Legal Counsel UAE & Middle East (UAE National)

About the role

This pivotal role within Standard Chartered's Middle East legal team provides expert legal counsel and support across business operations in the UAE and wider Middle East region. The successful candidate will serve as a key advisor, ensuring legal activities align with the Group’s regional and local business strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement legal strategies that align with business objectives and regulatory requirements, acting as Risk Owner where appropriate.
• Provide expert advisory on transactional matters, draft, review and negotiate complex legal documentation for core banking products.
• Establish robust legal risk management processes and promote a culture of high ethical standards across the region.
• Build and maintain relationships with regional regulators and collaborate with external counsel on litigation strategies.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with significant in‑house experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
• Professional proficiency in Arabic and fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the Middle East.
• Strong ethical standards, integrity and resilience.

Required skills

• Expertise in drafting and negotiating a wide range of banking and trade finance contracts.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities to interpret complex regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

What we offer

• Competitive salary aligned with the Fair Pay Charter and a comprehensive benefits suite.
• Robust retirement savings, medical cover, life insurance and flexible voluntary benefits.
• Generous time‑off policies including annual leave, parental leave, sabbaticals and volunteering leave.
• Flexible working arrangements (home and office) to promote work‑life balance.
• Access to wellbeing resources, Employee Assistance Programme and continuous learning opportunities.