About Us:
SHAMS is a pioneering government entity dedicated to the protection and restoration of coral reefs and sea turtle habitats in the Red Sea. Our mandate is to establish a global benchmark for coral conservation and restoration, ensuring the longevity and health of these vital marine ecosystems. SHAMS collaborates with local and international experts to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in coral reef and sea turtle conservation.
The Role Purpose:
The Emergency Response Director will oversee and manage all aspects of emergency preparedness and response. This role demands strong leadership abilities, sound judgment, and extensive experience in managing emergency situations related to marine environmental protection. The Director will represent SHAMS at the national level in relevant committees and national plans addressing marine environmental emergencies, lead strategic initiatives, and ensure compliance with both national and international regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
Emergency Management:
- Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive emergency response plans specific to coral reef and turtle conservation.
- Coordinate with local, national, and international agencies to manage marine environmental emergencies effectively.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans for potential marine environmental threats related to corals and turtles.
- Responsible for ensuring that sectoral players are prepared and respond efficiently to emergency incidents by enforcing emergency drills and training.
- Facilitate rapid response efforts during marine environmental crises (such as oil spills, ship grounding or natural disasters) by coordinating logistics, resource allocation, and personnel mobilization.
- Implement systems for real-time monitoring of marine ecosystems to identify early signs of environmental distress, facilitating proactive measures rather than reactive responses.
- Assess the impact of emergency situations on marine biodiversity and develop strategies to mitigate adverse effects on coral reefs and turtle populations.
Representation:
- Act as the primary representative for the SHAMS at national committees related to marine environmental protection and emergencies.
- Engage with government officials, stakeholders, and community leaders to develop policies and initiatives that protect marine ecosystems.
- Participate in the national disaster preparation and response efforts, if required.
Strategic Development:
- Lead the development of SHAMS’s emergency management strategy and national strategic initiatives related to marine environmental protection and emergency preparedness.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to create strategies that align with national marine environment conservation goals and policies.
- Design and lead national-level initiatives focused on improving emergency response strategies, enhancing marine ecosystem resilience, and protecting coral reefs and turtle populations.
- Regularly report on the progress of strategic initiatives to executive leadership, stakeholders, and relevant government authorities, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for future actions.
Budget Management:
- Develop annual and multi-year budgets for emergency response initiatives, ensuring alignment with the SHAMS strategic goals and government funding requirements.
- Identify all costs associated with emergency preparedness and response, including training, equipment, materials, personnel, and public awareness initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze expenditures against the approved budget, ensuring financial accountability and compliance with government regulations and funding guidelines.
- Prepare financial reports to provide insights into budget utilization, identifying areas for cost savings and reallocation if necessary.
- Develop partnerships with the private sector and other governmental bodies to leverage additional resources for emergency management initiatives.
Leadership and Training:
- Supervise and mentor staff involved in emergency response and environmental protection activities.
- Organize and conduct training programs for SHAMS staff, government and local agencies focusing on emergency preparedness and response related to corals and turtles.
- Set clear objectives and performance metrics for team members, providing regular feedback and support for ongoing professional development.
- Organize workshops, seminars, and hands-on field training related to emergency response protocols specific to marine environments, coral reefs, and turtle conservation.
- Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and team performance, adjusting programs and leadership approaches based on feedback and evolving needs.
Person Requirements:
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Emergency Management, or a related field is required.
- A master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
- Certification in emergency management (e.g., CEM, NIMS) is highly desirable.
Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years of practical experience in emergency management is required, preferably within the marine environmental sector, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Experience with national and international policies related to marine environmental protection and emergencies.
- Knowledge of marine environmental management requirements in accordance with national and international regulatory frameworks, including compliance with the standards set by competent regulatory bodies within Saudi Arabia.
Skills:
- Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
- Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies for effective emergency response and environmental protection.
- Effective problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
- Strong analytical skills to assess risks and develop effective response strategies.
- Proficiency in emergency management software and tools.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills for liaising with emergency personnel, government agencies, and the community.
- Capable of conducting thorough investigations and writing detailed, accurate reports.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills for engaging with employees, management, and external stakeholders.