Senior Specialist, Biodiversity Regulations and Compliance

Full Time
SA
Posted 1 year ago
Applications have closed

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

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