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 work closely with the Head of MEA Compliance and report to the MEA Chief Counsel, acting as a trusted business partner to the regional business. The role also involves collaboration with the Cigna International Health network and with 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, including assessing the practical effect and materiality of laws and regulations.
• Draft, review and advise on legal documents such as contracts, group plans, partnership, broker and distribution agreements, NDAs and policy terms and conditions.
• Manage claims, litigation and dispute resolution, ensuring legal and regulatory 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 interact 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.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and understand the Middle East's regulatory and legal framework.
• Health insurance experience preferred but not essential.

Required skills

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