Senior Specialist, Licensing and Permitting

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 Specialist, Licensing and Permitting oversees administrative, process and technical functions in the daily operation of the licensing and permitting activities while ensuring compliance with applicable policies & regulations. They will serve as a key point of contact with internal stakeholders to develop and monitor permit and approval processes.

Their role is also to evaluate and process applications for permits and licenses in order to facilitate compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role involves researching and verifying the accuracy of required documents, researching applicable laws and regulations, communicating with applicants, and providing guidance and direction regarding permit requirements.

The Senior Specialist, Licensing and Permitting will perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Strategy

• Lead and oversee the permitting process in the PSC, including identifying regulatory requirements, and coordinating the preparation and submission of permit applications.
• Review and ensure conformity and compliance to NEOM and the Base Economy standards.
• Serve as the point of contact and liaison for permit, license, and registration.
• Responsible for researching, preparing and submitting applications for permits, licenses and other regulatory documents for businesses.
• Liaising with approval authorities to identify permit, license and approval requirements as well as ensure timely receipt of approvals.
• Collaborate closely with investors, legal advisors, and internal departments to gather the required information and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide guidance and expertise to project development teams to support the successful navigation of permit-related challenges and opportunities.
• Engage closely with governmental entities to resolve issues, provide clarity, and ensure smooth processing of incorporation requests.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the incorporation process.
• Oversee the entire incorporation process, from initial client inquiries to the completion of post-incorporation services.

Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of licensing & permitting activities in the PSC, relating to application acceptance, review & approval workflow and license/permit issuance.
• Developing and ensuring the uniform implementation of permitting and licensing policies and procedures.
• Assists team members with permit and licensing applications, overseeing various application processes and providing front desk coverage as necessary.
• Researching international and local regulations for permit requirements.
• Review incorporation documents, filings, and related paperwork to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
•  Resolve any issues or challenges that arise during the incorporation process, providing creative and effective solutions.
• Provide essential information for clearing governmental transactions, meticulously follow up on clearance operations, and complete all required forms and documents.
• Coordinate with investors to gather necessary information, facilitating the seamless relocation of businesses when necessary.

Communication

• Conduct and attend meetings of various internal and external stakeholders as it relates to licensing and permitting.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, local authorities, and other stakeholders to navigate the permitting process, address regulatory challenges, and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Lead a team of incorporation specialists, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to foster their professional growth and development.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor and oversee the licensing and permitting processing team, and report on the approval workflow of applications for various licenses and permits.
• Monitor all fees collected and properly applied to processed licenses and permits.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of project plans to identify and address potential permitting constraints and compliance issues.

BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of related professional experience
• Relevant Permitting certifications preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook).
• Proven track record of successfully managing permitting processes.
• Demonstrated expertise in navigating regulatory processes and requirements, with a strong understanding of regulations, permitting standards, and compliance obligations.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations.
• Knowledge of local and international permitting processes.
• Ability to effectively communicate with government officials and other agencies to ensure all documents are accurately completed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.