PCFC - Senior Legal Researcher

Tanqeeb; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) in the United Arab Emirates seeks a legal affairs professional with at least two years’ experience to conduct research across laws, regulations and precedents. You will support litigation, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance, drafting MOAs and addressing complaints with internal stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will have a law degree and may hold CLM or contract-management qualifications; familiarity with corporate incorporation

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ experience in legal affairs.
• A bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies or a related discipline.
• Preferred: experience in contracts, agreements or related legal matters.
• A recognised qualification in Contract Management and/or CLM certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive and complex legal research across a wide range of matters, including case law, legislation, regulations and legal precedents.
• Provide detailed analysis and summaries to support legal strategy and informed decision-making.
• Work closely with legal advisers, lawyers and relevant departments to provide research support in relation to litigation, contract negotiations and regulatory compliance.
• Support corporate incorporation transactions, including the drafting and updating of MOAs for licensing units.
• Address and support the resolution of complaints relating to operations and decisions, in collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of complex contractual terms and conditions, assess potential legal risks and implications.
• Support contract negotiations by providing research-based insights and recommendations, and assist in developing negotiation strategies.
• Ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards; stay up to date with legislative developments.
• Monitor and evaluate contract performance to ensure compliance and mitigate risks; maintain records of contract documentation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies or related discipline

Job description

Job description

About Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation:

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) was officially established in 2001, under the authority of the Dubai Government. There are a number of entities and institutions operating under its umbrella, including Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Port, Al Hamriya Port, which are managed by Dubai Ports Authority, in addition to the Department of Planning and Development - Trakhees, the Dubai Maritime Authority and the Office of the Marine Agency for Wooden Dhows, as well as the investment arm and security arm of the corporation, represented by Investment Department and Security Department.

• Conduct comprehensive and complex legal research across a wide range of matters, including case law, legislation, regulations and legal precedents. Provide detailed analysis and summaries to support legal strategy and informed decision-making.
• Work closely with legal advisers, lawyers and relevant departments to provide research support in relation to litigation, contract negotiations and regulatory compliance.
• Support corporate incorporation transactions, including the drafting and updating of Memoranda of Association (MOAs) for PCFC’s licensing units, including Trakhees and JAFZA.
• Address and support the resolution of complaints relating to PCFC’s operations and decisions, in collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of complex contractual terms and conditions, assess potential legal risks and implications arising from contractual provisions, and review and interpret existing contracts to identify issues and areas for improvement.
• Support contract negotiations by providing research-based insights and recommendations, and assist in developing appropriate negotiation strategies.
• Ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations and relevant industry standards. Remain up to date with legislative and regulatory developments that may affect contractual terms or practices.
• Monitor and evaluate contract performance to ensure compliance with agreed terms and conditions. Identify and address potential breaches or instances of non-compliance, and provide recommendations to mitigate risks associated with contractual obligations and liabilities.
• Maintain accurate and organised records of all contract-related documentation, ensuring that records are complete, properly maintained and readily accessible for audit and reference purposes.

Required (Minimum Experience):

A minimum of two years’ experience in legal affairs.

Required (Minimum Qualification):

A bachelor’s degree in Law, Legal Studies or a related discipline.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in a legal role involving contracts, agreements or other related legal matters.

Preferred Qualifications:

A recognised qualification in Contract Management and/or Certified Legal Manager (CLM) certification. A professional legal qualification or admission to practise as a lawyer is desirable.