Job Description

The HHP MISSION initiative is a new mission-driven translational funding platform within the Human Health and Potential (HHP) domain under RIE2030. It is designed to support industry-aligned research programmes with a 5–10-year path to impact, spanning both targeted, investigator-led grant-funded projects (Stream 1) and larger, actively-managed mission oriented programmes (Stream 2). Anchored on therapeutics and medical technologies, MISSION aims to drive upstream translation and build a coherent, outcome-oriented portfolio that delivers economic impact for Singapore.

As Director of the MISSION Programme Office (PO), you will serve as the operational and strategic integrator for MISSION. You will build and lead the organisational platform that enables effective execution across both Stream 1 and Stream 2, ensuring strong governance, operational excellence, and coordination across stakeholders. Working closely with the Portfolio Director, Programme Directors, and Grants Administration, you will ensure that systems, processes, and structures are in place to support disciplined, outcome-driven programme delivery, while enabling scientific leadership to focus on translational impact.

Responsibilities:

• Support the development and refinement of scientific problem statements, translational hypotheses, and portfolio strategy, in collaboration with the Portfolio Director and Steering Committee, ensuring alignment with industry needs and viable development pathways.
• Provide operational and strategic leadership to drive effective execution of MISSION programmes across both Stream 1 (grant-based projects) and Stream 2 (mission programmes), ensuring alignment with overall portfolio objectives.
• Support portfolio coherence by identifying synergies, gaps, and overlaps across programmes, and contributing to prioritisation and portfolio rebalancing decision led by the Portfolio Director.
• Establish and oversee governance frameworks, including scientific reviews, milestone tracking, and go/no-go decision processes to ensure programmes remain outcome-focused and scientifically robust.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, workflows, and administrative processes to enable efficient programme execution.
• Lead programme administration and execution support across MISSION, ensuring Programme Directors are effectively supported in delivering programme objectives.
• Oversee coordination with legal, procurement, HR, and finance functions to enable compliant and efficient contracting, resource deployment, and programme operations.
• Establish robust systems for programme tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring, including budget oversight and risk management.
• Lead and develop the Strategic Office team, building capabilities in programme management, operations, and portfolio analytics to support effective delivery of MISSION objectives.
• Support ecosystem engagement and partnership development by working with Programme Directors and stakeholders across industry, academia, and translational platforms to enable downstream value realisation.

Job Requirements:

• Degree in biomedical sciences, engineering, or a related field from a reputable university. Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) preferred.
• Proven experience in programme strategy, operations, or portfolio management within research, innovation, or translational environments.
• Strong ability to integrate scientific, operational, and strategic considerations to drive execution in complex, multi-stakeholder settings.
• Experience in establishing governance frameworks, operational systems, and programme management processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate across diverse stakeholders, including public sector agencies, research performers, and industry partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific and operational inputs into structured decision-making.
• Track record in leading teams and building organisational capabilities in high-performance, mission-driven environments.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and drive alignment across organisations.