Head of Legal Affairs - Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Role Summary

• Legal Governance & Strategic Oversight

• Establish and maintain regional legal frameworks, procedures, and governance standards
• Translate business priorities into legal strategies that support operational and commercial objectives
• Monitor evolving legal and regulatory requirements and implement proactive compliance measures
• Design and maintain legal governance documentation, policies, and operating guidelines
• Drive a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability through legal awareness and internal guidance
• Identify legal and regulatory exposure areas and implement mitigation plans
• Support leadership in making informed decisions on legal and governance matters

• Commercial Legal Support & Advisory

• Provide practical and commercially focused legal counsel to internal stakeholders
• Lead the review, drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and commercial agreements
• Structure agreements to balance legal protection with business objectives
• Advise on complex legal matters and develop solution-oriented recommendations
• Manage legal escalations and coordinate responses to critical business issues
• Partner with external legal advisors where specialist expertise is required

• Dispute Resolution & Asset Protection

• Direct dispute management activities including litigation, arbitration, and settlement discussions
• Oversee external counsel engagement and monitor case strategy and outcomes
• Protect business interests through effective legal positioning and dispute avoidance practices
• Lead intellectual property management initiatives, including registration, enforcement, and portfolio protection

• Leadership & Capability Building

• Develop and mentor regional legal teams to build sustainable capability
• Create succession and workforce development plans for critical legal roles
• Encourage knowledge sharing and continuous professional growth across the function

• Corporate Responsibility & Governance

• Strengthen governance practices across the region in line with internal standards and applicable regulations
• Support responsible business initiatives and promote operational sustainability principles
• Ensure legal activities align with environmental, health, safety, and governance expectations

• Ethics & Anti-Corruption Framework

• Promote adherence to anti-corruption principles and internal compliance controls
• Strengthen awareness of ethical business practices and decision-making standards
• Evaluate corruption and integrity risks across legal and commercial activities
• Support implementation and monitoring of anti-bribery controls and reporting mechanisms

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB or equivalent)
• Arabic language proficiency is required
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in legal affairs, corporate governance, and compliance
• Strong experience in legal operations, contract management, and risk management
• Strong understanding of regulatory engagement and public-sector operating environments
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders and external legal networks
• Excellent negotiation, advisory, and executive communication skills
• Strong knowledge of commercial contracting and corporate governance practices
• Experience in dispute resolution, litigation management, and claims handling
• Knowledge of intellectual property management and legal risk assessment
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities
• Ability to manage complex legal matters and provide business-focused solutions
• Strong stakeholder management and business partnership skills
• High level of adaptability, accountability, and results orientation
• Experience in compliance monitoring and anti-corruption frameworks
• Leadership experience in managing and mentoring legal teams
• Ability to work in fast-paced and multicultural environments