Legal Counsel

PARCO - Pak-Arab Refinery Limited; Karachi Division; On-site; PKR 2,400,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Job summary

PARCO Head Office, Karachi, seeks an experienced and commercially astute legal professional to strengthen its Legal function. The incumbent will provide legal advisory support, oversee contractual matters, ensure regulatory compliance and safeguard the Company's legal and commercial interests.

The role requires up to 12 years of post-qualification experience in corporate legal affairs, contract drafting and negotiation, and exposure to regulatory frameworks within a large corporate setting.

Qualifications

• Lead the drafting, review, vetting and negotiation of contracts, agreements and other legal documents.
• Review contractual terms and conditions, identify legal and commercial risks, and recommend safeguards.
• Prepare legal documentation including powers of attorney, commercial agreements and undertakings.
• Provide legal advice to internal stakeholders on obligations, requirements and risks.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external counsel to resolve legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard company IP rights, including trademarks and copyrights.
• Monitor developments in laws and regulatory changes and advise stakeholders.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Legal advisory

Leadership

Education

LL.B. or equivalent

Job description

Pak-Arab Refinery Limited Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), an integrated energy conglomerate, is a Joint Venture between Pakistan and Emirate of Abu Dhabi. PARCO owns and operates Pakistan’s most modern refinery, over 2,000 kms of pipeline network, strategic storage facilities and marketing operations. The Company has Joint Ventures with renowned international companies and is continually following an aggressive growth strategy with planned expansions, acquisitions, and penetration into new markets.

PARCO is seeking an experienced and commercially astute legal professional to strengthen its Legal function. The incumbent will be responsible for providing legal advisory support, overseeing contractual matters, ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding the Company's legal and commercial interests.

Qualification:

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or an equivalent legal qualification from an HEC-recognized institution.

Experience:

Up to 12 years of relevant post-qualification experience in corporate legal affairs, contract drafting and negotiation, commercial law, regulatory compliance and legal advisory services, preferably within a large corporate organization or the energy, oil and gas, infrastructure or industrial sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the drafting, review, vetting and negotiation of contracts, agreements and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy, legal enforceability and protection of the Company's interests.
• Review contractual terms and conditions, identify legal and commercial risks, and recommend appropriate safeguards in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and Company policies.
• Oversee the preparation of legal documentation, including powers of attorney, commercial agreements, addendums, supplementary agreements, undertakings and other legal instruments.
• Provide legal advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, legal risks and business-related matters.
• Liaise and coordinate with internal departments, external legal counsel, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to facilitate effective resolution of legal matters.
• Support strategic business initiatives, special projects and commercial transactions by providing timely legal input, conducting due diligence and ensuring appropriate legal risk mitigation.
• Safeguard the Company's intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights and other proprietary interests.
• Monitor and interpret developments in applicable laws, rules, regulations and judicial precedents, and advise relevant stakeholders on their implications for business operations.
• Ensure adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements while supporting the development and implementation of effective legal governance practices.
• Lead, supervise and develop the Legal team, promoting professional development, operational efficiency and continuous improvement in legal processes and service delivery.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to limit exposure and protect the Company’s best interest.
• Ensure active and productive participation and leadership / coordination (as required) for Special Projects / Strategic Assignments that add value to the same.
• Supervise and ensure seamless and comprehensive management of litigation matters.
• Maintain active communication with external legal advisors and panel law firms to expedite the matters in litigation and to procure legal advice on critical issues.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of corporate and commercial laws, contract management and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Sound legal judgment with the ability to identify risks and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
• Strong analytical, research, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, handle confidential matters and provide effective legal support to senior management.
• Proven leadership capabilities with experience in supervising and developing teams.

Location:

PARCO Head Office, Karachi

PARCO is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Our commitment to a conducive work environment is designed to attract and nurture top talent.