Director, Legal Counsel - MEA

Job Summary

This position will lead our legal function in the Middle East and Africa and is based in Dubai. The position involves working closely with the business to support key strategic initiatives across MEA, including advising on the launch of new products, relevant laws and regulations, supporting disputes and litigation, data privacy, commercial negotiations, and providing governance support to relevant legal entities across the region.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice and support to senior management, influencing business strategy and decision making.
• Anticipate regulatory and legal risks, proactively design strategies to manage them.
• Perform legal and regulatory compliance risk assessments, propose creative solutions where applicable, and help advance business objectives.
• Manage escalations, collaborate across other teams and develop solutions to enable business partners to achieve their goals.
• Develop a strong rapport and working relationship with business counterparts across the enterprise to help drive the delivery of effective legal services.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, leading the adoption of cutting edge legal technologies and best practices.
• Manage legal risks and safeguard PayPal's legal interests, developing forward looking risk management strategies.
• Provide key inputs as an industry leader and expert, staying ahead of legal trends and influencing industry standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years relevant experience and a Juris doctorate degree OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications

• Work with the PayPal business teams to advise on the development and implementation of new products and services, including the regulatory and business risk implications across the MEA.
• Deal with regulatory issues and advise on the impact of new and existing laws and regulations and local governance matters.
• Advise on and negotiate agreements with key partners, payment processors, and financial institutions to further the expansion of the PayPal business.
• Help develop and build the wider, non legal team's understanding of relevant laws and regulations to encourage a culture of compliance and responsibility.

Job Requirements

• Admitted as a lawyer with at least 6 years post admission experience gained in a law firm or as in house counsel.
• Experience in banking, payments, financial services or fintech would be desirable.
• Ability to collaborate with senior management and cross functional stakeholders.
• Accomplished senior lawyer with a keen attention for detail and an ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Creative thinker with strong problem solving skills and the ability to stay calm under challenging circumstances.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously, with effective resolution of conflicting priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, changing environment and a matrixed organisation.
• Flexibility to work with colleagues in Europe, the United States and Asia and accommodate calls and deadlines aligned to their time zones.

Benefits

At PayPal, we're committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. We offer comprehensive, choice based programs to support all aspects of personal wellbeing-physical, emotional, and financial-delivering meaningful value where it matters most. We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.