Manager (Urban Intelligence)

[What the role is]

We are seeking an officer to join URA's Architecture and Urban Design Group to contribute to initiatives that strengthen Singapore's urban environment, advance design excellence and promote international learning and collaboration.

The officer will support the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize (LKYWCP), a biennial international award recognising cities for outstanding achievements in creating liveable, sustainable and well-planned urban environments. Beyond the Prize, the programme promotes learning among cities through research, knowledge sharing, leadership programmes and international engagement.

The officer will develop and apply data-driven and AI-enabled tools to improve how urban knowledge is gathered, analysed and used for planning and decision-making. This includes developing user-friendly digital solutions to support city research, evaluation and knowledge management, while contributing to URA's wider architecture and urban design work.

[What you will be working on]

Urban Intelligence, AI & Digital Tools

· Develop and apply data-driven and AI-enabled tools to support urban research, city scanning, knowledge management and decision-making.

· Develop user-friendly digital tools and workflows that integrate information from documents, datasets, APIs and other relevant sources.

· Translate user requirements into practical tool specifications, and support the development, testing and refinement of digital solutions.

· Work with internal teams, public-sector partners and vendors on technical requirements, and explore emerging AI capabilities to improve research and analytical workflows.

Urban Research & Knowledge Management

· Research cities, urban developments, planning and design approaches, emerging trends and international best practices to inform urban intelligence tools and studies.

· Develop research methodologies, indicators and assessment frameworks for city scanning, comparative analysis and evaluation.

· Identify, validate and maintain relevant data and knowledge resources, including city profiles, case studies, urban projects and thematic studies.

· Translate research findings and international learning into insights and analytical tools that support city evaluation, planning, urban design and policy development.

International City Award and Programme Delivery

· Support the biennial LKYWCP cycle, including research on participating cities, evaluation of nominations and preparation of assessment materials.

· Prepare city profiles, comparative analyses, briefing materials and evaluation reports for evaluation panels and senior stakeholders.

· Support evaluation visits, including coordination with participating cities, preparation of itineraries and documentation of findings.

· Support programme milestones, conferences and leadership activities, working with relevant agencies and partners.

Architecture, Urban Design & Wider Team Responsibilities

· Contribute to research and initiatives that advance architecture, urban design, liveability, public space and design excellence in Singapore.

· Support the development of planning and urban design research, frameworks and tools, working with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.

· Undertake related research, programme and coordination responsibilities within the wider Architecture and Urban Design portfolio.

[What we are looking for]

· A good degree or postgraduate qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, Human-Computer Interaction or a related discipline. Candidates from other disciplines with relevant digital or AI development experience may also be considered.

· Comfortable using generative AI and AI-assisted development tools to build and refine digital solutions.

· Good understanding of UX/UI and user-centred design, with the ability to translate user needs into intuitive tools.

· Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesise information from different sources.

· Good communication and teamwork skills, with an interest in cities, planning, urban design and technology applications.

· Adaptable and willing to learn, with the ability to contribute to a broader range of research, planning, design and programme work.