Executive Director, Corporate Governance — UAE

edari; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Edari is seeking an Executive Director – Corporate Governance in Dubai, UAE to lead enterprise governance across Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG, and Information Security. The role reports to the CEO and drives governance excellence for a major organization.

The candidate will oversee governance policies, regulatory submissions, and critical risk management programs while managing budgets and multidisciplinary teams. 60-day notice preferences apply and immediate start is valued.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of progressive leadership in Corporate Governance, Legal, Compliance, Risk Management.
• Experience advising Boards of Directors and Executive Leadership.
• Strong knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks and international compliance.
• Master’s degree in Law, Business Administration, Public Policy, Corporate Governance, or related field.
• Certifications CGEIT, CCEP, CRISC, CISM, CISSP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide corporate governance frameworks aligned with international best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Provide strategic governance and legal advice to the Board and Executive Leadership.
• Oversee Legal, Compliance, Enterprise Risk Management, ESG, Information Security Governance, and Health & Safety governance functions.
• Develop and maintain governance policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks across the organization.
• Drive enterprise-wide compliance programs, regulatory governance, and ethical business practices.
• Lead ESG strategy, sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, and ESG risk management initiatives.
• Oversee enterprise risk management frameworks and provide executive guidance on emerging risks and mitigation strategies.
• Establish and strengthen information security governance in alignment with ISO 27001 and NIST.
• Oversee complex legal matters, contracts, corporate structuring, and legal risk mitigation.
• Serve as the principal governance advisor to Executive Leadership and Board Committees.
• Lead governance reporting, Board documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure effective financial stewardship.
• Develop and lead high-performing multidisciplinary governance teams while supporting succession planning and workforce development.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, government authorities, Board members, consultants, and key internal stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Policy development

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Governance expertise

Education

Master's degree in Law or related field

Tools

CGEIT

CCEP

CRISC

CISM

CISSP

Job description

Edari is seeking an Executive Director – Corporate Governance in Dubai, UAE to lead enterprise governance across Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG, and Information Security. The role reports to the CEO and drives governance excellence for a major organization.

The candidate will oversee governance policies, regulatory submissions, and critical risk management programs while managing budgets and multidisciplinary teams. 60-day notice preferences apply and immediate start is valued.