Senior Manager, Strategy and Planning (RTO)

RIE TRUST Office

Background

The RIE TRUST Office has been established to enable the strategic use of data by Singapores RIE ecosystem in a manner that engenders public trust. Through supporting data-driven research, it aims to drive scientific excellence, strengthen national research innovation capabilities and competitiveness, as well as create impactful solutions.The Office operates under the purview of NRF, and is administratively hosted in A.STAR.

The RIE TRUST Office will coordinate and implement the RIE Data System, comprising harmonised data governance frameworks and interoperable data infrastructures to enable data research. The Office draws on learnings from ongoing efforts in the Human Health and Potential (HHP) domain and is extending to support other RIE domains such as Urban Solutions & Sustainability.

1. Strategic Planning and analysis: Support multi-year strategy and business roadmap development for RIE Data System, enabling leadership and governing committees to make informed decisions and for platform to be future ready.

2. RIE Data System initiatives portfolio and performance management: Translate RIE Data System strategy into prioritised initiatives/use cases, oversee and track progress and performance to ensure delivery of intended outcomes.

3. Governance and Secretariat Support: Implement governance structure and perform Secretariat functions for RIE Data System meetings e.g. cross teams and governance committees.

1. Grant programme development and strategy: Design and structure the RIE Data System Enduring Datasets grant call for the entire grant life cycle.

2. Coordinate strategic grant call: Work with A.STAR Office of Grant Administration (OGA) and other partners to implement and administer the grant, including secretariat support for the grant review committee.

3. Grant performance management: Provide active project management of funded teams and projects, and ensure strategic alignment of performance against RIE Data Systems objectives.

Job description

Grant programme development and management

1. Work with leadership to develop a comprehensive strategy and structure for the RIE Data System Enduring Datasets grant call. Design grant criteria, application processes, evaluation frameworks and funding mechanisms.

2. Develop processes and SOPs for grant call implementation including timeline development, stakeholder coordination and process management. Ensure grant programme aligns with strategic objectives of the RIE Data System and delivers intended outcomes.

Coordinate strategic grant call

1. Collaborate closely with A.STAR OGA to implement the grant call processes. Coordinate with external partners and stakeholders to ensure smooth programme delivery.

2. Provide secretariat support to the grant review committee. Manage committee processes, documentation and decision-making workflows. Collaborate closely with A.STAR OGA to ensure a transparent and robust evaluation processes.

Grant oversight and performance management

1. Provide desk head leadership for funded teams and projects. Maintain a close nexus with grant recipients and ensure active project management throughout the funding lifecycle.

2. Monitor grant awardee's strategic performance against objectives and KPIs. Conduct regular reviews, provide guidance to funded teams and escalate issues as required. Support project delivery and ensure strategic alignment and performance against RIE Data Systems objectives.

Job requirements

1. Minimum degree in relevant discipline such as Public Policy, Research Administration or related field. 3-5 years of experience in grant management, strategy development or programme management roles.
2. Proven experience in designing and implementing funding programmes or grant schemes. Strong project management and coordination skills.
3. Excellent stakeholder management abilities with experience working across multiple organisations and coordinating complex partnerships.
4. Experience in research funding, data initiatives or similar strategic programmes will be highly advantageous.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills to work effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and present complex policy matters clearly.
6. Strong ability to work autonomously in ambiguous environments whist building effective cross-functional partnerships.