Inhouse Legal Counsel (m / f / d)

BeWunder; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Dubai is seeking an Inhouse Counsel with extensive experience in contract law, specifically FIDIC contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong negotiation skills and be fluent in both English and German. Responsibilities include managing contract lifecycles, overseeing compliance, and preparing reports for senior management. Attractive benefits and a collaborative work environment are offered.

Benefits

Unified CAT A Silver Premium Medical Insurance

Complimentary daily lunches

Annual Flight Allowance

Team Engagement Initiatives

Further training opportunities

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a similar role in the UAE or Germany.
• In-depth knowledge of FIDIC contracts.
• Experience with variations and EOT claims.
• Knowledge of German standard form contracts is highly desired.
• Understanding of commercial, HR, and HSE law.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and negotiate contracts.
• Oversee the contract lifecycle and ensure compliance.
• Handle all HR legal aspects in multiple countries.
• Prepare detailed contract status reports for senior management.
• Mentor junior team members in contract management.

Skills

Fluent English

Fluent German

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Contract management software

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Inhouse Counsel with expertise in the construction industry to join our team. This role demands a professional with a solid understanding of contract law, including FIDIC and German standard form contracts, and a proven track record in managing variations and EOT (Extension of Time) claims.

The ideal candidate will be fluent in English and German language with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and condense complex information into concise reports for senior management. The Inhouse Counsel will also be well versed in other aspects of law such as commercial and HR law and act as a source of knowledge for all Support Units, engaging with external counsel where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and negotiate contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, ensuring that all agreements align with company goals and compliance requirements.
• Oversee the contract lifecycle, managing documentation, amendments, and ensuring contractual obligations are met.
• Handle commercial contracts and renewals for office / warehouse leases, software agreements, etc.
• Work with People & Culture unit to ensure HR legal aspects are compiled within all countries we operate, utilising external counsel as required.
• Act as point of liaison with an external counsel when needed.
• Handle variations and EOT claims efficiently, minimizing financial risks and avoiding project delays.
• Prepare detailed contract status reports, highlighting risks, compliance, and progress, tailored for senior management.
• Coordinate with project managers, legal, and finance teams to ensure smooth execution of contracts.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments affecting contracts in the construction industry, including sustainability practices.
• Mentor and guide junior team members in contract management practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Law or other legal-focused education.
• At least 5 years of experience in a similar role in the UAE or Germany.
• In-depth knowledge of FIDIC contracts and proven experience with variations and EOT claims is a must.
• Knowledge of German standard form contracts (VOB / B and BGB) is highly desired.
• Understanding of commercial, HR and HSE law.
• Fluent in German and English.
• Exceptional negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management software.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and ethical standards.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Highly organized with a keen attention to detail.
• Proactive and independent, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why us?

• Unified CAT A Silver Premium Medical Insurance provided as standard to all team members – yes, you read that correctly, we all enjoy the same insurance category benefits!
• Complimentary lunches provided daily in our Dubai office canteen.
• Team Engagement Initiatives – team-building activities, health and wellness drives, etc.
• Team Socials – team BBQs, season opening and closing parties.
• Worker’s Compensation and Accident Insurance.
• Annual Flight Allowance.
• Recruitment Referral Bonus Scheme for team members who refer successful applicants for our open positions.
• Project Referral Bonus Scheme for team members who refer successful project leads.
• Community & Diversity Programme, including an annual BeWunder Culture Day celebrating our international and multicultural team.
• The opportunity to work in an international and multi-cultural team with collaboration across our offices in the Middle East and Europe.
• Collaborative and motivated working environment.
• Trusting and partnership-based cooperation across all units.
• An innovative and growth-oriented company with a matrix organizational structure and an open corporate culture.
• Further training opportunities and support in acquiring further qualifications as well as opportunities for further development in new technologies.

About us

BeWunder is your turnkey partner specializing in Event Production and Spatial Experiences .

We create inspiring and unforgettable experiences for our clients and their guests. Our renowned and highly-skilled team of industry experts in both live events and permanent construction is well-versed in bridging the gap between vision and reality. We design, deliver and service complex, challenging, and large-scale projects in the field of museums and exhibitions, EXPO and brand pavilions, visitor and experience centers, digital art spaces, live events - both corporate and sporting, as well as conferences and multimedia shows.

Our passion lies in producing multisensory and immersive experiences, a perfect blend of new technologies and content, staged lighting and interactive elements.

With our international track record in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are perfectly positioned to realize exceptional projects for our clients around the globe, from initial concept design through to final installation and beyond!