Job Description

Synopsis
The Legal Counsel will play a key role in supporting the legal function across various business areas, including commercial operations, procurement, and technology. This role is ideal for a legally qualified professional with 3-5 years' post-qualification experience (PQE) from a common law jurisdiction (UK, Australia, or the US), with strong commercial and contract law experience. The successful candidate will work closely with business stakeholders and external counsel to provide timely, practical, and risk-aware legal advice.
Accountabilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including SGHAs, DPAs, service-level agreements, supply contracts, NDAs, and technology-related contracts (e.g., software licensing, SaaS, data processing agreements).
• Support business teams on legal issues arising from day-to-day operations, including aviation-related matters, regulatory compliance, and customer/vendor engagements.
• Collaborate with internal departments (procurement, finance, IT, operations) to support business initiatives and manage legal risk.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal policies, templates, playbooks, and best practices.
• Manage external legal counsel engagements and coordinate cross-jurisdictional legal advice where necessary.
• Support in corporate governance, board resolutions, and company secretarial matters as required.
• Monitor changes in relevant laws and regulations in jurisdictions of operation and assess their impact on the business.
• Provide training to internal teams on legal and compliance matters, especially around contract risk and data protection.

Education & Experience

• Qualified lawyer with 3-5 years PQE from a common law jurisdiction (UK, Australia, or the US).
• Prior experience at a reputable international or regional law firm is essential.
• Prior experience in aviation sector is highly desirable.
• Strong background in commercial contracts, with additional experience in technology and data-related agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound legal judgment in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Fluent in English; fluency in Arabic is highly desirable.
• Experience or familiarity with the aviation industry or ground handling operations is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Ability to work in highly pressurized environment.
• Comfortable working in a multinational and multicultural environment.

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About Etihad Airport Services-Ground
Etihad Airport Services Ground is the sole ground operations handler at Zayed International Airport.
EASG handles a wide variety of ground functions at the capital's international airport, from passenger check-in and boarding to baggage handling and aircraft services.
All operations are centered around its three main prerogatives: safety and security in all its functions, world class operations for all customer airlines through maximum efficiency and a world class customer experience for all visiting and transiting guests.

Skills Required