Manager (City Network and Knowledge Exchange)

[What the role is]

We are seeking an officer to join URA's Architecture and Urban Design Group to contribute to initiatives that strengthen Singapore's urban environment, advance design excellence and promote international learning and collaboration.

The officer will support the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize (LKYWCP), a biennial international award recognising cities for outstanding achievements in creating liveable, sustainable and well-planned urban environments. Beyond the Prize, the programme promotes learning among cities through research, knowledge sharing, leadership programmes and international engagement.

The officer will help develop and sustain the LKYWCP Network by building partnerships with international cities, urban leaders and institutions, and organising programmes that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration. The role will also contribute to URA's wider architecture and urban design initiatives, including international engagement, capability building and industry partnerships.

[What you will be working on]

City Network Programme

·  Develop and deliver year-round knowledge-sharing programmes, including leadership programmes, city exchanges, roundtables, workshops and practitioner engagements.

·  Design programmes around priority urban issues, identify suitable cities and experts, and manage activities from planning through delivery and follow-up.

·  Coordinate programme logistics, procurement and contract administration, working with vendors and stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery.

·  Develop and maintain relationships with international cities, urban leaders, professional organisations, Institutes of Higher Learning and other partners.

·  Build a pipeline of partnerships and sustain engagement with participating and prospective cities beyond the biennial Prize cycle.

·  Capture programme outcomes and lessons to support future collaboration and knowledge sharing.

International Engagement and Coordination

·  Prepare research, background briefs and talking points for senior management engagements with international city leaders and organisations.

·  Coordinate international engagements with URA teams and partner agencies, and identify opportunities for further collaboration and knowledge exchange.

International City Award and Programme Delivery

·  Support the biennial LKYWCP cycle, including research, preparation of assessment materials, evaluation visits and reports.

·  Coordinate with participating cities, nominators, evaluators and other stakeholders throughout the award cycle.

·  Support key programme milestones and events with MND, CLC and other partners, and contribute to improvements in programme delivery.

Architecture, Urban Design & Wider Team Responsibilities

·  Contribute to studies and initiatives that advance architecture, urban design, design excellence and high-quality public spaces.

·  Support industry engagement, design competitions, capability-building programmes and other initiatives that promote design quality and innovation.

·  Research international planning and design practices, translating relevant lessons into insights for URA's work.

·  Work with multidisciplinary teams and support related research, engagement and programme responsibilities across the Architecture and Urban Design portfolio.

[What we are looking for]

·  A good degree or postgraduate qualification in urban planning, architecture, urban design, international relations, public policy, communications, social sciences or a related discipline.

·  Relevant experience in international engagement, partnership development, programme management or stakeholder engagement would be useful.

·  Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

·  Good writing, presentation, organisational and project-management skills.

·  Strong interest in cities, urban development, architecture and urban design.

·  Proactive, adaptable and able to work independently and collaboratively across different workstreams.