Foreign Service Officer (Functional and Corporate)

"My career in MFA has given me the opportunity to gain a broad range of experience. As the Administrative Secretary in the Singapore Embassy in Ankara, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Embassy. This includes managing local staff, and maintaining and improving the Chancery's infrastructure, facilities and security. I also assist overseas Singaporeans requiring consular assistance, as well as make logistical arrangements for visits by Singaporean officials. Previously in HQ, I was in the Human Resource Directorate where I handled recruitment matters. I was also in the Technical Cooperation Directorate which develops and coordinates programmes to share Singapore's development experience with government officials from fellow developing countries."

Koh Ling Ying 
First Secretary (Admin & Consular) 
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, Turkey

Your Role in MFA HQ

As a Foreign Service Officer (Functional and Corporate), you formulate, review and implement policies that impact MFA’s vital operations in core functions such as:

• Consular: Provide assistance to distressed Singaporeans overseas
• Corporate Affairs: Manage MFA’s organisational needs and resources across administration, logistics, finance and infrastructure
• Human Resource: Formulate, review and implement HR policies and strategies to attract and develop human capital
• Protocol: Facilitate State formalities and courtesies, organise high-level official visits and meetings, and manage diplomatic privileges and immunities
• Technical Cooperation: Collaborate with local and international partners to design, organise and showcase capacity-building courses and training programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme to share Singapore's expertise and developmental experience with foreign government officials

Your Role Abroad

Overseas, you serve as an Administrative Secretary where you will manage a team to ensure the smooth functioning of an overseas mission. Your responsibilities range from office administration and consular duties, to finance, procurement and human resources, to property management. As a diplomat representing Singapore overseas, you are also expected to network, cultivate, and maintain diplomatic ties on the ground by facilitating visits and exchanges to safeguard and advance Singapore’s interests.

Requirements

• Singapore Citizen
• A keen interest in international affairs
• Versatile and adaptable to working overseas in different environments
• Strong analytical skills and conceptual abilities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong ability to engage people at all levels
• Good planning and organisational skills
• Creative problem-solvers who are able to think on their feet
• Open to relocation overseas

Development Opportunities

You will be equipped with essential knowledge, skills and diplomatic tradecraft through structured programmes, courses and on-the-job training. As you progress within the Ministry, a series of varied and enriching assignments and milestone programmes will groom you for future leadership roles.

Application Process

Contact Us

To apply, please submit your application on Careers@Gov. All applicants will be notified within four weeks of application whether they have been shortlisted.

If you have any queries, please contact us at mfa_career@mfa.gov.sg.

Hear From Our Officers

"FSOs need to be flexible and quick on their feet to respond to dynamic situations. It is also important to be calm and empathetic, particularly when somebody is in a tough situation and requires Consular assistance.”

Read more...
Ignatius Tan
Deputy Director, Transformation 
Central Transformation and Development Unit 
(Former First Secretary (Admin & Consular), Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, Doha)

 

 

"Going on posting is an essential part of the FSO experience and career. It is also an honour and a privilege. You are not just working overseas, you are a diplomat representing Singapore."

 

Read more...
Sherry Lim
Assistant Director, Foreign Service Officer Recruitment 
Human Resource Directorate
(Former First Secretary (Admin & Consular), Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, Thailand)

 

"Beyond collaborating closely with domestic and international agencies to review policies, curate programmes and procure training vendors, I had the chance to interact with foreign government officials from all corners of the world as well as participate in enriching programme learning journeys."

 

Read more...
Ernest Tay
Technical Cooperation Officer, Foreign Service Officer
Technical Cooperation Directorate