Director, Research and Advocacy

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Planning

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

• 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.

• Lead and implement advocacy strategies and initiatives to support and achieve the desired outcomes of SCWO’s NGO work groups.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 of3 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.

• 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.