Senior/Assistant Director, South Asia, Middle East & Africa (India Directorate)

Overview

The Trade and International Economic Relations (TIER) cluster is responsible for shaping Singapore's foreign economic policies and protecting its economic interests on the global stage. Within TIER, the South Asia, Middle East and Africa Division (SAMEA) focuses on advancing Singapore's economic ties with over 70 countries across these regions through initiatives such as bilateral platforms, economic agreements, and Ministerial visit arrangements.

Embedded within SAMEA, the India Directorate specifically concentrates on expanding and deepening economic collaboration between Singapore and India—one of the largest and fastest-growing economies worldwide and a critical trade partner for Singapore. The Directorate collaborates with various Singapore government agencies to design, propose, and execute partnership projects covering sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, Civil Aviation, Food, Industrial Parks, Nursing, Pharmaceuticals, Skilling, and Sustainability. This work extends beyond India's central government to significant engagement with multiple Indian state governments as well.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement policies to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges between Singapore and India.
• Lead key initiatives under the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, the primary bilateral government-to-government platform.
• Negotiate and execute trade agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with India, including the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and MOUs related to Semiconductors, Skilling, and Science & Technology sectors.
• Develop strategies to broaden cooperation areas with India, fostering downstream opportunities for Singapore’s businesses.
• Support ongoing economic engagement efforts by facilitating official visits, meetings, and collaborative activities between the two nations.

Candidate Profile

• Academic background in relevant fields such as Economics, Political Science, or International Relations, among others.
• A strong interest in economic development, international affairs, and emerging markets within South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Capacity to thrive in a dynamic and demanding professional environment.
• Excellent written communication, analytical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly resourceful, independent, creative, driven, and persistent.
• Strong capability to work collaboratively within teams.