Head of Legal Compliance

Caliberly; Dubai; On-site; AED 550,000 - 735,000; Full time

Job summary

A global corporation based in Dubai seeks a Legal Leader with over 15 years of experience in corporate law and M&A. The ideal candidate will provide strategic legal counsel, develop governance frameworks, and lead the legal team. Fluency in French and English is required, with a strong background in business contexts, particularly in Africa and emerging markets.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in corporate law, M&A, regulatory compliance, and governance, preferably in multinational companies.
• Qualified as a solicitor or attorney in a relevant jurisdiction.
• Fluent in both French and English.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to senior management on corporate law and M&A.
• Develop corporate governance frameworks ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Lead legal strategy for M&A activities and advise on complex transactions.

Skills

Mergers & Acquisitions

Corporate Governance

Regulatory Compliance

Contract Negotiation & Drafting

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB)

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

• Legal Leadership: Provide strategic legal counsel to senior management, advising on all aspects of corporate law, M&A, regulatory compliance, governance, and commercial agreements.
• Corporate Governance: Develop and implement corporate governance frameworks across operations globally, ensuring compliance with regional and international legal requirements.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: Lead the legal strategy for M&A activities, providing expert advice on acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the companys operations adhere to all relevant regulations, particularly in Africa and emerging markets.
• Risk Management: Mitigate legal risks through effective contract negotiation and drafting, regulatory permitting, and proactive management of legal disputes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong relationships with internal teams (operations, HR, finance) and external stakeholders (regulatory bodies, local authorities) to facilitate business objectives.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the global legal team, focusing on talent development and capacity building to meet organizational goals.
• ESG and Permitting: Collaborate on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) audits and ensure timely acquisition of operational permits for global projects.
• Cross-Jurisdictional Expertise: Provide legal support for multi-jurisdictional restructuring and corporate governance initiatives, particularly in Africa.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 15+ years of experience in corporate law, commercial law, M&A, regulatory compliance, and governance, preferably in multinational companies with a focus on Africa and emerging markets.
• Bachelors degree in Law (LLB) and a Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Qualified as a solicitor or attorney in a relevant jurisdiction.
• Strong background in contract negotiation, corporate governance, regulatory permitting, and team leadership.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal landscapes, advise on large-scale transactions, and build high-performing legal teams.
• Fluent in both French and English.
• Significant experience working in Africa and emerging markets.
• Demonstrated expertise in the mining, infrastructure, or energy sectors is a plus.
• Experience handling multi-jurisdictional legal issues and managing cross-functional teams.
• Leading legal teams through successful M&A deals, corporate restructuring, and major international commercial transactions.
• Experience with ESG audits and developing action plans based on audit findings.
• Building and expanding legal teams in emerging markets, with a focus on skills transfer and mentorship.

Key Skills Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Governance, Regulatory Compliance, Corporate Law,p>

Contract Negotiation & Drafting, Ethics & Compliance, Team leadership & Mentorship