Foreign Service Officer (Political and Economic)
Job description, requirements, application details, and officer stories for the Foreign Service Officer (Political and Economic) position.
Last updated 20 November 2025
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"As a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), the job can be highly demanding but also equally rewarding. As diplomats, we are the eyes and ears for Singapore when posted overseas. When at post, as a Political FSO, among other roles, it is important to build a strong and diverse network of contacts who can help you forge a better understanding of your host country and developments on the ground."
Mridhula Pillay
Deputy Director
Strategic Communications Directorate
Your role in MFA HQ
As a Foreign Service Officer (Political and Economic), you will analyse, report and give policy advice on geopolitical developments concerning Singapore’s strategic interests. You will be assigned to manage Singapore’s bilateral or multilateral relations and your responsibilities could include:
Analysing and reporting on global developments in real time, and interpreting their implications on Singapore’s strategic interests
Providing assessments that shape Singapore’s foreign policy decisions
Promoting positive bilateral/multilateral relations through high-level visits and exchanges
Presenting and defending Singapore’s position on key geopolitical issues, including bilateral and multilateral negotiations
Networking to cultivate and maintain close ties with influential individuals around the world
Managing MFA’s corporate communications and media relations, and disseminating information on Singapore’s foreign policy
Your role abroad
Overseas, you serve as a Political Secretary where you will be tasked to report on political and economic developments of your host country, serving as the eyes, ears and voice of Singapore. You will be expected to network, cultivate, and maintain diplomatic ties on the ground, render assistance to distressed Singaporeans overseas, and facilitate visits and exchanges to advance Singapore’s interests.
Requirements
Singapore Citizen
A keen interest in international affairs
Versatile and adaptable to working overseas in different environments
Strong analytical skills and conceptual abilities
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong ability to engage people at all levels
Good planning and organisational skills
Creative problem-solvers who are able to think on their feet
Open to relocation overseas
Development opportunities
You will be equipped with essential knowledge, skills and diplomatic tradecraft through structured programmes, courses and on-the-job training. As you progress within the Ministry, a series of varied and enriching assignments and milestone programmes will groom you for future leadership roles.
Application process
Stage 1A - Online tests
You will receive a test link inviting you to complete a set of online reasoning and writing tests.
Stage 1B - Online roundtable discussion
This half-day session is meant for us to learn more about you, and you will also get the opportunity to participate in a group discussion on current affairs with fellow candidates. At the end of the session, you will be asked to complete a written assignment within 70 minutes.
Stage 2 - Assessment centre (In-person)
This is the most challenging but exciting component! You will be invited to MFA to attend our full-day AC, which comprises a series of tasks that simulate what Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) do. The AC will assess your competencies and fit for the FSO role.
Stage 3 - Panel interview (In-person)
Congratulations on making it this far! For this final stage, you will have the opportunity to meet with senior FSOs to further discuss your motivations and assess your fit for a career in the Foreign Service.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email at each stage.
Foreign Service Officer (Political and Economic)
Contact us
All applicants will be notified within four weeks of application whether they have been shortlisted.
If you have any queries, please contact us at mfa_career@mfa.gov.sg.
