Legal Counsel

Job Description

Legal Counsel

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Job Objective

Direct and guide the development and implementation of the Legal function strategy and objectives in order to provide legal services including but not limited to providing legal advice and proactively identify and mitigate legal risks across the SAI(SAI). Ensure the development and implementation of a proper legislation and projects framework in collaboration with various external stakeholders as per the Abu Dhabi government references and best practices.

Key Responsibilities/Duties

Strategy and Planning

• Direct and lead the development and implementation of the department related policies, systems, procedures manual, Delegation of Authority, system user manuals and standard forms to ensure compliance across the Authority and alignment with SAI’s overall policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective cascading of the sector strategy into the department’s strategic and operational plans to achieve SAI’s overall objectives.
• Develop and direct the implementation of the department strategic, budget and procurement, and operational plans, and monitor corporate performance ensuring alignment with the sector strategy, SAI’s vision, mission and corporate objectives.
• Forecast and develop department budget and direct the monitoring of financial performance against the budget to ensure areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified, and potential areas of cost reduction or performance improvement opportunities are capitalized upon.
• Develop the department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in line with SAI’s overall objectives and ensure that sections meet KPIs in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  
  

Operations (with sub-headings)

Legal Strategy And Planning:

• Provide legal support services to the leadership of SAI in relation to the implementation of the Authority’s mandate.
• Oversee and guide the development of legal policies, procedures and processes and provide approval of the same, ensuring compliance with the established laws of United Arab Emirates whilst protecting SAI's legal interests.
• Direct the interpretation of laws and regulations that may impact SAI’s mandate and operations and provide advice on modifications to legal policies, procedures and processes.
• Establish legal strategic framework which supports the overall institutional strategy of SAI and direct the implementation of the functional strategy ensuring alignment to group strategy, SAI’s vision, mission, and corporate objectives.
• Proactively engage with senior management and provide legal guidance on strategic business issues and select the right path forward in order to achieve the overall strategic objectives of SAI.
• Ensure the provision of subject matter expertise for the assigned domain and provide counsel to SAI leadership on all related areas to facilitate the achievement of SAI’s strategy and functional strategies.
• Oversee development, implementation and control of an entity - wide risk management system for monitoring regulatory compliance.
  
  

Operations (with sub-headings)

Legal Strategy And Planning:

• Provide legal support services to the leadership of SAI in relation to the implementation of the Authority’s mandate.
• Oversee and guide the development of legal policies, procedures and processes and provide approval of the same, ensuring compliance with the established laws of United Arab Emirates whilst protecting SAI's legal interests.
• Direct the interpretation of laws and regulations that may impact SAI’s mandate and operations and provide advice on modifications to legal policies, procedures and processes.
• Establish legal strategic framework which supports the overall institutional strategy of SAI and direct the implementation of the functional strategy ensuring alignment to group strategy, SAI’s vision, mission, and corporate objectives.
• Proactively engage with senior management and provide legal guidance on strategic business issues and select the right path forward in order to achieve the overall strategic objectives of SAI.
• Ensure the provision of subject matter expertise for the assigned domain and provide counsel to SAI leadership on all related areas to facilitate the achievement of SAI’s strategy and functional strategies.
• Oversee development, implementation and control of an entity - wide risk management system for monitoring regulatory compliance.
  
  

Legal Consultancy:

• Provide legal opinion and advice to SAI’s senior leadership and organizational units regarding policies and legislations related to SAI’s mandate; study and analyze requests for legal advice received from inside and outside SAI and express legal opinion thereon.
• Manage legal risk within the Authority by providing legal advice to the senior management on all legal matters affecting their individual departmental transactions.
• Provide senior management across SAI with strategic and operational guidance, aiding them in the management of litigation issues such as contract disputes.
• Manage the review and provision of advice to the organizational units upon request on matters concerning applicable contracts required for operational requirements.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on legal related policy matters to SAI Management in order to ensure legal aspects are considered during critical decisions.
• Coordinate with counterpart legal units in government departments, agencies and institutions, and all subject entities in all matters related to legal issues relevant to SAI mandate.
  
  

Legal Services:

• Oversee the conduct of all professional legal work carried out by the Legal Affairs Department, undertaking and allocating work according to its complexity in accordance with the established legal and compliance standards of SAI to ensure legal matters are handled accordingly and operational legal requirements are met.
• Oversee the development and implementation of legal service plans and priorities for the Legal Affairs Department in accordance with SAI’s performance management framework and in line with corporate policies and objectives.
• Oversee the provision of legal advice and guidance on legal related policy matters to SAI Management in order to ensure legal aspects are considered during critical decisions.
• Oversee the identification of legal and regulation risks and issues within SAI and intervene as required while keeping the management informed to ensure proper awareness and timely risk mitigation.
• Oversee the provision of legal advice on legal matters concerning human resources and all applicable regulations.
• Oversee the training of colleagues across the organization on legal issues in order to increase awareness of legal issues.
• Direct the development and maintenance of standard form agreements across SAI ensuring compliance with applicable legal requirements with a view to protecting SAI's legal interests.
• Oversee the provision of legal guidance to the procurement function of SAI with respect to drafting, reviewing, interpreting and providing advice on agreements.
• Oversee the review of the agreements between SAI and projects to ensure that the organization’s interests are safeguarded.
• Represent the Authority before relevant governmental authorities and before the courts in relation to any legal issues or proceedings which requires legal input.
• Build relationships and oversee external legal counsels, experts and other professionals, and to control of expenditures in line with approved budgets and optimum value is attained. Oversee the negotiation of legal settlements and provide the necessary
• recommendations to the parties concerned within SAI to address the all legal issues before conclusion or being transferred to the courts
  
  

Talent Management and Development

• Direct the effective achievement of department operational goals through effective leadership and by setting department objectives, managing performance within the department, and developing and motivating the team to maximize performance.
• Oversee and lead talent development initiatives in coordination with the Human Resources Department and discipline experts and thereby ensure the availability of talent to fit SAI’s requirements.
• Act as a role model and ensure the team adheres to organizational values and ethics to establish a value-driven culture within the Authority.
• Share professional expertise and knowledge to build internal intellectual capital and facilitate knowledge sharing across the Authority.
• Manage, mentor, guide and coach section heads by using effective leadership strategies, providing directions and ensuring proper execution of all initiative undertaken by SAI to the highest standards. Corporate
• Oversee and direct periodic organizational structure change and to ensure optimal resource utilization.
• Direct change management through continuous improvement of department systems, processes and practices taking into account global standards and changes in the business environment, which demand proactive action plans.
• Ensure that all department reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet SAI requirements, and quality standards.
• Oversee department adherence and compliance with all SAI corporate policies, procedures and guidelines (HR, IT, Procurement, Finance, Health and Safety etc.) and code of business conduct
  
  

General

• The level of performance should reflect the academic qualification, type of courses in the field of specialization, employee job level, and the level of productivity.
• The academic and professional certificates required and approved by SAI should be acquired within the period specified and based on the employee’s Individual Development Plan.
• Perform the task and responsibilities independently unless an approval or directive was obtained to delegate the task to other employees in case of incapability to perform the tasks and responsibilities.
• Ensure teamwork, collaboration, and dedication in performing duties.
• Showcase a strong leadership to the team members.
• Knowledge and awareness about the capabilities of the subordinates and showcase a strong knowledge in the field of specialization.
• Provide the required support and guidance to the subordinates.
• Take responsibility of the decisions made.
  
  

Requirements

Academic Qualifications; Bachelor’s Degree in Law or equivalent

Preferred;: LL.M (Master’s degree in law) or other legal postgraduate degree from an approved university

Professional Certifications;

Certificate in Business Law or similar.

Preferred; Leadership ILM 5 or similar.

Professional Experience;

15+ years’ relevant experience in a top Legal position in reputed organizations out of which 8 years in a managerial role.

Preferred;

Demonstrated rapid career progression and a strong track record with former employers

Language Proficiency;Proficiency in Arabic and English

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