Director, Research and Advocacy

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Head the Research & Advocacy Department and provide leadership in eveloping departmental strategies, annual budgets, and workplans aligned with SCWO's mission and organisational priorities.
• Identify emerging issues, policy trends, and research priorities relevant to women's development and gender equality in Singapore and internationally.

Research, Policy Development & Knowledge Leadership

. Oversee SCWO's research activities, ensuring strong research design, credible methodologies, and evidence-based outputs.

. Lead the development and quality assurance of research reports, policy briefs, and position papers to support SCWO's advocacy and stakeholder engagement efforts.

. Ensure research findings are effectively translated into actionable recommendations and public policy messaging.

Advocacy Strategy & NGO Workgroups Outcomes

• Lead and implement advocacy strategies and initiatives to support and achieve the desired outcomes of SCWO's NGO workgroups.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance on advocacy planning, stakeholder positioning, and policy influence.
• Support engagement with relevant government agencies, community partners, and stakeholders to advance SCWO's policy recommendations.

International Relations & Representation

. Oversee SCWO's international relations activities, including participation in international forums, collaborations, networks, and engagements related to gender equality and women's empowerment.

. Represent SCWO in relevant international platforms where required.

People Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage the Research & Advocacy team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance, and mission-driven culture.
• Set clear goals, manage performance, and support professional development of team members.

Qualifications & Experience

. A recognised degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Gender Studies, International Relations, Economics, or a related field.

. At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in research, policy, advocacy, public affairs, or related fields, including a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership or head-of-function role.

. Strong experience in policy research, report writing, and developing evidence-based recommendations.

. Proven ability to translate research into impactful advocacy strategies and influence stakeholder outcomes.

. Experience working with government agencies, civil society organisations, or international bodies is an advantage.

. Prior experience in the non-profit, advocacy, public sector, or research-based sector is highly desirable.

. Strong people management experience, with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

. Open for Singaporean or PR only.

Key Competencies

. Strategic leadership and planning

. Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills

. Policy writing and advocacy capability

. Stakeholder engagement and influence

. Strong understanding of Singapore's socio-political and policy environment

. People leadership and team development

. Strong alignment with SCWO's mission, values, and commitment to gender equality

This is a 3 years contract (Renewable) position.