Senior Legal Manager

The Senior Counsel is responsible for leading and managing all legal matters across the business, ensuring compliance with UAE laws, Central Bank of the UAE insurance regulations, DOH and DHA requirements, and Shariah governance requirements applicable to Takaful operations.

The role provides strategic legal advice across life, health, and property & casualty (P&C) portfolios, including underwriting, claims, reinsurance, distribution, and corporate governance, while safeguarding the company's legal and reputational interests.

The role reports to the Group General Counsel. The role has group oversight responsibilities for entities in Salama's corporate group.

Key Responsibilities:

• 1. Legal Advisory (Business Lines) Provide end-to-end legal support across financial services products in the takaful/insurance space:
• Life insurance (including savings, protection, and group schemes)
• Health insurance (including network arrangements and TPAs)
• Property & Casualty (P&C) (motor, liability, property, marine, etc.)
• Advise on product structuring to ensure compliance with UAE law and Shariah principles.
• Support underwriting and product teams on policy wordings, exclusions, and endorsements.
• Review and approve insurance documentation, terms, and conditions.
• 2. Claims & Disputes Provide legal oversight on complex and high-value claims across all lines of business.
• Advise on coverage disputes, claims, and settlement strategies.
• Manage litigation, arbitration, and regulatory disputes (including UAE onshore/DIFC courts).
• Liaise with external counsel and oversee case strategy and costs.
• Ensure claims handling aligns with regulatory and fair treatment of customers requirements.
• 3. Takaful & Shariah Compliance Ensure all products, contracts, and operations comply with Takaful principles.
• Work closely with the Shariah Supervisory Committee (ISSC):
• Prepare and review legal documentation for Shariah approval
• Implement SSC rulings (fatwas) into contractual frameworks
• Advise on wakala/mudaraba structures, surplus distribution, and participant risk funds.
• Support Shariah audits and regulatory reporting relating to Islamic finance compliance.
• 4. Regulatory & Compliance Advisory Advise on compliance with:
• UAE Central Bank Insurance Regulations
• UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021)
• UAE Data Protection Law PDPL and healthcare-specific regulations
• Support regulatory filings, inspections, and correspondence with the Central Bank.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting insurance and Takaful operations.
• 5. Reinsurance & Commercial Contracts Draft, review, and negotiate:
• Distribution agreements (brokers, bancassurance, agents)
• TPA agreements and service provider contracts
• Vendor, IT, and outsourcing agreements
• Advise on risk transfer structures and fronting arrangements.
• 6. Corporate Governance & Board Support Support the Board and committees on legal and governance matters.
• Advise on directors' duties, conflicts of interest, and related party transactions.
• Review Board materials and resolutions from a legal perspective.
• 7. Risk Management & Internal Controls Identify and mitigate legal risks across the organization.
• Support implementation of ICoFR (Internal Controls over Financial Reporting).
• Contribute to enterprise risk management and compliance frameworks.
• 8. External Stakeholder Management Act as a key point of contact for:
• Regulators (Central Bank of the UAE, Department of Health, Dubai Health Authority)
• External legal counsel
• Auditors and consultants

Represent the company in negotiations, disputes, and regulatory discussions.

Decision Making Authority / Judgmental Complexity:

• Provide legal advice on routine matters and resolve legal issues.
• Manage day-to-day legal operations and team activities.
• Seek approval for significant legal actions, such as initiating litigation or entering into major contracts.
• Consult with legal experts for complex legal questions.

Knowledge /Skills /Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB); LLM or equivalent preferred.
• Qualified lawyer (common law or civil law jurisdiction).
• Minimum 5-10 years' post-qualification experience, with:
• Significant experience in financial services or insurance law
• Experience in financial products Takaful / Islamic finance (preferred)
• Experience in UAE or GCC regulatory environment is essential.
• Prior in house experience in a financial institution or insurer (preferred)
• Strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and legal principles.
• Experience in handling legal disputes and litigation.
• Ability to draft clear and concise legal documents.
• Skill in negotiating, case settlement, and agreements.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.