Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is based in the Compliance Assurance and Regulatory Management Unit (CARMU) of the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Planning Unit and the direct supervision of the Chief of Compliance Assurance and Regulatory Management Unit (CARMU) and within delegated authority, the Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Ensuring that appropriate standards and quality assurance frameworks are in place (30%). • Leading and coordinating the development of quality assurance and control frameworks, including guidelines, deep seabed minerals development-specific management process standards (e.g. ISO 9001), risk management matrices and standards, standard operating procedures, and toolkits. • Implementing the quality assurance and control frameworks in collaboration with the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and the Office of Environmental Management and Mineral Resources (OEMMR). • Ensuring that contractors integrate risk management standards into their planning and operations. • Ensuring that relevant stakeholders and experts are consulted and, if necessary, engaged in the development of quality assurance and control frameworks. • Providing relevant information, and sound and timely advice to the LTC and expert working group(s) established to oversee the development and implementation of quality assurance and control frameworks. • Assessing any evidence on quality assurance presented by applicants for exploration or exploitation contracts, and advice superiors as appropriate. • Ensuring that quality assurance and control frameworks are uploaded and available in the mining registry. 2. Leading the inspection and monitoring of contractor activities and ensuring compliance (30%). • Leading and coordinating the inspection (i.e. planning, preparation, site visits, and reporting) and monitoring of exploration / exploitation activities, vessels and facilities in collaboration with the OEMMR. • Ensuring that inspection and monitoring activities are conducted in accordance with relevant regulations, standards, and SOPs, and ensuring compliance against contractors’ approved plans of work. • Coordinating the review of environmental monitoring statement (EIS) with OEMMR support. • Recommending appropriate enforcement actions to be taken, in consultation with OLA, when non-compliance or non-performance is proven to the Secretary General. • Preparing relevant documents for the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC). • Providing advice to ISA and Contractors on sound regulatory practice for compliance monitoring and performance improvement. • Identifying knowledge and training needs of the Secretariat for monitoring activities and organising appropriate training and professional development initiatives. 3. Strengthening and maintaining engagement with Contractors and other Key-stakeholders (25%). • Working closely with the Contractors to gain a comprehensive picture of quality assurance and control processes in all aspects of deep seabed minerals development. • Coordinating the evaluation and finalization of contractors’ 5-year periodic review reports. • Supporting the preparation and organisation of meetings and events related to the Contractors, and other partners and stakeholders. • Providing the necessary support to EOSG in the training of Contractors and Sponsoring States on their respective roles and responsibilities. • Providing the necessary support for the review of contractors’ reports and plans of work and organising and participating in partner / stakeholder meetings and events. • Communicating / liaising with Contractors on a regular basis and maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with them and other stakeholders. 4. Providing sound and timely planning, advisory and reporting at the Secretariat (15%). • Preparing work plans and participating in organisational planning and strategising. • Providing sound and timely technical advice to the Chief of CARMU and the Senior Management Group. • Preparing and disseminating good industry practices to stakeholders in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG). • Preparing official communications to be vetted by the EOSG and signed by the Secretary-General or his/her representatives. • Ensuring timely response to key stakeholders and logging of official communications, events, and incidences. • Performing other duties as directed by the Secretary-General.

Competencies

Professionalism: Technically sound in the development and implementation of quality assurance and control frameworks; be able to solicit others’ ideas and expertise to complement task delivery. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning & Organising: Develops clear goals and work plans that are consistent with the ISA Strategic Plan 20219-2023; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently; works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Take proactive steps in addressing clients’ needs; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to clients. Managing Performance: This position does not manage any staff but is expected to provide feedback on the performance of his/her superior and peers; Provides advice to staff on his / her areas of expertise, risk-taking and creativity; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences and audit, engineering, and quality control and assurance, or related discipline. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies, with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • Relevant CQI, IRCA and/or ISO certifications preferred.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation, and maintenance of computer information systems or related areas is required. More than five (5) years’ experience in quality assurance and compliance monitoring and in-house regulatory compliance roles in government, and private sector (preferably in a marine environment setting) is required. At least 5 years’ experience in operationalising quality assurance standards and regulatory instruments and writing and reviewing quality assurance policies and SOPs is required. Experience interacting with senior government officials and representatives of development partners is required. Experience setting up and maintaining performance monitoring and reporting systems is required. Experience in report writing and preparation of high-level papers and briefings, as well as strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills are required. A high level of awareness of health & safety and environmental management in any workplace is desirable. Experience in stakeholder and resource management and partnerships is desirable. The ability to work cross-functionally, and cross-culturally with internal and external stakeholders is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the International Seabed Authority. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.