Principal Legal Counsel

Oman Investment Authority; Muscat; On-site; OMR 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Oman Investment Authority seeks a senior legal professional to act as a strategic, technically skilled authority providing expert advice on major transactions and high-risk agreements. The role demands mentoring, guidance on regulatory developments, and leadership across acquisitions, restructurings and disputes.

You will review and lead complex negotiations, ensure alignment with policy and strategic objectives, and coordinate with external counsel while delivering high-quality legal support to

Qualifications

• LLB or equivalent from a reputable university with admission to a recognized civil or common law Bar (or equivalent body).
• A minimum of 10-12 years of experience with a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal and compliance function.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on complex commercial, contractual, regulatory and operational matters.
• Lead negotiations and drafting of complex agreements and legal documentation.
• Manage legal risk, disputes, investigations and strategic transactions.
• Coordinate with external counsel and mentor junior team members.
• Develop legal guidance templates and best practices to strengthen consistency and compliance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Integrity

Mentoring

Problem solving

Education

LLB or equivalent with bar admission

Job description

Job purpose

Act as a senior technical legal authority providing expert advice and leading complex sensitive and strategically significant legal matters Accountable for the delivery of legal support of major transactions high-risk contractual arrangements and material legal disputes Accountable for the delivery of legal support on major transaction high-risk contractual arrangements and material legal disputes while providing technical guidance quality review and mentoring to other legal professionals The position will act in accordance with the Group s Mission Vision Values amp Strategies as well as policies guidelines and standards supported by an IT Technology platform HSE standards Omani s government amp other legal justifications and best international practices in consonance with national objectives

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on complex commercial contractual regulatory and operational matters
• Advise on the legal implications of strategic business decisions including alternative transaction structures and associated risk allocation
• Develop legal strategies for managing material disputes contentious matters and complex contractual exposures
• Review and provide technical challenge on significant legal advice legal opinions and contractual positions prepared by other team members
• Lead legal workstreams on major acquisitions divestments joint ventures restructuring financing arrangements and other strategic transactions as assigned
• Lead the drafting review negotiation and execution of complex agreements and legal documentation
• Support major transactions investments partnerships financing arrangements and strategic projects
• Conduct legal assessments and provide recommendations to support management decision-making
• Interpret laws regulations and legal developments and advise stakeholders on business implications
• Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the organization s interests
• Lead legal due diligence activities and assess legal exposures and obligations
• Manage complex contractual disputes claims and legal issues
• Coordinate direct and challenge external legal counsel on specialized legal matters
• Develop legal guidance templates and best practices to strengthen legal consistency
• Review and validate legal analyses and recommendations prepared by junior team members
• Coach and mentor Legal team members Identify opportunities to improve legal effectiveness and support business objectives

Key interactions

Internal OQ SAOC Streams amp Assets

External Staffing specialized Contractors Vendors amp Suppliers

Education requirements

LLB or equivalent from a reputable university or law school with admission to a recognized civil or common law Bar (or equivalent body), in other words, qualified as a lawyer/solicitor/barrister.

Language

Excellent written and spoken English is a must.

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

• A minimum of 10-12 years of experience with a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal and compliance function within a recognised corporate entity
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Experience supporting strategic projects, transactions, disputes, and legal risk mitigation initiatives.
• Experience supporting strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation and documentation.
• Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and commercial legal practices.

Soft:

• Ability to think strategically and align legal advice with business priorities.
• Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-risk and ambiguous situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop legal talent.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Technical Competencies:

• Ability to provide expert legal advice on complex commercial and regulatory matters.
• Ability to lead negotiations and develop commercially sound legal solutions.
• Strong knowledge of contract law, regulatory requirements, and legal risk management.
• Ability to assess complex legal risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
• Ability to support strategic transactions, disputes, investigations, and business initiatives.
• Ability to interpret legislative and regulatory developments and advise on business implications.
• Ability to establish legal standards, guidance, and best practices.