Assistant Chief Properties Officer-Property Management

As an Assistant Chief Properties Officer (equivalent to Assistant Director), you will drive strategic planning and operational management of MFA’s overseas portfolio. This includes acquisition, disposal and leasing of office premises and staff residences. The job requires a comprehensive understanding of international property markets, organisational requirements, and long-term planning to ensure MFA’s overseas properties effectively support Singapore’s diplomatic missions worldwide. Responsibilities • Ensure compliance and implementation of property management policies and processes across all overseas missions for acquisition, disposal and leasing. • Assist Deputy Chief Properties to coordinate and staff high-level property assessment visits. Provide first-cut analytical insights and recommendations for potential acquisition of overseas properties. • Plan, Review and Implement the Master Programmes for acquisition and disposal of Government-owned properties, relocation of rented office (inclusive of office fit-out works) and new office set-up. • Gather research information and analyse relevant data for policy reviews, including housing policies (e.g., rentals) for MFA staff overseas. • Provide technical and contractual advice (in consultation with legal experts) to overseas missions on property transactions, negotiations on sales/purchase agreements and tenancy agreements to ensure value-for-money while balancing operational needs. • Assist Deputy Chief Properties to design and implement relevant frameworks for new mission establishment. • Conduct reviews establish the rentals of housing accommodation of MFA staff overseas. • Evaluate requests to acquire, lease and dispose properties and make recommendations to relevant Approving Authorities. • Conduct periodic review of the rental budget allocated for all rented offices and housing accommodation overseas. • Compile and upkeep databases/documents for all properties and prepare all returns related to land and buildings under the purview of MFA for different types of submissions. • Compile and Compute Right-of-Use (ROU) assets for all leased properties based on prevailing lease accounting principles. • Conduct procurement for all related services for the Section (e.g. valuation, property agents, property consultants, conveyancing lawyers, office fit-out companies, etc.) Ensure all related procurements adhere to Singapore Government guidelines. This will include but is not limited to the preparation of the procurement documents and evaluation/award recommendation reports in consultation with the various stakeholders. • Provide briefings, training, and guidance on property-related matters. Requirements • Self-driven and motivated individual with a degree in Real Estate (Valuation), Business Administration/Finance in related field. • Preference for candidates who have managed tenancy agreements for office and residential and undertaken property transactions for office and residences. • Proficiency in financial modelling to achieve value-for-money for the property acquisitions. • Professional certification as a Valuer will have an added advantage. • Willingness to upskill, and apply knowledge to the overseas context. • Ability to travel overseas at short notice to attend to urgent property-related matters on-site. Skills and Competencies: • Deep knowledge of international property law, tax implications (e.g. VAT, stamp duties, withholding taxes) and regulatory compliance (zoning, foreign ownership rules). • Excellent presentation and writing skills to convey policy intent and technical analysis effectively. • Ability to work independently and collectively as a team. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with stakeholders and project teams. • Strong organisational, time management and multi-tasking skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. • Problem-solving and decision-making skills. • Attention to detail, including for record-keeping and compliance. • Experience in government procurement of works and services (preferred). Number of years of experience required: • Around 10 years’ of working experience with at least 5 years’ of experience in the property administration or real estate industry focusing on either leasing or acquisitions.