Vacancy Notice - Director of Substances of the Regulated Substances Authority

Job Description: Director of Substances Position Title : Director of SubstancesDepartment : Regulatory Compliance and LicensingReports To : Chief Technical Officer (CTO)Location : Regulated Substances Authority OfficeEmployment Type : Full-timeJob SummaryThe Director of Substances (DS) provides strategic supervision and operational oversight for the regulation and compliance of all regulated substances under the mandate of the Regulated Substances Authority (“RSA”).

The DS will lead a team of inspectors and compliance officers, ensuring that licensing, inspection, monitoring, enforcement, and safety protocols are effectively implemented across various substance categories including cannabis, petroleum/hydrocarbons, explosives, nuclear and radioactive materials, alcohol, psilocybin (mushroom), pesticides, toxic and hazardous chemicals or such substances within that number as are assigned by the Chief Technical Officer or Chief Executive Officer. The DS's primary mandate is to safeguard public health, occupational safety, environmental integrity and national security through the effective and efficient supervision of the authority's compliance and inspection officers.

The DS reports directly to the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and works closely with the legal and technical departments to ensure that the regulatory framework is effectively implemented and consistent, using a risk-based approach to enforcement in accordance with national legislation, international conventions, and best practices. ResponsibilitiesRegulatory Oversight & EnforcementEnsure all inspection, compliance, licensing and enforcement activities are conducted with the highest degree of professionalism and in strict accordance with national laws and regulations. Oversee the scheduling and execution of inspections and audits for regulated entities. Review inspection reports and compliance documentation to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.

Direct and supervise investigations into significant cases of non-compliance. Supervise the licensing process for all regulated substances, including issuing, renewing, suspending, and revoking licenses. Review and approve applications based on technical and regulatory compliance. Ensure robust enforcement actions are taken against violations, including penalties, prosecution, or revocation of licenses. Forward reports, application and other documentation prepared by the officers of the Regulatory Compliance and Licensing department to the CTO for review and actionStrategic Leadership & SupervisionProvide day-to-day leadership and supervision to a multidisciplinary team of inspectors and compliance officers.

Ensure robust enforcement actions are taken against violations, including penalties, prosecution, or revocation of licenses. Review applications and reports based on technical and regulatory complianceOn the instruction of the CTO, assign and monitor work plans, field operations and compliance follow-up actions. Assist in the training, and professional development of technical enforcement personnel. Ensure staff are equipped with tools, training, and authority to perform their duties effectively and refer matters of inadequacy or insufficiency to the CTO. Ensure consistent enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies across all substance categories.

Support in the fostering and maintenance a culture of safety, integrity, and evidence-based decision-making. Support in the fostering of a data-driven, risk-based methodology to prioritize inspection schedules and compliance verification activities across all regulated sectors. Advise on regulatory strategies for the oversight of all assigned substance categories. Assist in the implementation of a framework in alignment with national laws, international standards (e. g. , IAEA, UN conventions), and best practices. Advise on regulatory reforms, policy development, and legislative changes affecting the control of substances.

Policy Development & Technical GuidanceCollaborate with the CTO to review or develop procedures, guidelines, regulations or other documentation impacting operations of the Regulatory Compliance and LicensingCollaborate with the CTO to develop and revise regulatory standards and technical guidelines. Interpret complex technical data and legislation to provide operational guidance to field teams. Coordinate with legal and policy units to ensure coherent enforcement practices. Advise the CTO and executive leadership on substance-related regulatory changes. Contribute to emergency response protocols for substance-related incidentsServe as a key advisor to the CTO, providing expert operational insight to inform the development and revision of regulatory policy.

Identify and recommend cross-cutting regulatory challenges and opportunities for synergy between units (e. g. , developing common security vetting protocols for licensees in the nuclear, explosives, and cannabis sectors). Oversee the integration and implementation of new technologies, such as remote sensing, data analytics, and digital reporting tools, to enhance the effectiveness of compliance operations. Translate high-level technical and policy objectives into actionable operational plans for front-line staff. Perform any other related duties as requested by the CTO. Stakeholder EngagementLiaise with regulated industries, government agencies, international partners, and civil society on matters related to substances regulation.

Represent the RSA at national, regional, and international forums on controlled substances management. Respond to inquiries and resolve complex regulatory issues related to controlled substances. Data Management & ReportingEnsure accurate reporting and data collection on inspections, non-compliance, licensing, and incident response. Prepare and submit supervisory reports on the activities of the compliance and inspection officers to the CTO for review and action. Contribute to risk assessments, incident investigations, and emergency response planning. Key Areas of OversightOperational Management & EfficiencyRisk & Threat Assessment and ReportingTeam Supervision & DevelopmentCompliance & Enforcement ActionsInter-Agency & Stakeholder CoordinationQualifications & ExperienceEducational Background:

A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Toxicology, Public Health, Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Science or a related field. Additional qualifications in law, policy, or management are an advantage. Professional ExperienceMinimum 5 years of experience in regulatory affairs, compliance, public safety oversight or enforcement related to hazardous or controlled substances. Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary team of technical experts. Technical KnowledgeFamiliarity with international frameworks such as:

IAEA Safety StandardsUNODC GuidelinesRotterdam, Basel, Stokholm conventionsREACH, GHS, and OSHA StandardsExperience with licensing systems, compliance databases, and regulatory information management toolsSkills And Competencies Strategic Thinking: Capacity to see the larger picture, anticipate future regulatory challenges, and develop long-term operational strategies. Managerial Leadership: Exceptional ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing technical teams in a complex, high-stakes environment. Regulatory Expertise: Masterful understanding of administrative law, compliance frameworks, risk management principles, and enforcement processes. Technical Acumen: Broad understanding across multiple scientific and technical domains, with the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and facilitate credible discussions with subject matter experts.

Judgement & Integrity: Unquestionable ethical standing, sound judgement under pressure, and the ability to make difficult decisions with impartiality and fairness. Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Superior verbal and written communication skills. The ability to negotiate, influence, and build consensus with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. General Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in the various substances. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Strong ethical standards, and high levels of discretion. Knowledge of safety principles and practices Ability to explain complex regulatory requirements to licensees. Working RelationshipsInternal:

Works closely with the Chief Technical Officer, Inspectors and Compliance Officers. Interfaces with the Legal and IT departments. External: Interfaces with local, regional and international agencies and other regulatory bodies. DurationThe initial contract duration would be for twenty-four (24) months with the possibility of extension of the contract for an additional duration or permanent employment premised upon satisfactory performance in the initial 24-month period. Remuneration An attractive remuneration package commensurate with experience and skills will be offered.

Applying for this PositionEligible candidates must submit their application by one of the following means and it must be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Regulated Substance Authority . Printed CopyBisee Industrial EstateRegulated Substance AuthorityCastriesSaint LuciaORElectronically: info@rsa. govt. lcApplications Must Include The Following Format And ContentA brief cover letter (maximum 1 page); A resume (CV) of no more than 5 pages, showing personal details, work experience, and education, along with the names of three work related references; and Certified copy of academic qualifications DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 1st September, 2025. Note: unsuitable candidates will not be acknowledged.

Applicants whose minimum qualifications and experience conform to the Terms of Reference will be short-listed and invited to attend an interview for further consideration.