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
The Senior Environment Law Manager will play a critical role in developing NEOM’s environmental laws, regulations, rules, guidelines and policies, particularly in the thematic areas of circular economy, waste management, built environment, and sustainability. This role is essential to aligning NEOM’s regulatory framework with global best practices while ensuring feasibility and application within the Middle East and Saudi Arabian context.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing consulting teams, overseeing projects, and supervising direct and dotted-line reports to ensure the successful delivery of regulatory and policy development workstreams. Experience working on similar initiatives in the Middle East or Saudi Arabia is highly preferred.
BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Policy and Regulation Development:
- Lead the development of environmental laws, regulations, and rules for NEOM across focus areas, including circular economy, waste management, and sustainable built environment.
- Draft environmental laws, regulations, rules, technical standards, guidelines, and similar legal instruments.
- Ensure alignment with international environmental law standards and best practices while addressing NEOM-specific aspirations.
- Collaborate with the legal team to prepare rules and regulations for executive and board-level approval.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Conduct multiple rounds of stakeholder workshops with NEOM industries, regions, and company operations to integrate feedback from those impacted by the regulations.
- Engage with external and internal stakeholders to ensure feasibility and practical application of the regulatory framework.
Compliance and Assessment:
- Prepare socio-economic assessments to evaluate the impact of regulatory instruments on NEOM’s operations.
- Develop tables and tools of concordance mapping regulatory documents against base economy standards in Saudi Arabia, including justifications for non-compliance or enhancements.
Strategic Collaboration:
- Work closely with NEOM’s legal team and other divisions to ensure cohesive policy development and alignment across departments.
- Develop materials supporting strategic partnerships and MOUs with government bodies and international organizations.
Leadership and Team Management:
- Manage consulting teams responsible for drafting and refining environmental laws, regulations, rules, and similar legal instruments.
- Supervise direct and/ or dotted-line reports and provide mentorship to ensure alignment with NEOM’s sustainability goals and priorities.
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to maintain alignment with NEOM’s strategic objectives and deadlines.
Knowledge Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in global environmental law, policy development, and regulation drafting.
- Demonstrated experience in developing laws, regulations, rules, and policies within the Middle East and preferably in Saudi Arabia.
- Strong understanding of international environment and sustainability standards and circular economy frameworks.
- Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement and integrating feedback into regulatory frameworks.
- Experience in managing consulting teams, overseeing projects, and supervising direct reports.
- Ability to assess socio-economic impacts and align regulations with strategic objectives.
Qualifications
- A Bachelors or Masters degree in Law, or equivalent. A Bachelor’s or Masters degree in Environmental Law is preferred.
- Experience working with international and regional environmental standards, laws, and frameworks.
- Professional certification or membership in relevant sustainability or legal organizations is an advantage.
