Technical Director - Para Swimming / Para Athletics / Boccia (Full-Time, Contract 2+2 Years)

ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking for experienced and accomplished Technical Directors to join the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) — at a pivotal moment for Singapore para sport. With ambitious Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games targets on the horizon, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape an elite programme from the ground up and deliver results on both a home stage and the world stage. The Technical Director serves as the senior technical authority and Lead Coach Developer for their sport —Para Swimming, Para Athletics, or Boccia. You will lead the design and oversight of a world-class high performance programme, drive the integration of evidence-based coaching and sport science, and build Singapore’s coaching capability from development level through to elite. You will also contribute to athlete pathway and talent pipeline activities, working closely with the High Performance Manager across the full performance continuum. The specific sport will be confirmed at the point of appointment. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Programme Leadership • Lead and implement a world-class individualised high performance programme, grounded in innovative, evidence-based coaching, sport science, and sport medicine practices. • Develop and maintain quadrennial and annual Performance and Pathway Plans, including detailed plans for identified athletes and clear benchmarks aligned to major Games cycles. • Establish and maintain Daily Training Environment (DTE) standards that support elite athlete development, progression, and performance. • Drive the integration of sport science, sport medicine, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology into training design and competition preparation. • Set, monitor, and review KPIs for the national squad, benchmarking progress against multi-year targets and international competitors. • Develop and implement selection criteria and measurable performance standards, including squad entry, retention, and Games selection benchmarks. Athlete Development & Support • Provide technical oversight of individual athlete programmes, ensuring training plans are evidence-based, athlete-centred, and aligned with each athlete’s classification, event, and impairment profile. • Oversee athlete well-being, actively contributing to a positive, inclusive, and safe sporting environment and culture. • Support athlete classification processes: advise the High Performance Manager on classification status and liaise with international classifiers to ensure athletes are competition-ready. • Play an active role in talent identification and transfer activities, working with the High Performance Manager. • Lead LTPAD model implementation, advising on athlete transitions from development cohorts into the national programme. Coach Development (Lead Coach Developer) • Design and implement a structured coaching development framework for the assigned sport, from community level through to elite. • Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and performance feedback to Head Coaches and National Development Coaches. • Organise and lead workshops, on-deck/trackside/court-side training sessions, seminars, and certification opportunities. • Lead the sharing of knowledge, experience, and expertise across all coaches and practitioners within the national programme. • Develop a transparent coaching pathway that supports talent identification, coach retention, and long-term programme sustainability. Competition and Major Games • Provide technical leadership and coaching presence at major international competitions and training camps, including ASEAN Para Games, Asian Para Games, Paralympic Games, and relevant World Championships. • Contribute to competition strategy, event selection, and team delegation composition for major championships. • Advise on sport-specific equipment preparation and requirements for competition. Stakeholder Engagement • Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the relevant international federation and other bodies, staying current on technical developments, rule changes, and best practice. • Represent SDSC at technical forums, international federation meetings, and coaching conferences. • Contribute to programme reports, strategic plans, and budget proposals. SPORT-SPECIFIC CONTEXT This role covers one of three sports. Key sport-specific context is summarised below. The assigned sport will be confirmed at the point of appointment; candidates are encouraged to indicate their sport background or preference in their application. 1. Para Swimming i. Federation: World Para Swimming ii. Scope: All sport classes; long & short course iii. Sport science specifics: Sport science, S&C; sports psychology; sports medicine iv. Unique demands: NTC development; World Series calendar; growing squad v. Preferred background: Aquatics / para swimming HP; coaching qualification 2. Para Athletics i. Federation: World Para Athletics ii. Scope: Track & field; standing, VI & wheelchair iii. Sport science specifics: Sport science, S&C; sports psychology; sports medicine iv. Unique demands: Multi-discipline; adaptive equipment; guide/VI management v. Preferred background: Athletics / para athletics HP; biomechanics knowledge 3. Boccia i. Federation: BISFed ii. Scope: BC1–BC4; Singles, Pairs, Team iii. Sport science specifics: Sport science, S&C; sports psychology; sports medicine iv. Unique demands: Sports assistants; specialist equipment; high-support athletes v. Preferred background: Boccia HP background valued CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS Qualifications & Experience • An internationally recognised coaching qualification or demonstrated and successful track record of coaching para athletes, across multiple classifications, at the highest level to medal success at Paralympic Games and/or World Championships in the relevant sport. • Additional qualifications or expertise in sport science, biomechanics, or performance analysis are advantageous. • Minimum 8 years of high performance coaching or technical leadership experience, including significant experience at the international para sport level. • Deep working knowledge of the relevant federation’s classification systems, technical rules, and competition calendars. • Proven ability to design and deliver integrated, evidence-based HP programmes incorporating sport science and holistic athlete development. • Demonstrated experience and cultural competence in engaging and developing coaches at the high performance level. • Strong knowledge of para athlete development frameworks and WADA anti-doping regulations. Skills & Competencies Required Skills • Technical Coaching Expertise • Communication Skills • Works Independently • Leadership & Mentoring • Stakeholder Management • Programme Planning Preferred / good-to-have skills • HP Programme Management • Para / Disability Sport • Athlete Development & TID • DTE Design & Monitoring • Classification Literacy • Coach Development • Sport Science Application • Performance Analysis • Biomechanics (Athletics) • OT / Allied Health (Boccia) • Equipment Expertise • Anti-Doping Compliance HOW TO APPLY Submit your CV and a cover letter (including your current and expected salary, and the sport you are applying for or have experience in) to: sdsc.hr@sdsc.org.sg Subject line: Application – Technical Director [Sport] e.g. Application – Technical Director Para Swimming Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. SDSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.