Senior Specialist, Biodiversity Regulations and Compliance

Create and support the establishment of a biodiversity compliance policy, standards, and procedures; Assist with the implementation of biodiversity-specific regulatory, monitoring, and enforcement programs; Implement biodiversity reporting from regulated entities and audits to achieve net-positive performance; Support socio-ecological resilience outcomes through compliance integration into broader work programs.

• Biodiversity Policy, Standards, and Procedures
• Biodiversity Monitoring, Assessment, and Reporting
• Implementation of Regulatory Programs and Protocols
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Readiness for Activation
• Support, review, and improve regulatory instruments related to protected habitat and species, biosecurity, invasive species, wildlife trade, OEMs, and other topics as required
• Oversee and implement strategic compliance assessments, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting across NEOM’s biodiversity assets to support net positive outcomes
• Establish, review, and improve criteria and certification of a registry of managed and/or banned wildlife and products to meet regulatory requirements
• Establish, review and improve criteria and certification of regulated sectors affecting biodiversity performance (e.g., aquaculture, shipping, masterplans)
• Implement regulatory programs in collaboration with NEOM Authority departments (e.g., Nature Conservation, Customs, Security, Marine Mobility)
• Support broader socio-ecological resilience outcomes across NEOM through strategic integration of compliance into broader work programs
• Utilize AI, technology, and innovative approaches to enhance biodiversity monitoring and regulatory compliance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES:

• Biodiversity Regulations Compliance
• Review, and improve regulatory compliance related to protected habitat and species, biosecurity, invasive species, wildlife trade, and other topics as required
• Establish, review, and improve criteria and certification of a registry of managed and/or banned wildlife and products to meet regulatory requirements
• Oversee and implement strategic compliance assessments, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting across NEOM’s biodiversity assets to support net positive outcomes
• Support the establishment of biodiversity baseline and long-term monitoring programs across NEOM and specifically in Master plan areas.
• Support the establishment of conservation targets, and planning/management tools to support environmental assessment and permitting
• Support, review, and improve criteria and certification of regulated sectors affecting biodiversity performance (e.g., aquaculture, shipping, marinas)
• Implement regulatory compliance programs in collaboration with NEOM Authority departments (e.g., Nature Conservation, Customs, Security, Marine Mobility)
• Support regulatory sub-instruments and programs for regulated (non-development) activities
• Initiate and maintain stakeholder engagement to support the transition
• Achieve readiness for activation
• Support Department-wide transition planning
• Operational assets and systems

1. Identify and procure/implement assets and systems required to execute the Division functions and mandates (e.g., equipment/technology, services, software tools, databases, and registries)

Protocols and governance

• • Support the development of governance and processes for the internal compliance operating model, defining standard operating procedures, technological progression pathways, and adaptive management for improvement

Stakeholder engagement and agreements

• • Develop and maintain effective relationships with Masterplan proponents to support compliance functionality and adherence
  • Support broader socio-ecological resilience outcomes across NEOM through strategic integration of compliance into broader work programs
  • Identify areas where cooperation and agreements are needed to provide services in the interim period and identify segregation of duties for interim service delivery
  • Identify Base Economy entities and develop processes to communicate and liaise with key points of contact in the Base Economy for Division activities and actions

Innovation and technology

Utilize AI, technology, and innovative approaches to enhance

• ambient environmental monitoring;
• wildlife monitoring; and
• environmental and social assessment; and
• compliance monitoring and inspections; and
• risk and emergency management.

BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

The Senior Specialist of Biodiversity Compliance should have a proven track record in compliance strategic development and practical application, having worked under an advanced regulatory system.

The candidate must have:

• 5-10 years of experience in compliance management, protected area or OECM operations management and design and implementation with at least 3 years of experience in a senior position.
• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing biodiversity policy and action plans
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications and Experience.

A degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or other relevant experience in this area is preferred.

Benefits

• Free Accommodation.
• Free Laundry and housekeeping.
• Free transportation.
• 2 flights per month domestic round trip.
• 1 Annual Travel Allowance.
• Relocation Flight.
• Free Meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner ).
• Schooling – 60K SAR per child up to 3 children.
• Bonus 20-30% annual (performance based).
• Savings Plan ( Long-term incentive plan ).
• Medical insurance ( VVIP health coverage), for Employees, Family & Parents.
• Annual Leave 30 working days annual.
• Remote Working 24 working days annual.