(Senior) Assistant Director (Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Office) (2-year Contract)

What the role is

The Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Office (AMRCO) was established by MOH in 2018 to oversee the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The NSAP aims to combat AMR in Singapore through collective One Health efforts across the human, animal, food, and environment sectors.

As part of the team, the AD/SAD supports the Head and Deputy Head of AMRCO in implementing the National Strategic Action Plan on AMR.  This is achieved through coordinating actions with all relevant stakeholders pertaining to the five core strategies of the NSAP: (1) Education, (2) Surveillance & Risk Assessment, (3) Research, (4) Prevention & Control of infection, and (5) Optimisation of antimicrobial use. Our stakeholders include those within NCID, relevant ministries, government agencies and institutions in Singapore, in private and public sectors, as well as regional and international partners.

You will be involved in formulating and implementing strategies/policies to achieve the aim of the NSAP on AMR. You will be working alongside a team with varied skills and backgrounds, but with common goals to (i) reduce the emergence of AMR, (ii) prevent the spread of drug resistant pathogens, and (iii) preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials. You will also be part of a multi-sectoral national AMR Secretariat that serves to drive action across sectors.

You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that would require the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

What you will be working on

Job responsibilities

1. Plan, coordinate and drive implementation the NSAP on AMR; monitor and evaluate progress towards goals;
2. Develop evidence-based strategies to achieve the objectives and aims of the NSAP on AMR; review and refine strategies as needed to improve effectiveness.
3. Work with One Health agencies to establish a One Health AMR surveillance system that integrates data across the human, animal, food, and environment sectors.
4. Support the development of a One Health communications and education strategy on AMR.
5. Serve as part of the One Health AMR Workgroup Secretariat.

What are we looking for?

Job Requirements

• Required skills and experience, if any
• Attributes and aptitude

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary public health, public health, microbiology, One Health or other related fields. Post-graduate qualification in a relevant scientific discipline is preferred; applicants without post-graduate qualifications but with relevant work experience may also be considered.
• At least 5 years’ experience working in a local agency or institution in one or more of the following sectors: public health, animal health, food & agriculture, or environmental health; preferably in roles related to infectious disease surveillance, prevention, control or communication.
• At least 3 years’ experience in public policy development and review.
• Technical understanding/experience of AMR and One Health principles will be valuable.
• Experience working on regional (e.g., ASEAN) and international platforms (e.g., FAO, WHO, WOAH, UNEP) will be an advantage.

Attitudes & Attributes

• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional or multi-sectoral teams.
• Excellent business writing and verbal communication skills. (Note: Candidates may be required to demonstrate proficiency.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.

Other requirements

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.