The candidate should meet the following criteria: * At least 8 years of post-qualification experience in corporate and commercial work at a leading law firm or in a leading financial institution or corporation.

• Strong academic background from a leading university or law school.
• Intelligent self-starter, able to draft legal documents to a high standard, command the confidence and respect of management, lead legal negotiations and, alongside deal teams, manage outside counsel retained in the context of investments, litigation, and other complex matters.
• Willing to travel on occasion (especially within the UAE) and able to work flexible hours when required, which may include evenings and weekends.

Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the role has overarching responsibility for the legal and compliance affairs within the organisation. Although the incumbent is required to provide legal advice to the same level of excellence as though operating as an external legal counsel, the role is also highly entrepreneurial and when supporting the senior management, requires the incumbent to have a very client-centric mindset. The incumbent will also be responsible for all compliance matters in relation to company activities, ensuring compliance with its external and cross-border regulatory requirements and its internal governance framework.

Job description

The job will include:

• Oversight and management of the Legal and Compliance team with overall responsibility for Legal and Compliance affairs.
• Regulatory compliance, including ensuring compliance with all applicable governmental regulations, preparing filings, drafting compliance policies, interfacing with authorities and regulators on a cross-border basis.
• Working directly with department heads and their teams in providing legal advice and compliance related in all aspects of commercial and business law with respect to investments, investment products and transactions.
• Preparing, reviewing and negotiating fund legal documents and other M&A, financing or other legal documentation and advise on complex legal structures.
• Responsibility for the overall management of external law firms and ensuring cost savings at every opportunity but without any dilution of quality or increase of risks.
• Corporate governance, including preparing board packs, attending board meetings, preparing resolutions and minutes, drafting and negotiating agreements, ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Developing, maintaining, and revising policies and procedures as required for the general and efficient operation of the company and collaborating with other support and especially risk and internal audit.
• Monitoring the legal and regulatory environment in the jurisdictions in which the company operates and advise the senior management on changes and developments in applicable laws and regulations and develop strategies accordingly.
• Conducting negotiations with counterparties, and coordinate and monitor external law firms regarding projects, transactions and claims.
• Contract drafting and negotiation with third parties, typically involving engagement letters, contracts, investment banking and advisory mandates, NDAs, etc., but also occasionally in the context of more complex matters such as LOIs and ancillary for potential investments.
• Ensuring relevant and appropriate legal and training is provided to all staff.

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