M&A Manager – Upstream Oil & Gas

Paragon Global; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Paragon GE is seeking an M&A Manager – Upstream Oil & Gas based in the UAE, with global travel. You will lead negotiations for international acquisitions, new ventures and partnerships, coordinating with technical, legal and financial teams to structure favorable terms.

The successful candidate will bring at least 15 years of upstream commercial experience and a proven record negotiating with governments, NOCs and international partners, with direct asset acquisition and joint venture

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in Petroleum Contracts and international negotiation.
• Proven track record negotiating with governments, NOCs and international partners.
• Direct experience in asset acquisitions, PSAs, concessions, JOAs and farm-in/out.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A negotiations for upstream assets, growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Coordinate with technical, legal, finance and economic teams to structure deals.
• Negotiate and finalize PSAs, TSCs, concessions and joint venture agreements.
• Ensure value creation, risk mitigation and alignment with long-term growth.

Skills

M&A negotiations

International negotiations

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

Economic modelling

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or Law

Job description

Paragon is searching for an M&A Manager – Upstream Oil & Gas for an upstream oil and gas operator. This is a staff position based in the UAE, with global travel. Reporting to the VP M&A, the role will lead commercial negotiations for international acquisitions, new ventures and strategic partnerships, working closely with technical, finance and legal teams to structure agreements and secure favourable terms.

The successful candidate will bring at least 15 years of relevant upstream commercial experience, with a proven record of negotiating with governments, national oil companies and international partners. Direct experience in asset acquisitions, production sharing contracts, concessions, joint operating agreements and farm-in/farm-out transactions is essential.

PositionTitle: M&A Manager – Upstream Oil & Gas

Location: UAE

Contracttype: Direct hire (staff)

Job Purpose

• Handle Mergers & Acquisitions negotiations in Growth Office, market intelligence, and strategic partnerships, ensuring full alignment with the Company’s long-term growth strategy and corporate vision.
• Lead and support Mergers & Acquisitions contract negotiations, and international business agreements related to upstream Oil and Gas assets acquisitions and terms optimizations.
• Ensure value creation, risk mitigation, and commercial alignment across exploration, development, production, and farm-in/farm-out activities while supporting the company’s business growth objectives.
• Ensure value-driven decision-making across all commercial engagements, contractual frameworks, and fiscal regimes to maximize long-term shareholder value.

Responsibilities

Commercial, Business Growth Portfolio & Value Assurance

Commercial Strategy & Business Growth

• Support the VP M&A in developing and executing Mergers & Acquisitions strategies for upstream oil and gas projects.
• Evaluate commercial viability of exploration, development, and acquisition opportunities.
• Provide commercial input for business plans, investment proposals, and management approvals.
• Coordinate with technical, legal, finance, and economic teams to ensure integrated commercial decision-making.

International & Commercial Negotiations

• Lead and participate in high-value international negotiations with governments, national oil companies (NOCs), joint venture partners, and international oil companies (IOCs).
• Lead negotiations for upstream Asset Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, partnerships, and key Joint Ventures commercial contracts, including Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Technical Service Contracts (TSCs), and offtake agreements.
• Contribute in the negotiation and optimize financial terms of any new acquisition to enhance company financial performance and value realization over the medium to long term.
• Negotiate and finalize key upstream agreements and M&A, including:
• New Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs)
• Concession and license agreements
• Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs)
• Farm-in / Farm-out agreements
• Gas sales agreements and crude lifting arrangements; ensuring effective coordination with Marketing Department.
• Ensure negotiations optimize commercial terms while maintaining long-term strategic relationships.

Contract Management & Governance

• Lead contract structuring, and Mergers & Acquisitions risk assessments across all new business growth initiatives to ensure competitive and resilient commercial outcomes.
• Oversee commercial and contractual aspects throughout the contract lifecycle, from negotiation to execution and amendments.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, fiscal terms, and local regulatory frameworks.
• Support dispute avoidance and resolution related to commercial terms and partner agreements.
• Coordinate with legal teams on contract drafting, review, and interpretation.

Market & Economic Analysis

• Monitor global upstream market trends, fiscal regimes, and competitive landscapes.
• Conduct and review economic modelling, sensitivity analysis, and risk assessments for upstream projects.
• Benchmark commercial terms against industry standards and peer projects.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Maintain effective relationships with international partners, government entities, and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the company in steering committees, joint venture meetings, and commercial forums.
• Align partner expectations with corporate commercial and strategic objectives.

Legal & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant local, regional, and international laws, regulations, and industry standards applicable to Growth Office Department.
• Work closely with Legal and Compliance teams to interpret and implement contractual, regulatory, and statutory requirements.
• Oversee adherence to commercial agreements and company policies.
• Manage responses to regulatory audits, inspections, and investigations.
• Promote a culture of ethical conduct and corporate governance within the Growth Office teams and partners.
• Identify and mitigate legal and compliance risks related to commercial activities.

Conference & External Representation

• Represent the company at global industry conferences, international negotiations panels, and strategic forums.
• Share insights and showcase leadership in commercial excellence.
• Leverage external networks to update internal growth strategy

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, or Law

The minimum years of experience required

Minimum 15 years of experience in Petroleum Contracts, international negotiation and commercial skills; Understanding of economics, commercial & negotiation subjects.