Regulatory Affairs Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Regulatory Affairs Officer is responsible for ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance across all import, export, freight, and logistics operations within the Supply Chain & Operations department. Reporting directly to the Freight & Logistics Department Head, this bilingual role serves as the primary liaison between the organization, governmental authorities, customs bodies, and regulatory agencies. The position ensures proper licensing, permit acquisition, trade document verification, and operational adherence to local and international trade laws, thereby mitigating operational delays and regulatory risks.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulatory Compliance & Permit Management

• Acquire, renew, and maintain all necessary import/export licenses, product registration certificates, and operational permits required by relevant authorities.
• Audit shipments, cargo manifests, and trade documents (e.g., Certificates of Origin, Bills of Lading, Health Certificates) to ensure 100% compliance with local and international trade regulations.
• Monitor changes in customs tariffs, import restrictions, and supply chain regulatory policies, assessing their impact on company operations.

Government & Agency Relations

• Serve as the official bilingual contact point for customs authorities, ministry officials, and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate and facilitate government inspections, audits, and clearance procedures for incoming and outgoing shipments.
• Prepare official bilingual correspondence, regulatory applications, and legal documentation to support operational clearances.

Customs & Logistics Support

• Collaborate closely with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics teams to streamline clearance workflows and minimize demurrage/port delays.
• Classify products according to Harmonized System (HS) codes and ensure accurate tariff application.
• Verify that product packaging, labeling, and documentation strictly adhere to destination country standards.

Governance, Risk & Reporting

• Maintain accurate digital and physical archives of all permits, licenses, inspection reports, and regulatory correspondence.
• Conduct internal regulatory audits across logistics operations to proactively identify and resolve compliance gaps.
• Compile regular compliance status reports, risk logs, and regulatory update summaries for departmental leadership.

Skills

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous precision in auditing trade documentation, verifying legal standards, and maintaining accurate records.
• Bilingual Communication & Stakeholder Liaison: Exceptional written and verbal communication in English and Arabic to effectively negotiate and liaise with authorities.
• Problem Solving & Navigation: Strong capability to resolve customs bottlenecks, address compliance disputes, and clear shipments efficiently.
• Ethical Integrity: High commitment to organizational compliance, legal transparency, and risk mitigation.
• Technical Capabilities: Proficiency in customs clearance portals, ERP logistics modules, and compliance database management.