Chief of Compliance Assurance & Regulatory Management

About the role

The International Seabed Authority is seeking a senior leader to head its Compliance Assurance and Regulatory Management Unit (CARMU). Reporting to the Deputy Secretary‑General and the Director of the Office of Contract Management and Capacity Building, you will guide the Authority’s contract and regulatory oversight for activities in the international seabed area.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the management of contracts for seabed activities, including reporting, reviews and data submissions.
• Develop and maintain a seabed mining registry aligned with best international practice.
• Assess regulatory impacts and drive the Authority’s compliance assurance and risk‑management framework.
• Design and implement a compliance assurance strategy for contractors.
• Oversee a comprehensive regulatory reporting, monitoring and audit programme.
• Maintain a calendar of compliance obligations and ensure accountability across workstreams.
• Create guidance and training material for regulated entities and stakeholders.
• Develop a risk‑based non‑compliance decision matrix.
• Serve as the primary contact for all regulatory compliance matters, building relationships with contractors and key stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit timely compliance performance reports to senior ISA bodies.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in contract management, regulatory compliance and risk management, preferably in an international or maritime context.
• Strong understanding of UNCLOS, the 1994 Agreement and the legal framework governing the Area.
• Proven leadership ability to manage cross‑functional teams and drive a culture of compliance.
• Excellent analytical, reporting and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills