Legal Counsel

Khalifa University Enterprise; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Khalifa University Enterprise is seeking a Legal Manager to oversee contractual and regulatory compliance for Academic Partner agreements. You will identify risks, coordinate with legal teams, and support audits, aiming to ensure KPIs and obligations are met and all activities align with policies and laws.

You will develop department strategy, policies, and budgets, monitor contractual performance, and advise stakeholders on rights and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Finance Certification or strong knowledge of legal methodologies and tools.
• Adaptable, proactive, willing to take on additional responsibilities; strong relationship-building and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contract KPIs and obligations with relevant stakeholders.
• Review contract performance, identify deviations or compliance issues.
• Coordinate with legal teams on clarifications, amendments, disputes and enforcement actions.
• Maintain contract registers, amendments, variations, terms and milestones.
• Advise internal teams on rights, obligations and compliance requirements.
• Support audits and compliance reviews; provide documentation and evidence.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Business acumen

Relationship building

Teamwork

Adaptability

Proactivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Legal methodologies and tools

Job description

This position is with Khalifa University in partnership with a leading government entity. The legal Manager is responsible for overseeing contractual and legal compliance for Academic Partner agreements ensuring that KPIs and obligations are met, legal risks are identified and escalated, and all activities align with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. The role acts as the main coordination point with legal teams, supporting audits, compliance reviews, and the resolution of contractual issues.

• Contribute to the development of the Department's strategy, as well as annual business plans.
• Contribute to the development of the Department's policies and procedures, in line with the overall business objectives of the University, ensuring they promote leading practices and excellence.
• Contribute to the development and management of the Department’s budgets and report back on a timely basis to ensure that divergences are addressed promptly.
• Monitor Academic Partner contractual KPIs and obligations in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct regular reviews of contract performance to identify deviations, breaches, or emerging compliance issues.
• Review contractual deviations and coordinate corrective action plans, ensuring timely implementation and closure.
• Maintain an up-to-date register of contracts, KPIs, amendments, variations, key terms, and milestones.
• Ensure AP arrangements comply with institutional policies, regulatory frameworks, and applicable laws.
• Prepare and maintain documentation and evidence to support internal and external audits and compliance reviews.
• Interpret contractual clauses and provide guidance to internal stakeholders on rights, obligations, and compliance requirements.
• Identify legal and contractual risks associated with AP agreements and escalate significant issues to the Executive Director.
• Prepare risk assessments, case summaries, and recommended actions for management consideration.
• Coordinate with legal teams on contractual clarifications, amendments, dispute resolution, and enforcement actions.
• Review and support drafting of legal correspondence related to contracts (notices, clarifications, variation letters).
• Contribute to the development and periodic update of contract-related policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities, as and when needed.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager.
• Provide coaching, guidance and mentoring as required to enhance the internal capabilities of the team and ensure the achievement of established objectives and plans.
• Recommend appropriate training courses as per the pre-determined training needs, evaluate their effectiveness, and monitor their results.
• Carry out performance appraisals for subordinates according to planned schedules and recommend necessary actions as per the applied practices.
• Conduct periodic meetings with subordinates to ensure that priorities are clear and workflow is running smoothly.
• Follow-up on employees' administrative affairs such as vacations, leaves and other administrative and related affairs.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Finance Certification or excellent knowledge with Legal methodologies and tools
• Adaptability, proactivity, willingness to take on additional responsibilities; skilled in relationship building and teamwork.