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 role involves working closely with the business to support key strategic initiatives across MEA, advising on new product launches, regulatory matters, disputes, litigation, data privacy, commercial negotiations, and governance support to 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, and proactively design strategies to manage them.
• Perform legal and regulatory compliance risk assessments, propose creative solutions, and help advance business objectives.
• Manage escalations and collaborate with other teams to develop solutions that enable business partners to achieve their goals.
• Develop strong rapport and working relationship with business counterparts across the enterprise to drive 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.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Responsibilities

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

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 desirable.
• Ability to collaborate with senior management and cross functional stakeholders.
• Accomplished senior lawyer with a keen attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Creative thinker with strong problem solving skills and 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 matrixed organization.
• Flexibility to work with colleagues in Europe, the United States, and Asia, accommodating calls and deadlines aligned to their time zones.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at .