses and supports better outcomes for those in need. RPR is also the Secretariat for the Inter-Ministry Committee which monitors and implements Singapore’s obligations as a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Our goal is to create a society with opportunities for all to succeed. Responsibilities Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will: • Shaping our medium- to long-term policies: You will lead the team in shaping policies to prevent and address domestic violence, support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and meet the needs of those requiring residential care. You will draw on information from various sources to understand emerging risks and needs, identify gaps across legislation, policy and service delivery, and recommend appropriate responses. You will oversee key workstreams and support the Deputy Director in setting priorities across these portfolios. • Designing data-driven policy: You will lead and undertake policy reviews, drawing on emerging trends, research, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and insights from community partners and frontline agencies. You will guide the team in using evidence to formulate and review policies, identify service gaps, and assess outcomes. • Forging partnerships with stakeholders: You will lead the team in developing and sustaining strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to inform policy development and implementation. You will guide officers in understanding clients’ needs, assessing the suitability of proposed solutions, and engaging Social Service Agencies, research teams, Government agencies and other sector partners. You may also represent the Division or lead inter-agency workgroups, steer consultations with stakeholder groups, and oversee public engagements on matters relating to these portfolios. • Strengthening the team’s capabilities: You will set priorities, allocate work and ensure timely, high-quality delivery. You will coach officers and build the team’s capabilities in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and project delivery. As an Assistant Director, you will lead a team overseeing policy work across domestic violence, homelessness or residential care. Your role requires strategic thinking and strong analytical, research, and strong communication skills. You will contribute to the development and oversight of policies that enhance residential support, protection and rehabilitation for vulnerable groups in society. If you are keen to develop policies that improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals and families, this could be the role for you. Requirements Functional/Technical Competencies: • Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to draw together evidence and stakeholder perspectives • Good understanding of policy development and implementation, including the use of quantitative and qualitative data • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Strong tertiary qualifications in any field • At least five years of relevant experience in policy, operational policy, strategy, research or related work; experience in social policy or service delivery would be an advantage Behavioural and Leadership Competencies: • Able to lead and develop a team, set priorities and maintain high standards of work • Able to work effectively with stakeholders at different levels, across agencies and with external partners • Proactive in identifying and surfacing emerging issues • Resilient and resourceful, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight timelines