Foreign Service Officer (Functional and Corporate)
Job description, requirements, application details, and officer stories for the Foreign Service Officer (Functional and Corporate) position.
Last updated 25 November 2025
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"My career in MFA has given me the opportunity to gain a broad range of experience. As the Administrative Secretary in the Singapore Embassy in Ankara, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Embassy. This includes managing local staff, and maintaining and improving the Chancery's infrastructure, facilities and security. I also assist overseas Singaporeans requiring consular assistance, as well as make logistical arrangements for visits by Singaporean officials. Previously in HQ, I was in the Human Resource Directorate where I handled recruitment matters. I was also in the Development Partnerships Directorate which develops and coordinates programmes to share Singapore's development experience with government officials from fellow developing countries."
Koh Ling Ying
First Secretary (Admin & Consular)
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore, Turkey
Your role in MFA HQ
As a Foreign Service Officer (Functional and Corporate), you formulate, review and implement policies that impact MFA’s vital operations in core functions such as:
Consular: Provide assistance to distressed Singaporeans overseas
Corporate Affairs: Manage MFA’s organisational needs and resources across administration, logistics, finance and infrastructure
Human Resource: Formulate, review and implement HR policies and strategies to attract and develop human capital
Protocol: Facilitate State formalities and courtesies, organise high-level official visits and meetings, and manage diplomatic privileges and immunities
Development Partnerships: Collaborate with local and international partners to design, organise and showcase capacity-building courses and training programmes under the Singapore Cooperation Programme to share Singapore's expertise and developmental experience with foreign government officials
Your role abroad
Overseas, you serve as an Administrative Secretary where you will manage a team to ensure the smooth functioning of an overseas mission. Your responsibilities range from office administration and consular duties, to finance, procurement and human resources, to property management. As a diplomat representing Singapore overseas, you are also expected to network, cultivate, and maintain diplomatic ties on the ground by facilitating visits and exchanges to safeguard and 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 (Functional and Corporate)
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.
