Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior/Public Health Officer (System Monitoring & Evaluation)

at Singapore Government, Communicable Diseases Agency

🏢 About Singapore Government, Communicable Diseases Agency

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) is Singapore's central authority for public health policymaking, uniquely positioned as a statutory board under the Ministry of Health with a unified command approach from routine disease control to outbreak management. Working here offers the opportunity to directly strengthen national pandemic resilience within a Whole-of-Government framework that has global recognition for its effectiveness.

About This Role

This Senior/Public Health Officer role focuses on developing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to assess Singapore's pandemic capabilities and readiness. You'll translate evaluation findings into actionable plans to address gaps and coordinate International Health Regulations (IHR) implementation across multiple sectors, directly impacting national and global health security.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing data from various government agencies to assess pandemic readiness metrics, followed by meetings with multi-sectoral stakeholders to coordinate IHR implementation. You might spend afternoons developing evaluation frameworks or preparing recommendations for senior leadership based on monitoring findings, with regular collaboration with international partners to align Singapore's approaches with global health security priorities.

🎯 Who Singapore Government, Communicable Diseases Agency Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of hands-on experience in public health monitoring and evaluation, preferably with exposure to pandemic preparedness frameworks
  • Demonstrates practical familiarity with International Health Regulations (IHR) through previous work with government agencies or international health organizations
  • Possesses proven ability to coordinate complex multi-stakeholder initiatives, with specific experience bridging government agencies and international partners like WHO
  • Can provide concrete examples of translating evaluation findings into implemented public health measures or policies

📝 Tips for Applying to Singapore Government, Communicable Diseases Agency

1

Quantify your monitoring and evaluation experience with specific metrics (e.g., 'developed 3 evaluation frameworks assessing X capabilities' rather than 'experienced in M&E')

2

Explicitly mention any previous engagement with Singapore government agencies or familiarity with Whole-of-Government approaches in your resume

3

Highlight specific IHR-related projects or collaborations with WHO/other international partners in your work history section

4

Tailor your application to emphasize how your background aligns with CDA's mission of unified command and central authority in communicable diseases

5

Include any experience with pandemic preparedness exercises or outbreak response evaluations, even if not in a senior role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate understanding of CDA's unique position as Singapore's central communicable diseases authority and how your experience aligns with this mandate", "Provide a specific example of how you've translated evaluation findings into implemented measures or policies in public health", 'Detail your experience with multi-sectoral coordination, particularly between government agencies and international partners', "Explain how your familiarity with IHR has been applied in practical settings and how you would enhance Singapore's implementation"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Study Singapore's past pandemic responses (SARS, COVID-19) and how CDA's establishment addresses lessons learned
  • Review Singapore's current IHR implementation reports and identify potential areas for enhancement mentioned in WHO documents
  • Understand the Whole-of-Government approach in Singapore's context and how different ministries interact on health security
  • Research CDA's specific initiatives since its establishment and how this role might contribute to ongoing programs

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for public health capabilities - what metrics would you prioritize for pandemic resilience?
2 How would you approach coordinating IHR implementation across different government ministries and private sector stakeholders in Singapore?
3 Walk us through a time you identified gaps through evaluation and translated those findings into concrete preparedness measures
4 What strategies would you use to maintain effective collaboration with WHO and other international partners while advancing Singapore's specific needs?
5 How do you see this role contributing to CDA's mission of unified command from routine disease control to outbreak management?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting generic public health experience without specific examples related to monitoring/evaluation or pandemic preparedness
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of Singapore's unique government structure and Whole-of-Government approach
  • Using theoretical IHR knowledge without showing practical application or coordination experience with multiple stakeholders

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Singapore Government, Communicable Diseases Agency!