OVERVIEW
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.
As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.
Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!
ROLE OVERVIEW
Marine Protected Area (MPA) Planning and Policy Manager is a key MPA planning and policy role, with primary focus on MPA activation and designation followed by coordination of short- and long-term management and spatial planning actions with the accent on interplay between (i) integrated management planning, (ii) marine spatial planning and (iii) compliance efforts. The role is instrumental in assisting MPA Manager in shaping the MPA’s future direction, ensuring effective conservation while aligning management efforts with ecological and sustainable blue economy objectives and the final goal of realizing the ambition of NEOM in establishing and maintaining a world-class Nature Reserve.
REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY
- Experience in marine spatial planning and MPA management.
- Experience with environmental impact assessment analysis
- Knowledge of GIS.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- High attention to details to ensure the processes are optimized.
- Ability to build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Competence in negotiating with stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Flexibility to adjust conservation and spatial planning strategies based on changing circumstances, new data, new developments or feedback.
- Ability to lead and influence others to achieve desired outcomes.
- Uphold ethical standards in all stakeholder interactions and communications.
ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES
Marine Protected Area (MPA) Planning and Policy Manager responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Marine Reserve Management:
- Contribute to the development and implementation of management plans for the marine protected area.
- Contribute to design, designation and activation of the marine and coastal elements of the NEOM Nature Reserve.
- Lead and support with the design, development, and implementation of projects in support of the activation, designation, development, and management of the MPA.
- Assist in the development and implementation of compliance and enforcement strategies to ensure adherence to MPA regulations.
- Work with Marine Biodiversity Conservation Unit to develop and coordinate scientific research and monitoring to support conservation goals and management decisions as well as to assess the effectiveness of the management measures undertaken to maintain and improve marine ecosystem and status in the MPA.
- Assist in management and analyses of data related to marine biodiversity, human activities, and other relevant parameters.
- Manage contractors and consultants.
- Assist the MPA Manager in developing governance and structure frameworks to guide management of the NEOM Marine Reserve.
- Day-to-day support for the MPA Manager to facilitate governance and practical management.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)
- Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive marine spatial plans for effective MPA management.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and NEOM sectors to integrate ecological, social, and economic considerations into planning processes.
- Regularly review marine spatial plans to identify and propose necessary updates of the MSP based on monitoring and evaluation outcomes and look to balance different uses of marine space, such as conservation, recreation, fisheries, and marine transport.
- Oversee the integration of relevant marine data, including biodiversity assessments, oceanographic data, and socioeconomic data to identify trends, potential conflicts, and opportunities for refinement of MSP.
- Review and integrate current and emerging best approaches, practices and techniques in MPA management, use, planning and zoning in to ensure that Marine reserve aligns with and exceeds best-in-class international standards.
- Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to analyze and visualize marine data, helping inform spatial planning decisions.
Policy Development
- Preparation of necessary documentation for national designation of the Nature Reserve as a protected area.
- Lead and contribute to development and implementation of Nature Reserve Operational Readiness Model which incorporates governance mechanisms to establish rules, grant permissions for specific activities, and implements compliance programs to guarantee strict adherence to these regulations on-site within the nature reserve.
- Lead the development of marine conservation and management approaches and policies based on scientific evidence and best practices.
- Stay informed about national and international policies related to marine conservation and ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks and best practices.
- Engage in advocacy efforts to promote sustainable marine management policies at local, national, and international levels.
Environmental Impacts and Reserve Integrity Protection Program:
- In collaboration with Development Interface Lead, provide recommendations for minimizing and mitigating negative impacts on the Marine reserve.
- Support the work of the Reserve Integrity Protection Program.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engage with a diverse range of external and internal NEOM stakeholders to gather input and build consensus on marine planning initiatives.
- Support MPA Manager and Development Interface Lead in operating Marine Reserve Stakeholder Platform.
Collaboration and Networking:
- Collaborate with researchers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to stay informed about the latest advancements in marine science and planning.
