Deputy Director (Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards CapDev Dept)

[What the role is]

The Radiation Protection and Nuclear Science Group in the National Environment Agency (NEA) is the national authority for radiation protection in Singapore and serves to protect the public, radiation workers and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. Its Nuclear Safety Division is responsible for developing capabilities, plans and ecosystems to support national nuclear safety & security assessment, radiological emergency response, and nuclear regulatory development efforts. The division is also responsible for ensuring that Singapore fulfils its obligations to international conventions and agreements with respect to the safe and peaceful use of nuclear material and technology.

Singapore is studying the potential deployment of nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy strategy. Singapore will also need to prepare for the possibility of nuclear power deployment by other countries in the region. These endeavours involve conducting comprehensive studies and developing technical capabilities with respect to nuclear safety, security and safeguards (3S).

You will be a key member of the team that will play a pivotal role in developing core capabilities necessary to (i) assess the safety and security performance of advanced nuclear energy technologies, (ii) develop drawer plans for 3S requirements, standards and acceptance criteria for a potential nuclear power programme, and (iii) ensure that Singapore adheres to international nuclear 3S obligations.

This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of Singapore’s nuclear energy journey.

[What you will be working on]

Nuclear is a complex and emotive topic, and requires a diverse range of expertise to fully assess its implications for Singapore.

By joining this team, you will have the opportunity to shape Singapore’s nuclear regulatory landscape, collaborate with international experts, and contribute to nuclear safety, security, safeguards and radiation protection capability building efforts domestically and regionally.

Functional Responsibilities

Capability development. As the head of N3SD, you will be responsible for leading a team to conduct studies and build capabilities in the following areas:

• Safety. Conduct safety analysis, and develop technical competencies to potentially assess, license and inspect nuclear installations; Develop and translate safety criteria into regulatory requirements; and perform regulatory safety studies and reviews for advanced nuclear energy technologies of interest.

• Security. Develop technical requirements with respect to the security of nuclear materials and installations; and fulfil existing international security obligations. Assess and advance Singapore’s nuclear security-related interests at international, regional (including ASEAN) and bilateral platforms.

• Safeguards. Develop drawer plans, processes and tools for safeguards enhancements, including building capabilities in safeguards inspections and accountancy; and fulfil existing international safeguards obligations.

Department Management Responsibilities

Department Head. As the Head of the N3SD, you will be required to: 

• Manage overall operations, budget and welfare of the department. This includes planning and allocating resources to fulfil the team’s goals efficiently and effectively.

• Supervise your teammates to ensure projects are delivered within budget, on schedule and of high standards. This includes planning, implementing and maintaining work processes that would enable the optimum performance of the team.

• Motivating your teammates and developing the team’s capabilities. This includes (1) developing and communicating professional career development and training plans for teammates, (2) setting clear goals and expectations, (3) engaging, coaching, guiding and providing constructive feedback to encourage personal and professional growth, (4) fostering strong teamwork among teammates and (5) translating management directives and visions into actionable tasks for the team.

[What we are looking for]

The job might be for you if you possess:

• Experience and /or qualifications in engineering

• Applicants should have about 10 years of working and team leadership experience.

• Excellent analytical, coordination and communication (written and verbal) skills are critical for this position.

• Cross-functional coordination and cultural competence in bilateral, regional and international environments.

• The candidate must be able to represent NEA in communicating with internal and external stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

• The candidate must be able to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• We are looking for a committed team player, with a strong interest to shape Singapore’s nuclear regulatory landscape.

Applicants will be updated on the status of their applications within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.