General Counsel – Oil & Gas

About the role

We are looking for an experienced, commercially‑minded General Counsel to lead the legal function of a leading oil & gas organization. The role provides strategic legal guidance to the executive team, ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and strong governance across all business operations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s legal function, advising the CEO, Board and senior leadership.
• Oversee corporate, commercial, regulatory and compliance matters for upstream, midstream and downstream activities.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex contracts such as EPC, joint‑venture, concession, supply and service agreements.
• Ensure compliance with local, regional and international laws and regulations.
• Advise on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and large‑scale energy projects.
• Manage disputes, litigation and arbitration matters.
• Establish and maintain corporate governance frameworks.
• Lead the internal legal team and coordinate external counsel.
• Support risk‑management initiatives and collaborate with compliance, finance, HR and operations teams.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer (LLB/JD); LLM or equivalent preferred.
• 15+ years of legal experience, with significant exposure to the oil & gas/energy sector.
• Proven experience at General Counsel, Head of Legal or Legal Director level.
• Strong knowledge of GCC legal frameworks, especially UAE regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership of legal teams and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.

Required skills