Job Code: 5498
Job Title: Head of Legal and Board Secretary Role
Job Location: Abu Dhabi
I. Legal Leadership & Advisory (Insurance Sector Focus)
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Provide strategic legal counsel to the CEO, Board, and Executive Team on all corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters.
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Lead the Legal Department, managing lawyers, advisors, and external counsel with clear KPIs and accountability.
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Interpret and implement insurance-specific laws (UAE Insurance Authority, Central Bank, SCA, etc.).
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Draft, review, and negotiate high-risk contracts: reinsurance treaties, bancassurance agreements, third-party administration (TPA), distribution, and IT vendor contracts.
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Manage all litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution (claims, underwriting, HR, compliance, shareholder disputes).
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Ensure legal risk assessments are conducted for all major corporate initiatives (new products, system integrations, cross-border operations).
II. Regulatory Compliance & Licensing
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Oversee compliance with local and international laws (CBUAE, ESR, AML/CFT, GDPR, FATCA/CRS where applicable).
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Liaise directly with regulators (Central Bank, SCA, Ministry of Economy) on audits, flings, inspections, and license renewals.
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Ensure legal compliance of marketing, sales, and insurance product documentation.
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Maintain a strong legal framework to support ongoing digital transformation, AI use, and cyber risk mitigation.
III. Board Secretary & Corporate Governance
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Act as Secretary to the Board of Directors, ensuring best practice in governance, disclosure, and documentation.
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Organize and document all Board, NRC, Audit, Risk & Compliance,
Investment, and Executive Committee meetings.
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Prepare and maintain Board agendas, resolutions, minutes, and secure confidential records.
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Ensure timely delivery of board packs, regulatory reports, and corporate governance disclosures (including CBUAE/SCA formats).
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Guide directors on fiduciary duties, board evaluations, and code of conduct adherence.
IV. Risk, Ethics & Corporate Policy
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Partner with Risk & Compliance in managing legal and reputational risks across the organization.
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Establish and update internal policies, charters, and frameworks (Whistleblower, Conflict of Interest, Code of Ethics).
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Conduct legal training for staff on key compliance areas (AML/CFT, competition law, data privacy).
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Champion an ethical and compliant culture throughout the organization.
V. M&A, Restructuring & Shareholder Affairs
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Lead legal due diligence and structuring of M&A, joint ventures, and shareholding changes.
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Draft shareholder agreements, resolutions, capital increases, and special regulatory approvals.
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Support group restructuring initiatives, free zone expansions, or strategic partnerships