Governance & Legal Officer - Dubai Campus

Heriot-Watt University; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University seeks a Legal and Governance Officer to ensure compliance and provide legal advice within its Governance Assurance and Legal Services team. This full-time role focuses on legal documentation, stakeholder engagement, and supporting the institution's strategic goals. Ideal candidates will possess a law degree, strong organizational skills, and at least three years of relevant experience, contributing to a dynamic and multi-cultural environment.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in legal, governance, or compliance roles.
• Knowledge of UAE laws and regulations is essential.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for legal administrative tasks and stakeholder management.
• Support governance and legal process improvements.
• Assist in drafting legal agreements and maintaining legal files.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Knowledge of UAE laws

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law or related field

Job description

Description

Job Posting Title: Legal and Governance Officer

Position Title: Legal and Governance Officer

Grade and Salary: Grade 6 (Starting Salary AED 00 Annually Depending on Experience)

FTE and working pattern: Full Time

Organisation Name: Heriot Watt University (Dubai Campus)

About our School/Directorate and Team:

The Governance Assurance and Legal Services (GALS) Directorate supports effective and accountable governance, compliance, and institutional safety to enable the delivery of Strategy 2035. Our mission is to improve legal services governance and compliance through high-quality legal advice, monitoring, and capacity building at the Dubai Campus of Heriot-Watt University.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Legal and Governance Officer to join our team, focusing on legal documentation, advice, research, and internal stakeholder engagement. This role will also support broader activities within the GALS portfolio.

The GALS Directorate provides services including:

• Legal Services: Custodianship of legal repository; drafting, reviewing, and supporting approval of legal documents; providing legal advice; contract negotiation; legal updates for stakeholders.
• Information Governance: Ensuring compliance with data protection laws; developing related policies.
• Risk Management: Maintaining risk registers and frameworks; supporting reporting for committees.
• Internal Review Activities: Supporting compliance and governance reviews.
• Business Continuity Planning: Assisting with plan development and staff training.
• Insurance: Managing insurance cover and queries.
• Controls Assurance: Supporting internal controls and assurance frameworks.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Primarily responsible for legal administrative tasks, internal audit, stakeholder management, and ensuring compliance with governance structures and laws. Support broader GALS activities as needed.

Work closely with the Head of GALS and team members at Dubai Campus. Responsibilities include:

• Assist in drafting and coordinating legal agreements, contracts, and MOUs.
• Organize and maintain legal files and documentation.
• Provide legal advice under supervision, ensuring compliance with policies and laws.
• Contribute to governance and legal process improvements.
• Stay updated on legal and regulatory developments in relevant jurisdictions.
• Support internal reviews, risk mitigation, and follow-up actions.
• Assist in preparing papers for university governance bodies and conduct training workshops.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Law or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in legal, governance, or compliance roles.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and IT tools.
• Knowledge of UAE laws and regulations.

Desirable:

• Experience in higher education or public sector.
• Understanding of risk management frameworks.
• Experience with compliance reviews.
• Legal practice background.

Heriot-Watt University Values

Established in 1821, Heriot-Watt University is renowned for teaching and research excellence, with a strong international presence including campuses in Dubai, Scotland, Malaysia, and the Scottish Borders.

Our values include: Belong, Collaborate, Inspire, Celebrate. We foster innovation, leadership, and a community spirit, emphasizing continuous improvement and development.

Application process: Submit your application via our online system with a cover letter and CV. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for video interviews, followed by in-person interviews including a presentation.

We are committed to equality and diversity, ensuring merit-based treatment and inclusive environment. The appointment is contingent upon visa and legal formalities.

The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of all Labour and Immigration formalities and the start date will need to be delayed if the employment visa is not in place.