Legal Associate jobs in United Arab Emirates
Employment Affairs - Specialist (Legal) | Abu Dhabi, UAE | In-Office
Job summary
A leading company in the Abu Dhabi Global Market is seeking an Employment Affairs Specialist to support the operation of the Employment Affairs function. The role involves resolving employee complaints, applying ADR techniques, and contributing to regulatory initiatives. Candidates should possess a law degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in a start-up regulatory environment, and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of post-secondary legal experience.
- Prior experience in government or regulatory environment is highly desirable.
- Ability to communicate in Arabic is an asset.
Responsibilities
- Review, evaluate and resolve regulatory non-compliance complaints.
- Support the development and drafting of policies and procedures.
- Deliver workshops and training sessions.
Skills
Education
Tools
The Specialist will play a key supporting role in the establishment and operation of the Employment Affairs function in ADGM. A significant component of the role involves reviewing, evaluating and resolving employee complaints regarding employer non-compliance with the ADGM Employment Regulations 2024 (the “Regulations”) and its subordinate rules by applying alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) techniques, and supporting the operational, educational, and regulatory initiatives of the Employment Affairs Office (EAO).
Key Responsibilities:
- Review, evaluate and resolve complaints related to Regulatory non-compliance by determining and applying appropriate ADR techniques aligned with internal policies and global best practices.
- Effectively engage with both employers and employees in the ADGM jurisdiction to facilitate fair and timely resolution using suitable ADR techniques and methods.
- Support the development and drafting of policies, operational procedures, guidance notes, circulars.
- Contribute to the creation of educational content, including compelling presentations, fact sheets and toolkits.
- Deliver workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
- Support the monitoring and inspection of employment practices, conduct interviews, and investigations related to alleged contraventions of the Regulations and draft reports of findings and recommendations.
- Provide input into reports, dashboards, and strategy documents to support the operational readiness of the EAO.
- Review and draft responses to inquiries and requests for guidance on the Regulations.
Qualification and Experience:
- Law degree from a common law jurisdiction and/or accredited paralegal certification is essential.
- Understanding of ADR principles and techniques combined with proven experience conducting conciliation, mediation, or facilitated negotiations in employment disputes.
- Minimum 5 years of post-secondary legal experience, preferably gained through a combination of working internationally and locally with at least part of it at a reputable law firm in the UAE with a focus on conflict management/resolution.
- Prior experience in a government, quasi-judicial or regulatory environment is highly desirable.
- Understanding of the provisions of the Regulations and familiarity with the UAE Federal Labour Law and MOHRE processes.
- Experience contributing to operational start-ups, program development or new service models.
- Advanced proficiency in AI , Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, with ability to prepare visually compelling reports, presentations and educational content.
- Superior legal drafting and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize and convey complex information clearly and concisely.
- Well developed analytical/problem solving skills, critical thinking and sound judgement.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with both internal and external clients, including employees and employers and negotiation skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and contentious issues with diplomacy and professionalism.
- Ability to plan and conduct research and prepare written evaluations and recommendations.
- Proactive, self-motivated, solution focused and ability to work well with little supervision.
- Strong work ethic, excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member with the ability to work in a dynamic, start-up regulatory environment.
- Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in Arabic is an asset.
* The salary benchmark is based on the target salaries of market leaders in their relevant sectors. It is intended to serve as a guide to help Premium Members assess open positions and to help in salary negotiations. The salary benchmark is not provided directly by the company, which could be significantly higher or lower.