Job Description
Sector
NEOM Authority
Position: Head of Water Policy
Reports to: Executive Director Water Department
Sector: NEOM Authority – Infrastructure/Water
Job Location: Sharma, KSA
Role Purpose: The Head of Water Policy will lead the Water Department’s policy and technical teams for water resource management. Responsibilities will include regulation of terrestrial waters in NEOM; the development and implementation of water resource and flood strategies, policies, and plans; and managing the Water Department’s water resource permitting.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES:
(1) Water Resource Strategy and Planning
- Co-lead the development of NEOM’s Water Strategic Plan with Water Department leadership
- Develop and monitor strategic objectives
- Provide overall direction and leadership regarding NEOM’s water resources
- Manage the development of regional plans for water resources and flood management
- Contribute substantial technical input into the development and administration of NEOM strategies and plans
- Align water resource strategy and planning across NEOM sectors and components
(2) Legislation and Policy Management
- Plan, set and evaluate Water Department policy priorities for water resource management
- Draft, interpret, analyze, amend explain and apply regulations, rules and other regulatory instruments
- Implement and coordinate policy implementation to ensure business continuity
(3) Water Resource Impact Assessment and Decision Making
- Review and analyze permitting recommendations prepared by technical staff and make statutory decisions
- Provide technical expertise in water resources management to NEOM leadership and other NEOM components
- Grow the technical capabilities of the water resource assessment and compliance team
- Review and interpret technical information on water resources and infrastructure, including engineered designs
- Assess water quality issues, draw conclusions and provide recommendations to other NEOM components
- Collaborate on integrated water resource assessments of major projects with other Authority components
- Assess cumulative impacts on NEOM’s water resources
- Implement a regulatory accountability framework for the management of NEOM’s dams
- Ensure relevant Technical Standards are developed and enacted and appropriate for water resource management
- Work with Urban Planning, Nature Conservation and Environment to establish protection buffers and optimize land use around wadis and aquifers
(4) Regulations Compliance
- Advise and assist in the implementation of a monitoring and compliance framework for water resource authorizations and permits
- Monitor alignment of water resource management with Water Department strategies, plans and regulatory instruments
- Support enforcement actions
- Ensure permits and orders are technically, and administratively correct and compliant with legislation and prescribed documentation
(5) ​​​​​​​Data gathering, monitoring and analysis
- Support the establishment and management of water data and modelling needs
- Monitor water data to improve environmental management, policy analysis, and decision making
- Produce and track key performance indicators to improve business efficiency
- Monitor implementation of water stewardship plans
BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Strong background in hydrology / hydrogeology, including proven experience in groundwater and surface water assessment, management, protection, and monitoring; aquifer characterization, catchment management and flood planning
- Strong knowledge and proven experience in water resource strategy, planning and policy development
- Excellent research, investigative and data management skills related to water resource management
- Familiar with groundwater quality investigations and aquifer protection, as well as groundwater modelling techniques
- Highly analytical and possesses the ability to break down, assess, and interpret complex data
- Experienced in interpreting, implementing and regulating environmental legislation.
- Experienced working in a culturally diverse and multi-national environment.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence decision-making and speak confidently in front of senior leadership
- Ability to adapt well to fast-paced environments with changing circumstances, direction, and strategy
- Ability to consult, negotiate and resolve conflicts
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem solving ability
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Willingness to be based at NEOM Base Camp in Saudi Arabia and ready to commit to playing a part in the Water Department and NEOM achieving their ambition
Qualifications and Experience.
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, sciences or engineering relating to water resource management, Master’s degree desirable
- 10-15 years experience in related roles
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
