Head of Legal, Middle East & Africa

About the role

Cigna Healthcare is looking for a Head of Legal for its Middle East and Africa (MEA) business, based in Dubai. The successful candidate will head the MEA Legal team, work closely with the Head of MEA Compliance and report to the MEA Chief Counsel, while collaborating with regional CEOs, CFOs, COOs, General Managers, Chief Commercial Officers, HR and technology leaders. The role also involves working with the Cigna International Health network and its legal counterparts in Europe, APAC and the Americas.

Key responsibilities

• Act as Head of Legal for Cigna Middle East and Africa and influence business leaders, compliance, audit, information protection, privacy and legal leadership to define and support business objectives in the region.
• Provide timely, accurate updates to MEA senior leadership on key legal developments affecting the business.
• Support, coach and develop the MEA legal team.
• Ensure the business operates within its legal and regulatory framework and remain accountable for local legal and regulatory advice.
• Draft, review and advise on contracts, group plans, partnership, broker and distribution agreements, NDAs and policy terms and conditions.
• Manage claims, litigation and dispute resolution, ensuring legal issues are raised early and decisions are documented.
• Be a champion for the Cigna Ethics program.

Required profile

• Minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience practising law, with at least 4 years in an international law firm.
• Leadership experience, able to work with senior leadership, external legal counsel and other stakeholders.
• Solid experience running complex, multi-party transactions from end to end.
• People management experience including team coaching, mentoring and career development.
• Solid understanding of the Middle East's regulatory and legal framework; health insurance experience preferred but not essential.
• Ability to work in multicultural groups and respond to global cultural sensitivities, with ethics and integrity.

Required skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiating skills, with experience drafting complex legal agreements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

The role is offered with a competitive remuneration package and the chance to lead a valued team in a growing business.