Manager - Marine Operation and Compliance

Position:  Marine Conservation Compliance and Operations Manager

Reports to:  Marine Protected Area Manager

Sector: Nature Reserve

Job Location: NEOM

Role Purpose:

Lead the development, coordination & implementation of the conservation compliance program, environmental outreach and development of governance structure for marine areas of NEOM Nature Reserve.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement NEOM’s Marine conservation compliance program in partnership with relevant maritime authorities (NEOM and base economy);
• Coordinate compliance and ranger operations, including management of security and emergency management partnerships, to ensure effective implementation of NEOM Nature Reserve Conservation Compliance Program;
• Liaise relevant authorities regarding joint compliance operations, program development and compliance training needs;
• Assist Marine Protected Area Manager to develop and implement governance frameworks to guide management of the NEOM marine protected area;
• Supervise Head Ranger in the assessment of marine training needs, development of training courses and capacity building for rangers;
• Develop and oversee best practice operational standards of conservation compliance, fisheries compliance and protected area patrols;
• Establish and maintain necessary conservation compliance operational infrastructure, including vessels, vehicles, safety support, etc.
• Supervise Head Ranger in development of operational plans for the marine conservation compliance team and oversee their implementation;
• Ensure operational support for marine logistics, biodiversity data collection and monitoring and evaluation programs;
• Develop, maintain and implement procedures and practices for effective and sustainable operation of NEOM’s Conservation Compliance program;
• Develop and manage conservation Compliance and Operations annual budgeting cycle
• Manage procurement for the marine compliance program (vessels, vehicles, technology equipment)
• Be accountable for the effective utilization of compliance operational budget;
• Develop strategic initiatives to improve effectiveness and efficiency of the Marine Conservation Compliance Program, with a constant focus on driving value to NEOM and anticipating and mitigating business, environmental and reputational risks.
• Manage a highly efficient and professional Compliance team that supports NEOM’s ambition of a world-class Marine Protected Area;
• Contribute to a process of review and continuous improvement of NEOM’s Conservation Compliance program to ensure a world-class Compliance system to support NEOM’s conservation and management objectives and to help ensure a high level of environmental performance for all development activities;
• Develop and sustain a culture of service and support within the Conservation Compliance team toward relevant internal stakeholders, while also delivering strong leadership on areas of core responsibility such as day-to-day management of the estate;
• Contribute to the development of a best practice environmental outreach program to support NEOM’s conservation and management objectives;
• Oversee and drive a strategic program to anticipate future needs and risks and build the capacity, infrastructure, technology, equipment to stay ahead of operational demands;
• Ensure a program of performance monitoring and constant improvement that includes strong awareness of emerging trends and technology that can improve program efficiency and effectiveness;
• Contribute to the design, implementation and improvement of NEOM’s Marine Conservation and MPA (Marine Protected Area) Management Program
• Advise and assist the Marine Protected Area Manager in development, review and implementation of NEOM’s Conservation and Management Programs;
• Lead drafting and maintaining standard operating procedures and relevant policies;
• Support the Marine Protected Area Manager in developing, implement and review conservation policies, plans and programs;
• Supervise Head Ranger in the development of day-to-day management program, including site management plans, compliance and enforcement strategies and user engagement programs;
• Review and integrate current and emerging best practices in day-to-day management of environment and resources to ensure NEOM’s operational programs align with and exceed best-in-class standards;
• Understand, track and incorporate technologies relevant to improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of the Conservation Operations program;
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Build alliances with internal and external stakeholders of environment and resources to maintain a current understanding of their expectations and behaviours to optimally support decision-making, anticipate changes in these requirements and maintain user-feedback processes;
• Support the Marine Protected Area Manager to establish and maintain relations with relevant stakeholders and the wider communities in order to foster an enabling environment for Division business;
• Attend related forums, seminars, etc. to enrich network and learn about the latest developments and opportunities.
• Help instil a culture of development, guidance and performance within the Marine Conservation Division.
• Take responsibility, in collaboration with the Marine Protected Area Manager, for building and maintaining a high-performance Conservation Compliance Unit and outreach program;
• Set performance objectives, provide necessary support, evaluate / appraise staff and provide regular feedback on performance;
• Promote a high-performance working environment embracing NEOM’s values;
• Develop and implement a program of capacity development for team members.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in compliance management, compliance operations, protected area operations management or remote field operation;
• Experience of leading a wide range of command, control and compliance support functions;
• Highly developed interpersonal skills for managing and influencing a broad range of internal and external stakeholders;
• Experience with identifying, testing and deploying technology to support surveillance, monitoring and compliance programs and operations;
• A creative and agile approach to workplace challenges, including remote operations;
• Background in protected areas compliance, military or security organizations is strongly preferred.

Qualifications:

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