Unit Head, Research Support and Grants Management (RSGM), Office for Research [NIE]

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (NIE)

The National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore, is Singapore’s national teacher education institute, and we are proud to be an integral part of the nation’s education service. We play a key role in the preparation of teachers and in the provision of teacher professional and school leadership development programmes. We are committed to our vision of being An Institute of Distinction: Leading the Future of Education, and our mission to Inspire Learning, Transform Teaching and Advance Research. Read more about NIE here.

NIE invites suitable applications for the position of Unit Head, Research Support and Grants Management, Office for Research. The Research Support and Grants Management Unit manages pre and post award administration of internal and external research grants, enabling NIE faculty to secure research funding and administer grants effectively in compliance with funding and institutional requirements.  The unit also oversees all Research Support functions in capacity building faculty staff.  As the Unit Head of RSGM, you will lead a team overseeing research support, grants management and administration and play a key leadership role in providing strategic oversight and direction in strengthening institutional research capabilities and drive NIE’s strategic research agenda.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Research Support and Grants Management Unit within the Office for Research.
• Work closely with the Dean, Associate Deans and Assistant Deans in strategic planning and implementation of research support and grants management initiatives.
• Ensure alignment of unit activities, processes and initiatives with NIE’s institutional priorities and research agenda.
• Bridge and integrate research support and grants management functions to ensure coherent and effective operations.
• Provide guidance and advisory support to team members on research support, grants administration and related operational matters.
• Liaise with academic departments, research centres, administrative units and external parties on grants-related matters.
• Oversee grants management compliance, audit readiness and adherence to funder and institutional guidelines.
• Prepare and present reports on grants matters, research funding and research support initiatives to senior management and stakeholders.
• Lead the planning, coordination and implementation of research support initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
• Represent the unit in roadshows, presentations and engagement sessions on research support initiatives.
• Work with academic departments to promote and implement research support programmes and related activities.
• Oversee the administration of Education Research Funding Programme (ERFP) and non-ERFP grant programmes.
• Coordinate research data management and governance matters where relevant.
• Drive process reviews and improvements, including the adoption of AI initiatives, to strengthen governance, operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Oversee and maintain standard operating procedures, ensuring workflows remain current and effective.
• Supervise, mentor and support the team to ensure operational excellence and strategic alignment.
• Plan team workload, support capacity building and promote continuous professional development.
• Support in any other duties, as assigned by the reporting officer.

Requirements

• A University Degree.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in research administration, grants management, research support, policy coordination, or a similar administrative leadership role.
• Knowledge of audit, risk, and compliance frameworks related to grants and research administration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to review processes and implement improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefs, presentations, and updates for senior management.
• A strong team lead who is highly motivated and also able to collaborate within and across teams.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications and administrative systems relevant to grants or research operations.

Closing Date 

19 June 2026. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Other Information

NIE staff can take chartered buses at their own expense from or near their home to the NIE campus. This is subject to the availability of seats.