Head of Legal

About This Role

Job Description As a Head of Legal at GCGRA, you will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the laws, regulations, and policies governing the gaming industry. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will be responsible for managing legal affairs, providing legal advice, and supporting regulatory functions within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the gaming regulatory landscape to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Stay updated on changes in gaming legislation and provide guidance to the organization.
• Set interpretation for complex issues, guide board and sector leaders, anticipate shifts and propose regulatory change.
• Design and maintain frameworks for governance, risk and board policy, influence regulatory direction.
• Oversee litigation and regulatory strategy, represent authority at highest level, set sector precedent.
• Manage overall legal risks in line with applicable policies.
• Lead strategic regulatory plans, coordinate consultation and present future-proofed models to board.
• Lead alliances, negotiate MOUs, manage multi-agency work, advise board and C-suite.
• Provide legal advice and opinions on a broad range of legal matters, including gaming laws, contracts, intellectual property, privacy, data protection, and consumer protection. Review and negotiate agreements, contracts, and legal documents to safeguard the organization's interests.
• Support the General Counsel in conducting investigations into potential violations of gaming regulations and internal policies. Collaborate with enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to address any legal and regulatory breaches effectively.
• Draft and review legislation, regulations, policies, and internal legal documents. Ensure the accuracy and clarity of legal documents and make recommendations for improvements where necessary.
• Develop and deliver legal training programs to enhance the organization's understanding of legal and regulatory requirements. Ensure that employees and stakeholders are informed about changes in laws and regulations affecting the gaming industry.
• Assist in investigating grievances or complaints made to the GCGRA and /or the Grievances Committee.
• Oversee litigation cases, whether initiated by or against the GCGRA, and negotiate settlements.
• Oversee the legal team across all areas of expertise, including general contracts, litigation, advisory, and management of legal risks.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the field of law within a regulated environment. Extensive knowledge and understanding of gaming laws, regulations, and industry practices
• Bachelor's and Master's degree in law.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Experience in a regulatory or legal role within the gaming industry is preferred.
• Familiarity with gaming technology, online gaming platforms, and emerging trends is advantageous.
• Develop and deliver training programs and materials to educate gaming operators on technological compliance requirements.
• Fluency in English is a must, and Arabic is advantageous.

About Us The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gaming in the United Arab Emirates. We aim to drive sustainable growth by cultivating world-class commercial gaming operations and implementing efficient regulation, grounded in the principles of integrity, innovation, and responsible practices.

Established by Federal Law by Decree and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA is the executive authority that holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE.