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Assistant Director (Liveability, Sustainability & Infrastructure)

Ministry of Defence of Singapore Singapore Added on Sep 10, 2026
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As the Assistant Director for naval base development at Changi, you will be the primary architect of human-centric and environmentally resilient military infrastructure. You will oversee large-scale projects from design to completion, ensuring that every working space prioritizes the well-being of personnel while meeting strict environmental standards. Your day-to-day involves bridging the gap between technical construction requirements and long-term sustainability frameworks.

This role is a unique opportunity to embed climate adaptation and resource management into the bedrock of Singapore’s national security infrastructure. By navigating the intersection of military operations and green building initiatives, you directly contribute to the nation’s decarbonization goals and the long-term resilience of critical maritime assets against rising sea levels and energy shifts.

This suits someone who possesses a deep background in infrastructure project management and a passion for creating high-quality, livable environments within complex, high-security operational settings.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to serve as the subject matter expert for Liveability, Sustainability, and Infrastructure (LSI) within naval base developments. You will be responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of base development projects, ensuring they comply with national standards and meet internal quality-of-life benchmarks. Your responsibilities include incorporating welfare considerations into design, managing resource efficiency, and monitoring workplace conditions during construction. You will also lead the integration of climate adaptation measures, such as renewable energy sources and environmental protection, into long-term infrastructure planning.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain unparalleled experience in large-scale public infrastructure within a unique defense context. You will learn how to apply national sustainability frameworks like the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to specialized military environments, which present distinct technical and security challenges. Additionally, the role offers exposure to cutting-edge climate resilience strategies, including sea-level rise adaptation and advanced resource management. The cross-functional nature of the DXO scheme also provides mentorship and professional development in policy governance and strategic stakeholder management.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate should have at least six years of professional experience, with a significant portion dedicated to infrastructure project management or LSI domains. An educational background in fields such as Building Infrastructure, Environmental Protection, or Climate Resilience is highly preferred. You should possess strong critical thinking skills to navigate complex policy frameworks and the communication ability to influence both civilian contractors and military leadership. A deep understanding of how physical environments impact human performance and well-being is essential for success in this role.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the dual-use nature of this role: balancing operational military requirements with progressive sustainability goals. Highlight specific projects where you have successfully integrated green building standards into complex or restricted environments. Tailor your resume to show your ability to manage governance and advisory oversight. Since this role requires navigating large-scale project management within existing policy frameworks, providing examples of how you have streamlined internal procedures or achieved compliance under tight constraints will be highly valued.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on environmental protection and climate resilience within the built environment. This includes managing energy efficiency, exploring alternative energy sources, and ensuring that naval bases can withstand long-term climate changes like extreme heat and rising waters. There is also a strong social sustainability component centered on liveability. You will focus on creating spaces that foster employee engagement and well-being, ensuring that the infrastructure supports the physical and mental health of the personnel stationed there.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is balancing operational readiness with sustainability targets. Military bases have specific technical and security requirements that may sometimes conflict with standard green building practices, requiring creative problem-solving and negotiation. You will also need to master the complexity of multiple stakeholders, ranging from site contractors to high-ranking military officials. Navigating these diverse interests while ensuring that long-term LSI goals are not sidelined by short-term construction pressures is a significant task.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a site inspection at Changi to monitor workplace conditions and construction progress, followed by a meeting with base designers to review climate adaptation features. You will likely spend time analyzing energy usage data or resource management plans to ensure they align with national goals. The afternoon could involve advisory sessions with senior leadership to provide governance oversight on infrastructure policy. You will also be reviewing internal workflows and procedures to ensure the LSI team is operating efficiently and meeting all regulatory compliance markers.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers a clear path to senior leadership within the Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme. Successful performance can lead to broader policy-making roles within MINDEF or lateral moves into different job functions like defense policy or corporate communications. Given the high visibility of sustainability within the Singapore Government's agenda, this position places you at the forefront of a critical national priority. The expertise gained here is highly transferable to large-scale urban planning, ESG consultancy, or international defense infrastructure roles.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with military counterparts to understand their operational needs and how base infrastructure can support them. You will also manage relationships with external building contractors, architects, and environmental consultants who execute the construction projects. Internal stakeholders include senior management within MINDEF for policy alignment and colleagues within the DXO scheme across various functions. Engaging with national sustainability agencies to ensure naval base projects are in sync with broader Singaporean environmental goals is also a key component of the role.

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