Lead Legal Counsel (Nawah)

ENEC Operations; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy organization in the UAE is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to spearhead legal functions within EMEC. The role involves providing comprehensive legal advice, managing risks, and ensuring compliance across diverse projects, including contract governance and transaction structuring. The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders to safeguard the corporation's interests, requiring a law degree and substantial experience in energy-related legal matters.

Qualifications

• 6-7 years of relevant experience; 3 years as a senior member in a corporate legal team.
• Experience in corporate governance and financing matters.
• Understanding of legal issues in power agreements and project finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal advisory for ENEC’s programs and projects.
• Provide legal advice on transaction structuring and compliance.
• Oversee litigation processes and manage legal risks.

Skills

Legal Advisory

Contract Management

Compliance

Risk Mitigation

Strategic Planning

Education

Law Degree

Job description

Job Purpose

To lead and direct Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (ENEC’s) legal function responsible for the legal advisory and oversight of transaction, contract, and governance aspects of ENEC’s program and projects, including ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and contractual requirements.

Key Activities, Responsibilities & Accountability

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Support ENEC programs and projects by providing tailored legal advice across a diverse range of project development, financing, and corporate matters.
2. Lead in providing high-quality, commercially focused legal advice and recommendations to internal stakeholders on matters such as transaction structuring, project agreements, loan documentation, security arrangements, power purchase agreements, property leasing/purchase, site access, environmental agreements, fuel supply, operations and maintenance, joint ventures, project finance, tax, and litigation to resolve legal issues.
3. Provide strategic legal advice to the Legal Director of Corporate Governance and Financing on complex and sensitive matters, including legal implications of strategic projects, investments, and joint ventures, to protect ENEC’s interests and minimize risks.
4. Offer feedback and advice regarding ENEC’s legal compliance and significant internal and external risks, recommending mitigation strategies.
5. Review contractual agreements and correspondence to minimize liability and safeguard ENEC’s interests.
6. Oversee litigation processes and manage cases on behalf of the Legal Director of Corporate Governance and Financing.

Strategic Planning Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Contribute to the development of the legal division's strategic plan to align with ENEC’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
2. Lead efforts to achieve strategic milestones affecting finance and incorporate financial considerations into ENEC’s business model.

Framework and Transaction Structuring Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Develop project and governance frameworks for ENEC’s domestic and international projects and initiatives.
2. Support transaction structuring to balance achieving business objectives while minimizing legal risks.

Health, Safety, Security, and Business Continuity Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Ensure personal responsibility for safety, adhere to HSE policies, report hazards, and avoid misconduct that could compromise safety or the environment.
2. Follow security policies and procedures to ensure security compliance.
3. Adhere to Business Continuity and Resilience policies to maintain critical operations during disruptions.

People Management Responsibilities & Qualifications:

1. Possess a law degree and be admitted as an attorney in the US, UK, Canada, UAE, or a similar jurisdiction.

Experience:

• 6 to 7 years of relevant experience; preferably 7-10 years.
• At least 3 years as a senior member of a corporate legal team or senior attorney in a law firm.
• Understanding of the economics and debt/capital markets financing of electric power, with knowledge of legal and commercial issues in PPAs, site leases, EPC contracts, project finance, O&M agreements, and other power project agreements.