General Counsel

Job Purpose

To direct and oversee MBZUAI's legal advisory, representation, and compliance requirements and services; data protection requisites; and risk identification, management, and mitigation requirements. The role will ensure MBZUAI receives timely and sound legal advice to guide decision making, protect its interests, and mitigate legal risk; and operate an organization wide risk management framework that identifies, manages, and mitigates all types of business risks including financial, intangible, physical, technological, and operational risks.

Key Responsibilities Legal Counsel and Advice

• Provide legal counsel and guidance to MBZUAI on a broad range of legal matters, including contracts, intellectual property (IP), academic and industrial research collaborations, employment law, regulatory compliance, and litigation.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and horizon scan to remain updated on laws, regulations, and industry trends that may impact MBZUAI's operations; and brief senior management on relevant changes and challenges to be addressed.
• Advise senior management, faculty, and staff on legal risks and potential liabilities, and recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate risks identified.

Contract Management

• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to develop and implement contract management processes and templates to streamline and standardize contract administration.

Data Protection and Privacy

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with data protection and privacy laws, such as GDPR and other applicable regulations.
• Provide guidance on data security, data breach responses, privacy impact assessments, and other data protection matters.

Risk and Compliance Management

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework for MBZUAI, including identifying, assessing, and advising on risk mitigation across various areas of operation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish and monitor compliance programs, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments and internal compliance audits to identify potential areas of non compliance and develop corrective action plans.

External Engagement and Representation

• Represent MBZUAI in legal proceedings, negotiations, and interactions with external partners, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Build and maintain relationships with external legal counsel, consultants, and industry experts to stay abreast of legal developments and seek specialized advice and representation when required.

Training and Education

• Develop and deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance legal awareness and promote a compliance culture across MBZUAI.
• Provide legal training and guidance to faculty, staff, and students on legal and ethical responsibilities, including regarding IP rights, confidentiality, and data protection.

Academic Qualification

• A JD or LLB degree (according to country of qualification) or equivalent from an accredited law school, with active membership in the relevant bar association or law society (as applicable).

Professional Experience Essential

• At least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney or lawyer, with a focus on technology law, intellectual property law, and regulatory compliance.
• In depth knowledge of laws and regulations related to higher education, data protection, privacy, IP, contracts, and employment law.
• Strong understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by technology focused institutions, including research and development, technology transfer, and commercialization.
• Proven track record in providing strategic legal advice to large, complex organizations, managing complex legal projects, and leading cross functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with superior written English skills and the ability to communicate legal information in plain language.
• Experience in relationship management locally and internationally, and a demonstrated ability to build enduring stakeholder relationships that serve an organization's strategic purposes.
• Sound financial management skills with experience managing budgets.
• Experience successfully leading, managing, motivating, and empowering teams.
• Understanding of Middle Eastern working practices and culture.

Preferred

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to higher education institutions.
• Experience successfully working in the UAE.
• Arabic language speaker.