Position: Manager, Ecosystem-based Management and Spatial Planning

Reports to: Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Sector: NEOM Authority Environment Department
Job Location: Sharma, KSA

Role Purpose: 

Leads and contributes to the establishment of integrated biodiversity policy, standards, and procedures that are cognizant of socio-ecological system interdependencies; Supports baseline surveys and  long-term monitoring; Implements biodiversity-specific regulatory programs; Oversees the assessment of ecological values and verifies ecological offsets of development activities; Oversees biodiversity reporting from regulated entities and audits to achieve net-positive environmental gain and performance.

• Integrated Biodiversity Policy, Standards and Procedures
• Innovation in Biodiversity Restoration, Rewilding, and Regeneration
• Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring
• Ecological Values and Development Offsets
• Systematic Conservation and Spatial Planning
• Biodiversity Reporting, Auditing, and Improving Performance
• Team Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Transition of Government Authorities

This is a key appointment by the organization and reflects the importance of a clear and ambitious vision and strong regulatory system of governance to ensure the program is delivered to the highest international standards. The Manager will lead a team of marine and/or terrestrial biodiversity professionals covering topics such as natural capital, biodiversity policies, socio-cultural integration and impact assessments, land and marine use permit review and planning, biodiversity monitoring and assessment, biosecurity, wildlife trade and traffics and other relevant topics. This team will be supported as necessary by external consultants and specialists as appropriate.  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES:

Key Biodiversity Functions

• Integrated Biodiversity Policy, Standards and Procedures
• Innovation in Biodiversity Restoration and Rewilding
• Biodiversity Baseline, Adaptive Monitoring and Assessment
• Ecological Values and Development Offsets
• Biodiversity Reporting, Auditing, and Improving Performance

Key Tasks

Integrated Biodiversity Policy, Standards and Procedures

• Design, curate and deliver innovative and pioneering solutions in the development, delivery, and strengthening of biodiversity policy and planning for NEOM that addresses socio-ecological interdependencies and feedbacks
• Lead the review and continual improvement of world-class regulatory framework that includes integrated biodiversity policy, standards, and procedures for regulated developments and activities
• Lead the review and continual improvement of regulatory requirements related to protected habitat and species, biosecurity, invasive species, wildlife trade, and other topics as required
• Design and deliver adaptive management and spatial plans to advance the protection and restoration of NEOM’s biodiversity assets
• Develop and implement socio-cultural impact assessments to identify, safeguard and promote best practice in integrated biodiversity management

• Develop and review planning proposals impacting on biodiversity estate, including ESIAs,  coastal development and land use permits
• Develop, communicate, and sustain spectacular regenerative nature-based visitor experiences in concert with Tourism and Nature Region as appropriate
• Develop, implement and communicate ecosystem restoration and rewilding strategies, plans and policies for the biodiversity estate
• Foster strong cooperative relationships with internal Authority stakeholders including but not limited to Nature Region, Tourism and Heritage
• As required, support the implementation and improvement of biodiversity assessment, permitting and compliance with the Permitting and Compliance Division

Biodiversity Baseline, Monitoring and Assessment 

• Establish, review, and maintain biodiversity baseline and targets, to inform adaptive management design and implementation and as a basis for informing regulatory decisions
• Oversee implementation of the long-term biodiversity monitoring program, including integrating inputs from other NEOM Authority departments and automated systems and programs
• Support the collection, integration, assessment and reporting of biodiversity data and information from public and private entities, in collaboration with Division of Knowledge Management
• Implement an applied research program to fill gaps in knowledge and innovation related to regulatory mandates

Implementing Regulatory Programs

• Establish, review, and improve regulatory instruments for 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
• Establish, review and improve criteria and certification of regulated sectors affecting biodiversity performance (e.g., aquaculture, shipping)
• Implement regulatory programs in collaboration with NEOM Authority departments (e.g., Nature Conservation, Customs, Security, Marine Mobility)

Ecological Values and Development Offsets

• Investigate, plan and implement strategies, policies and plans to support net-positive biodiversity transformation and biodiversity offsets, including but not limited to blue carbon, blue economy and other ecosystem-based mechanisms to support biodiversity outcomes
• Oversee implementation of the Ecological Assessment Program at the regional scale and implement an Ecological Verification and Offsetting Program
• Ensure implementation of ecological offsetting requirements by regulated entities and Authority departments

Biodiversity Reporting, Auditing and Improving Performance

• Develop, review, and improve biodiversity reporting framework, standards, guidelines and procedures for public and private sectors, and its integration into State of the Environment reporting
• Establish, review, and improve criteria for regulated entities requiring reporting on net-positive biodiversity performance
• Oversee auditing of compliance assurance information of the Permitting and Compliance Division
• Work with other divisions and departments to integrate biodiversity reporting requirements (e.g., GHG Reporting)
• Oversee the development, review, and improvement of necessary instruments to generate biodiversity performance report for NEOM and reports feeding into KSA reporting (e.g., UN SDGs)

Implement transition plan from National Governance to Regional Governance  

• Oversee the implementation of phased transition plans in accordance with the vision for the NEOM Authority; lean, efficient and tech-enabled
• Track and communicate progress against the transition plan

BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

The Manager of Biodiversity should have a proven track record in biodiversity conservation and management in interdisciplinary environments, with experience working across biomes, socio-ecological systems and a demonstrated experience integrating socio-cultural perspectives into conservation policy and planning.

The candidate must have:

• Minimum of 10-12 years' experience in conservation, biodiversity, natural resource management or environmental management
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in a managerial position in the public and/or private sector
• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing biodiversity policy and plans
• Knowledge of and experience with international organizations, standards and agreements relating to biodiversity conservation and management
• Experience overseeing or advising on programs to manage risks associated with development activities
• Experience developing and leading environmental teams, including setting objectives and managing performance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications and Experience.

MSc in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management (or related discipline). PhD is desirable.  

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 Employee, Family & Parents.
• Annual Leave 30 working days annual.
• Remote Working 24 working days annual.