Job Description

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

Skills Required