About this role
[What the role is] SFA’s Research Planning & Management Department shapes Singapore’s agri-food research and development (R&D) agenda through forward-looking strategies, ecosystem partnerships, human capital development and disciplined stewardship of public R&D investments to support the supply of safe food.
The Deputy Director will lead a team to drive R&D strategy and portfolio planning, talent flow and human capital initiatives, strategic partnerships that catalyse the innovation ecosystem, and effective governance of research funding programmes. The role offers deep exposure to Singapore’s R&D ecosystem and the opportunity to partner stakeholders ranging from government agencies, industry captains, institutions of higher learning (IHLs) and research institutes (RIs) to advance innovative ideas for the agri-food sector. [What you will be working on] Shape and Steward Singapore’s R&D Agenda for agri-food sector
• Scan emerging technologies, map ecosystem capabilities and identify strategic opportunities to guide SFA’s food research priorities, programmes and investments. • Oversee funded projects with disciplined governance to ensure milestones, budgets, outcomes and programme performance are well managed and continuously improved.
Grow R&D Human Capital
• Conduct talent flow and market research to assess Singapore’s food R&D human capital landscape, including talent supply, demand, mobility, career pathways and capability gaps. • Map existing efforts and work with different stakeholders to shape initiatives that attract, retain and develop R&D human capital for Singapore’s agri-food sector.
Catalyse Partnerships
• Identify strategic gaps, partnership opportunities and ecosystem multipliers—including anchor companies, research performers, IHLs, RIs, industry leaders and funders—that can catalyse new R&D capabilities and collaborations. • Shape partner value propositions and convene multi-party initiatives that strengthen the R&D innovation ecosystem, support technology translation and generate spillover benefits such as capability building, talent development, industry adoption, venture creation and research-to-market pathways.
[What we are looking for]
• Proven ability to build, lead and develop cohesive, high-performing teams anchored on proactiveness, empathy, teamwork and accountability. • Relevant experience in planning, human capital development, ecosystem building, grants management or related areas. • Familiarity with Singapore’s innovation, human capital ecosystem and public sector governance requirements would be an advantage. • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships, align diverse interests and secure buy-in across stakeholders to translate complex issues into actionable strategies, programmes and partnerships.