Legal Counsel – Middle East & Africa (Dubai)

About the role

This position offers a commercially‑focused legal professional the chance to work within a leading international financial institution, supporting its Middle East & Africa operations from Dubai. You will be involved in a variety of banking, corporate governance, regulatory advisory, outsourcing and transactional matters.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal support across commercial, corporate, governance and banking‑related matters throughout the MEA region.
• Review and advise on vendor agreements, outsourcing arrangements, NDAs, SLAs and intercompany agreements.
• Support front‑office and business teams on trade finance documentation, account opening, corporate documentation and KYC‑related matters.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research across multiple jurisdictions and deliver practical business‑focused guidance.
• Assist with implementation of legal policies, governance frameworks and regulatory initiatives across the region.
• Liaise with external counsel and manage legal spend, projects and regional governance matters.
• Contribute to internal legal templates, processes, policies and best‑practice initiatives.

Required profile

• Minimum 4 years post‑qualification experience gained within an international law firm and/or financial institution.
• Strong exposure to banking & finance, commercial contracts, outsourcing/vendor management and regulatory advisory matters.
• Experience supporting financial services or banking clients in the Middle East region is preferred.
• Exposure to corporate banking, trade finance and/or capital markets products is advantageous.
• Excellent drafting, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proactive, hands‑on and commercially focused approach with ability to work in a multicultural, fast‑paced environment.
• Arabic language skills are beneficial but not essential.

Required skills