Trade Compliance Senior Advisor

We are seeking a Regional Trade Compliance Senior Advisor to manage export control compliance in APAC. This role will focus on the export control regulations of countries within the APAC region, while also assessing the impact of US-origin export controls on local operations. The role involves collaborating with trade professionals in other regions to develop, implement, and maintain export compliance programs, manage export licenses, conduct audits, and will act as the regional point of contact for trade compliance issues, providing guidance and support to regional business units. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring regulatory changes, mitigating risks, and ensuring seamless international trade operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Export Compliance Program Management

• Assess the impact of U.S.-origin export compliance programs on regional operations, customers, and supply chains, including geopolitical and country-specific risks and provide practical, business-focused compliance guidance.
• Monitor, interpret, and advise on export compliance regulations in the different countries within APAC and the adherence to applicable laws and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and oversee regional export compliance programs and draft and update export policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Communicate applicable export control updates and developments to stakeholders.
• Support export control considerations for SaaS products, new acquisitions, and Letters of Assurance (LOAs).

• Identify licensing requirements for exports, validating assignment of product, software and technology classification numbers and managing classification disputes.
• Defining, verifying, and communicating the applicability of regional trade agreements applicable trade certifications that impact the import/export of goods, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and enabling preferential treatment where applicable.

• Conduct internal and external compliance audits to identify and address non-compliance risks including third party screening programs.
• Perform risk assessments related to export activities which includes analyzing, applying, and determining the impact of trade sanctions, embargoes.
• Reviewing / managing Restricted Parties List Screening (RPLS) to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and to develop corrective action plans.

• Provide training and guidance to employees on export compliance requirements, including deemed exports, restricted party screening and licensing processes.
• Develop training materials tailored to different organizational levels and functional areas.

• In collaboration with government relations team members, engaging governmental authorities for updates on trade policy.
• Conducting periodic and systematic assessment of geopolitical, regulatory, and policy developments that may impact trade, compliance, and business operations.
• Closely collaborating with regional export control teams (NALA & EMEA) to ensure compliance with applicable (for example, US) regulations and alignment with local requirements.
• Issue spotting and providing advice and counsel on trade policies and facilitating trade dispute resolution.
• Working with legal counsel to identify professional legal privilege and developing privilege communications.

• Participation in and engagement with industry associations, trade groups, professional networks, and regulatory forums to stay informed of developments in trade compliance, customs, and international trade regulations, and to influence or benchmark best practices.

• Collaborate with internal teams, including legal, logistics, supply chain, internal audit and commercial finance, to ensure compliance is integrated into business processes.
• Coordination and integration of trade compliance functions with the company’s overall corporate compliance program, ensuring that trade operations align with organizational standards for legal, regulatory, and ethical conduct.
• Support cross-border enforcement mechanisms and interagency coordination efforts.

• Maintain accurate records of export licenses, and compliance activities in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Investigate and report suspected violations of export regulations to management and regulatory agencies as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 7 to 10 years of experience in export control, trade compliance, or dual-use licensing.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of international trade sanctions, general trade compliance issues, rules and regulations, dual-use technology risks, encryption regulations, IT transfer risks, and re-export risks. Familiarity with export compliance software (e.g., SAP Global Trade Services) and restricted party screening tools. Knowledge of high-risk regions and associated compliance challenges.
• Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to manage complex compliance issues. Strong communication and presentation skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. Project management expertise and ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Global Trade Compliance Specialist (CITCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), or Customs Compliance certifications (e.g., CUSECO).

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience conducting risk-based assessments.
• Legal or policy advisory background with understanding of export control legislation and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools to enhance compliance monitoring and reporting capabilities.