Job Purpose

The Export Control Compliance Officer (ECCO) oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of the university’s export control compliance program, with special focus on U.S. export controls. The ECCO will work in consultation with the Office of General Counsel to implement university-wide protocol and procedures for training, policies, monitoring compliance with publication and personnel restrictions, implementation of technology control plans, review of export-controlled equipment, visiting researchers, international travel, and international shipments.

The ECCO serves as the primary contact for internal and external inquiries regarding export controls and compliance.  The ECCO also assists with the development and implementation of targeted compliance procedures and control plans for specific programs, research institutes and laboratories, including KAUST’s Supercomputing Core Laboratory.  

The ECCO will also support KAUST's efforts to promote awareness and compliance with applicable export controls by conducting risk assessments, providing training and educational outreach. The ECCO will maintain knowledge of the regulatory landscape related to export controls, improper foreign influence, and related research security regulations. The ECCO will also develop an internal and external liaison network to identify trends and best practices.

Major Accountabilities

• Design, implement, and maintain KAUST’s export control compliance program, including compliance with applicable U.S. export controls and license conditions, in consultation with Office of General Counsel.
• Develop, implement, and deliver comprehensive export control compliance training.
• Create, coordinate, and maintain records of export licenses applications, compliance with export license conditions, technology control plans, and other export control issues in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate closely with academic and research divisions and other partners to conduct export control reviews.
• Coordinate within KAUST Digital Services division, including cybersecurity and IT departments, to ensure compliance with export controls and export license conditions.
• Conduct restricted party screenings to identify any denied parties.
• Lead export control compliance reviews for international shipments, including review and collection of export control classifications and restricted party screenings.
• Determine the availability of export license exceptions for controlled items and information supplied by vendors, contractors, collaborators, and other third parties.
• Support preparation of export license applications (e.g., export and re-export license applications for international shipments of controlled goods) in coordination with KAUST’s suppliers and research partners.
• Implement and audit Technology Control Plans as necessary.
• Conduct export control outreach to faculty and staff, including presenting briefings and other communications for departments and teams across the university.
• Develop export control training, including in-person and web-based instruction.
• Maintain KAUST’s Export Control web-based resources.
• Monitor export control regulatory developments impacting KAUST.
• Participate in export control organizations, conferences and training for university export control officers.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Person Requirements

Competencies

• Knowledge of general management principles and practices, skill in dealing with others in work relationships involving mentoring, teamwork, conflict resolutions, and the ability to make difficult decisions.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to interact with faculty, staff, and students in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize projects, exercising sound and ethical judgment.
• Interest in learning, analyzing, and applying relevant laws and regulations in a university environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under deadline pressures.
• Ability to manage challenging situations.
• Strong service orientation.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Knowledge and ability to apply all relevant laws, regulations and standards, and university policies and procedures.
• Experience in researching and analyzing complex data and presenting findings in both writing and orally.
• Experience in project management conducting research and analysis in a related area.
• Preferred:
  • Advanced degree (e.g., JD, PhD, MA, MS).
  • 3+ years of export control and related experience, including familiarity or knowledge of U.S. export control regulations
  • Prior experience working in an export controls compliance function at a U.S.-based academic research institution and/or a compliance area, a total of 5+ year’s experience.
  • Familiarity with NIST Special Publication 800-53 and FedRAMP cybersecurity/infosec standards and risk assessment frameworks and related compliance matters.