Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of Group's policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws to mitigate legal risks.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, statutory regulations and other formalities for all Group entities in their respective countries, primarily in the UAE, Middle East, East Asia, Africa, and regions relevant to the business.
- Oversee timely incorporation, renewals, restructuring, or liquidation of entities as needed.
- In coordination with relevant departments, promote awareness of appropriate policies, procedures and effective corporate governance across all entities, standardizing processes and providing necessary training.
- Safeguard the confidentiality and protection of data, information, and intellectual property related to the role and the Group entities.
- File necessary documents with registries and liaise with external regulators, lawyers and auditors and other third parties.
- Provide sound, relevant and up-to-date legal support and advice on various legal issues, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and other legal documents.
- Maintain a record of the legal documentation and agreements in the Group's legal database.
- Provide assistance, support and legal advice to other functions and departments. Draft, negotiate and review legal documents and agreements including but not limited to CPAs, subcontracts, service agreements, pre-bid agreements, NDAs, JV agreements, MOUs, framework agreements, tender documents, supply agreements, sale and purchase agreements, FIDIC contracts across the full spectrum of the Group entities' activities.
- Prepare appropriate templates for the Group entities.
- Handle litigation, keeping up with current changes on all relevant areas of laws.
- Carry out additional tasks and responsibilities as and when required.
Qualifications
- Educational Background: Juris Doctor (JD), Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent legal degree from a recognized institution.
- Relevant qualification from a civil or common law jurisdiction and admission to the bar with a valid license to practice law.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of legal experience, with a strong focus on corporate and commercial law, shipping, EPC, marine construction, and M&A transactions ideally within a law firm or in house.
- Industry Knowledge: In depth understanding of the legal frameworks governing marine business, tendering procedures, shipping, logistics, oil & gas EPC, construction and engineering, and FIDIC contracts.
- Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to think strategically about legal issues.
Skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
- Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, with a proven ability to manage complex legal issues and provide strategic guidance.
- Proficient in using legal research tools.
- Excellent drafting skills and ability to multitask.
- Must possess a can do attitude, take action, and demonstrate a high degree of professionalism.
- Ability to work with team members at all levels, regulators and other third parties.
- Computer literate and capable with all MS Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- High ethical standards and professional integrity with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting the Group entities' interests.
Knowledge
- Deep knowledge of the UAE, Middle East, and regions relevant to the business legal and regulatory landscape and procedures.
Languages
Proficiency in the English language. Arabic language is a plus.