Research Export Control Senior Specialist

Khalifa University Enterprise; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Khalifa University Enterprise seeks an experienced Export Control Senior Specialist to act as the internal subject-matter expert for UAE and international export control rules affecting research. The role identifies sensitive or high-risk activities early, ensuring proportionate control while preserving academic freedom and enabling collaboration.

Responsibilities include risk-based classification, obtaining permits and EUCs, coordinating with EOCN, maintaining compliance records, and advising

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or related field.
• Professional training or certification in export control or trade compliance is an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a university environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify and classify export control exposure for research activities.
• Coordinate UAE permits, authorizations, and EUCs.
• Liaise with UAE authorities (EOCN) for high-risk research matters.
• Maintain records of export control reviews and approvals.
• Provide guidance and training on export control to investigators and staff.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Advisory skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law or related field

Master/JD/PhD preferred

Tools

Export control training/certification

Job description

This role serves as KU’s internal subject-matter expert for export control matters relating to research. The Senior Specialist ensures that sensitive, restricted, or high-risk research activities are identified early and managed proportionately in accordance with applicable UAE non-proliferation regulations and, where legally triggered, relevant foreign export control laws. The position plays a key enabling role, supporting compliant international collaboration, responsible commercialization, and secure management of controlled technologies, while preserving academic freedom and minimizing administrative burden for low-risk research.

Risk identification and Classification

• Administer KU’s Export Control for Research activities identified as sensitive, restricted, or high risk.
• Conduct risk-based screening of research proposals, agreements, and collaborations to determine whether export control considerations arise.
• Identify controlled goods, software, technology, or technical data listed in the UAE Goods Schedule.
• Assess whether research activities trigger permit, authorization, or End-User Certificate (EUC) requirements.
• Confirm and document when research qualifies as Fundamental Research and falls outside export control scope.
• Classify controlled items under UAE regulations and assess applicability of foreign export control laws where jurisdictional triggers exist (e.g., foreign-origin controlled items).

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate the preparation, submission, and management of required UAE permits, authorizations, and EUCs.
• Ensure that controlled circulation of goods, software, technology, or related documentation does not proceed wihtout required approvals.
• Serve as KU’s liaison with relevant UAE authorities, including the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN), for high-risk research matters.
• Maintain accurate records of export control reviews, classifications, permits, and related compliance documentation.

Targeted Mitigation and Oversight

• Develop and implement activity-specific mitigation measures (e.g., technology control plans, access controls) for affected research activities, and compliance monitoring.
• Conduct targeted internal reviews of high-risk research activities to verify compliance with imposed controls and permit conditions.
• Monitor developments in UAE export control and non-proliferation regulations and advise KU leadership on material impacts to research activities.

Commercial, Service-based and Contract Research Support

• Conduct export control assessments for commercial, service-based, and contract research activities performed for external entities where activities fall outside Fundamental Research.
• Review agreements involving laboratory services, contract testing, third-party facility access, restricted data, or proprietary engagements to identify potential export control risks.
• Advise on export control implications in research commercialization, industry engagement, and technology transfer activities.
• Coordinate with Legal Affairs, Procurement, and Research Operations where controlled technologies or restricted assets are involved.

Advisory and Capacity Building

• Provide expert guidance to Principal Investigators, research teams, and relevant administrative units on: Controlled transfers, Data sharing, End-use and end-user considerations, International collaboration risks, Compliance with permit and license conditions.
• Deliver focused training and awareness sessions emphasizing KU’s risk-based and proportionate oversight model.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of KU’s export control procedures, templates, and operational practices.
• Act as KU’s liaison with competent UAE authorities (including EOCN) for high-risk research matters only, as required.
• Collaborate with Research Operations, Compliance, Legal Affairs, and Procurement and Contracts Departments primarly where export control risks are present, ensuring clear allocation of responsibility.
• Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
• Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Line Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or a related field with preference for Master, Ph.D. or JD degree holders
• Professional training or certification in export control or trade compliance is an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build relationships in a university environment.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience classifying dual-use goods, software, or technology under national control lists.
• Experience preparing and managing export permits, authorizations, and EUCs.
• Familiarity with UAE non-proliferation regulations and Goods Schedule.
• Experience working within research institutions, universities, or high-technology environments preferred.