Senior Specialist, Governance

Role Overview

Senior Specialist, Governance at ADNOC, based in Abu Dhabi. This role is responsible for developing and implementing effective corporate governance practices aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Role Purpose

The Senior Specialist, Governance will support ADNOC's Delegation of Authority, Policies and Procedures framework, and related governance systems. The role focuses on review, monitoring, and implementation of governance frameworks, facilitating effective information flow, and researching leading practices to align with corporate governance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Delegation of Authority & Policy Development

• Provide technical advice related to Delegation of Authority and governance policy development, including review and analysis of issues and trends.
• Prepare evaluations, research activities, and studies relating to or impacting ADNOC's governance program.
• Participate in regular review, update, and drafting of corporate governance frameworks by which the ADNOC Group is directed, controlled, and held accountable.
• Define and ensure compliance with ADNOC Group's authority hierarchy and the roles and limits of authority holders as a second line of defence on corporate governance matters.

Governance Frameworks & Documentation

• Focus specifically on Delegation of Authority, Policies & Procedures, Operating Framework, and related mechanisms and documentation to support ADNOC's corporate governance framework.
• Manage day-to-day governance subjects, such as documents, policies, standards, and frameworks amendment or execution.
• Foster control document governance and publishing.
• Prepare clear and professional cover memos, letters, resolutions, amendments, and other documentation as required for proper exercise of the role.

Standards & Awareness

• Identify requirements, set standards, and ensure awareness, knowledge, and transparency on best corporate governance practices.
• Support in designing and issuing training materials for relevant stakeholders on topics relating to an effective corporate governance program.
• Collaborate in designing training materials for Boards, committees, and secretaries on governance, regulatory developments, and directors' duties.

Stakeholder Management & Compliance

• Collaborate, build, and foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders and relevant departments to provide guidance and advice on governance-related matters.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver on the strategic intent of the assigned role.
• Escalate any identified risks and report any breaches for resolution, in accordance with authority delegations.
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory authorities as necessary, ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements related to corporate governance and the Delegation of Authority framework.

Audit & External Relations

• Maintain regular contacts with ADNOC Legal, Governance and Compliance leadership.
• Maintain regular contacts with legal advisors across ADNOC Group.
• Maintain regular contacts with counterparts within business customers across ADNOC Group.
• Engage with governmental entities and representatives of local authorities, external auditors, and regulatory authorities.
• Engage with external law firms and advisors.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree from a recognized institute.
• Degree preferences: Law, Banking, Finance, or Business Administration.

Professional Experience

• At least 8 years of professional experience in transactional work in a reputable international law firm and/or in-house legal department, or in Compliance or Corporate Governance.
• Knowledge of applicable best practices, codes, legislations, and regulations within the region and relevant jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of governance in a PJSC, LLC, SPVs, and other company types across jurisdictions.
• Understanding of drafting principles for governance frameworks including board materials, charters, delegation matrices, and policies.
• Involvement in researching, benchmarking, and aligning corporate governance policy with applicable regulations, laws, codes, and best practices.
• Understanding of record management for entities and documentation.
• Experience assisting in board-related activities, including preparation of agendas, write-ups, presentations, and documenting minutes.

Certifications

• Specialist certification and/or special trainings are an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Professional proficiency in English language (written and spoken).
• Arabic language skills (written and spoken) are an advantage.
• Technical competencies as per the approved competency dictionary.
• Behavioural competencies as per the approved competency dictionary.

Additional Information

Work Environment

• Minimal physical effort required.
• Air-conditioned office environment.