Manager, Office & Finance (A*STAR Grand Health Challenge Research Institute)

Singapore is undergoing a rapid demographic transition towards a super-aged society, creating both a pressing need and a valuable opportunity to invest in research that helps our population age well. The Maximising Healthy and Successful Longevity Grand Challenge is the first biomedical Grand Challenge to be funded under Singapore's RIE2030 plan (FY2026–2030), reflecting the national commitment to evidence-based research that helps address the challenges of an ageing society.

The Programme's central goal is to extend the healthspan of Singaporeans — helping people live with sustained brain and physical function for as long as possible. It is organised around two overlapping focus areas: Brain Health (reducing the incidence of cognitive impairment and progression to dementia) and Physical Function (reducing the decline of functional capacity and addressing physical frailty among older adults).

The Programme's research portfolio spans foundational data infrastructure (including a longitudinal longevity cohort with deep phenotyping), basic discovery science, socio-environmental determinants and innovations, the application of AI and technology, and validation and test-bedding to translate research into real-world implementation. 

The Programme is guided by a scientific leadership team led by Executive Director spanning multiple domains relevant to healthy longevity research. This is complemented by a central Programme Office that coordinates activities across research teams and institutions, and works closely with implementation partners across healthcare, community, industry and policy sectors.

The Role:

This role ensures the Programme Office's financial and administrative operations run smoothly and in full compliance with funding governance requirements, providing a solid operational foundation for the Programme's research activities.

• Oversee the day-to-day financial administration of the Programme, including budget tracking, disbursement of funds across award recipients, and financial reporting in line with funding governance requirements.
• Work in close partnership with the host organisation’s finance and procurement policy requirements
• Manage general office administration for the Programme Office, including procurement, vendor and contractor management, records management, and coordination of Programme Office logistics.
• Support the preparation of financial reports and audit documentation for the Programme's Advisory Committee and relevant governance layers, given the Programme's funding of up to S$250 million over RIE2030.
• Maintain accurate tracking of expenditure against the Programme's research portfolio, flagging variances or risks to the Programme Office Directors in a timely manner.
• Support onboarding and administrative processes for new award recipients, research teams, and Programme Office staff.
• Ensure the Programme Office's administrative and financial processes comply with relevant institutional, national and funding body policies.

The Requirement:

• A degree in finance, accountancy, business administration, or a related field.
• Several years of relevant experience in finance and/or office administration, ideally within a research, academic, or grant-funded environment.
• Strong working knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting and compliance processes, particularly in relation to grant or research funding.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with financial and office management systems (e.g. accounting software, procurement platforms).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to support multiple stakeholders across the Programme Office.
• Min 6 years of relevant finance and/or office administration experience, preferred with awareness of the research or grant funding landscape