Research Export Control Senior Specialist

Job description

This role serves as KU’s internal subject-matter expert for export control matters relating to research. 
The Senior Specialist ensures that sensitive, restricted, or high-risk research activities are identified 
early and managed proportionately in accordance with applicable UAE non-proliferation regulations 
and, where legally triggered, relevant foreign export control laws. 

The position plays a key enabling role, supporting compliant international collaboration, responsible 
commercialization, and secure management of controlled technologies, while preserving academic 
freedom and minimizing administrative burden for low-risk research.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, International Trade, Compliance, Research Administration, or a related field with preference for Master, Ph.D. or JD degree holders. 

• Professional training or certification in export control or trade compliance is an asset. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build relationships in a university environment.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience classifying dual-use goods, software, or technology under national control lists. 

• Experience preparing and managing export permits, authorizations, and EUCs. 

• Familiarity with UAE non-proliferation regulations and Goods Schedule. 

• Experience working within research institutions, universities, or high-technology environments preferred.

•  A minimum 7 years of experience.

Operational Responsibilities

1. Risk identification and Classification 

• Administer KU’s Export Control for Research activities identified as sensitive, restricted, or high risk. 

• Conduct risk-based screening of research proposals, agreements, and collaborations to determine whether export control considerations arise. 

• Identify controlled goods, software, technology, or technical data listed in the UAE Goods Schedule. 

• Assess whether research activities trigger permit, authorization, or End-User Certificate (EUC) requirements. 

• Confirm and document when research qualifies as Fundamental Research and falls outside export control scope. 

• Classify controlled items under UAE regulations and assess applicability of foreign export control laws where jurisdictional triggers exist (e.g., foreign-origin controlled items). 

2. Licensing and Regulatory Compliance 

• Coordinate the preparation, submission, and management of required UAE permits, authorizations, and EUCs.

• Ensure that controlled circulation of goods, software, technology, or related documentation does not proceed wihtout required approvals. 

• Serve as KU’s liaison with relevant UAE authorities, including the Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN), for high-risk research matters. 

• Maintain accurate records of export control reviews, classifications, permits, and related compliance documentation.

3. Targeted Mitigation and Oversight 

• Develop and implement activity-specific mitigation measures (e.g., technology control plans, access controls) for affected research activities, and compliance monitoring. 

• Conduct targeted internal reviews of high-risk research activities to verify compliance with imposed controls and permit conditions. 

• Monitor developments in UAE export control and non-proliferation regulations and advise KU leadership on material impacts to research activities. 4. Commercial, Service-based and Contract Research Support 

• Conduct export control assessments for commercial, service-based, and contract research activities performed for external entities where activities fall outside Fundamental Research. 

• Review agreements involving laboratory services, contract testing, third-party facility access, restricted data, or proprietary engagements to identify potential export control risks. 

• Advise on export control implications in research commercialization, industry engagement, and technology transfer activities. 

• Coordinate with Legal Affairs, Procurement, and Research Operations where controlled technologies or restricted assets are involved.

5. Advisory and Capacity Building 

• Provide expert guidance to Principal Investigators, research teams, and relevant administrative units on: o Controlled transfers o Data sharing o End-use and end-user considerations o International collaboration risks o Compliance with permit and license conditions 

• Deliver focused training and awareness sessions emphasizing KU’s risk-based and proportionate oversight model. 

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of KU’s export control procedures, templates, and operational practices.

• Act as KU’s liaison with competent UAE authorities (including EOCN) for high-risk research matters only, as required.

• Collaborate with Research Operations, Compliance, Legal Affairs, and Procurement and Contracts Departments primarly where export control risks are present, ensuring clear allocation of responsibility. 

• Ensure adherence to the University's information security policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly. 

• Ensure coordination with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed. 

• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Line Manager.