Sr. Legal Counselor Specialist

SENIOR/LEGAL COUNSEL - CONSTRUCTION AND COMMERCIAL

Job Purpose:

The Legal Counsel advises on a wide range of legal matters relating to the company’s business including in relation to (EPC) Engineering Procurement /Construction agreements, procurement of goods/services, commercial transactions, new business endeavors/strategies and development, financing, operational issues, and petrochemical/oil and gas-related matters.

The Legal Counsel works closely with the Head of Legal, all SATORP departments and all SATORP stakeholders to pro-actively manage the overall legal risk exposure of the business.

Scope:

The Legal Counsel is directly involved in negotiation of critical contracts, fulfilling the legal needs of the company and its business, managing the work of outside counsel, and supporting the development of the legal function under the guidance of the Head of Legal.

The Legal Counsel acts as a trusted advisor of the company’s business and ensures that the company operates within the law at all times, offers counsel on legal issues, creates an effective guardian of the organization and facilitate business strategies development in line with the company’s policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• EPC/construction contracts:
• Contract Management: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction/EPC contracts, including FIDIC-based contracts, subcontracts, and other related agreements for construction and operation of projects.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating legal risks associated with construction projects, such as delays, defects, and contract breaches.
• Document Preparation: Preparing legal documents, correspondence, notices, submission of claims/rejection, and other relevant paperwork.
• Claim Management and Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in construction-related disputes, including claim review, negotiations, and dispute resolution.
• Advises on legal aspects of company’s business and major projects, including a wide variety of commercial contracts, feedstock supply contracts, product sales, and other project-specific agreements project (e.g., leases, licensing agreements, MOUs, NDAs, etc.)
• Advises on legal aspects of company’s procurement activities, including procurement contracts, purchase orders, standard terms and conditions, supplier deviations, and related disputes.
• Oversees and manages all disputes/claims, resolutions, avoidance practices, and related legal proceedings.
• Working closely with and advising all business/corporate units (manufacturing, product sales, business development, finance, IT, HR, etc.) on related legal issues.
• Actively participates in developing company contract templates, handles regulatory issues such as employment/labor law issues, and monitors all aspects of procurement law.
• Ensures that the company conducts its business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Supporting the Head of Legal as appropriate.
• Manages relationships with external parties (regulators, external counsel, clients/customers/contractors).

Expected Results:

• Acts as the custodian, guardian and controller of all major legal documents of the company
• Creates associations of trust and respect with the key internal and external stakeholders
• Meets legal objectives and deals with complex, significant matters that cut across legal and business-related areas.
• Keeps the company abreast of legislative changes, new and updated laws, regulations, and implementation.

Main Competencies and Qualities:

• Legal Expertise: Broad experience ideally covering construction/projects, commercial, procurement, and finance.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop effective strategies/solutions.
• Commercial Awareness/Business Acumen: Understanding of business principles and the ability to align legal strategies with business objectives.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to communicate complex legal information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve complex legal issues related to construction projects.
• Interpersonal Skills: Self-motivated and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, including executives, managers, and employees

Education Background: Bachelor’s degree in law or equivalent.

Experience: At least 5 years of strong international law firm experience and/or in-house experience ideally in the petrochemical and/or oil & gas industries.

Specialist experience of EPC/construction contracts and related claims management is mandatory .

Language: English spoken and written is essential.