Policy Officer (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

Policy Officers in the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) assist in planning, developing and evaluating Government policies to address social and family issues.

Policy Officer Job Description

Analyse current policy issues and trends to ensure policies are relevant and up to date.

Collect on-the-ground information to help with policy formation.

Propose policy actions and draft policy papers for approval.

Manage the end-to-end activities for policy implementation.

Gather feedback from management and stakeholders for policy evaluation.

Monitor policies implemented to ensure they are being upheld.

Note

Policy Officers in Singapore shape public policy, ensuring it aligns with national objectives and societal needs, playing a crucial role in the city-state's governance and development.

What you should know about Policy Officer jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

As Policy Officers, you’ll work in schools, ministries and institutional settings to develop and implement policy research and analysis strategies.

Key Advice

As students, you can already apply for an internship programme! MSF offers a Student Internship Programme for students from any background.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Stay updated on MSF initiatives in family, childhood, and student care. Resources are available on their website and social media.

Have good planning and organisation skills, which are useful skills to have when developing and evaluating policies.

Educate yourself on topics such as rehabilitation and protection for families, early childhood development and student care.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Policy Officer career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Social Policy Development

Expertise in drafting and planning social policies and understanding societal needs is essential.

Social Policy Implementation

Skilled in implementing social policies, resource allocation, and logistics management.

Social Policy Evaluation

Skill in evaluating social policies through data analysis and outcome reporting.

Soft Skills

Communication

Skilled in clear verbal/written communication with stakeholders, teams and the public.

Sense Making

The ability to interpret complex information, identify key issues, and make informed decisions.

Interpersonal Skills

Skilled in building relationships, teamwork, and conflict management for program success.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is a policy?

A policy can be thought of as an action adopted by an organisation or individual, typically after background research and a thorough assessment of the issue they are managing. One such example is The Racial Quota, which aims to promote a balanced mix of the various ethnic communities in HDB towns (Ethnic Integration Policy).
Do Policy Officers in Singapore have a desk-bound job?

Not completely. While Policy Officers do need to assist managers in drafting the policy papers, they still have to conduct research to identify problems within the community. This will mean collecting information from the ground, which includes observing and interviewing members of society.
Which industries can Policy Officers work in?

They can work in various industries including, Government Departments, Non-profit Organisations, International Organisations and Consulting Firms.
Why are Policy Officers' job important?

There are a few reasons, one of which plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of policies within an organisation, as they conduct research, analyse data and provide recommendations to decision-makers.
Do Policy Officers work alone?

No, they often work as part of a team within a government department or organisation.