Legal Counsel

Role Overview

Legal Counsel at ADNOC, based in Abu Dhabi onshore. The role reports to the General Counsel for Al Dhafra and Al Yasat, within the Legal, Governance & Compliance department.

Role Purpose

To provide legal, governance, and compliance support across Al Dhafra Petroleum and Al Yasat Petroleum. The Legal Counsel will assist the General Counsel in managing legal risk, advising on corporate and commercial matters and ensuring alignment with ADNOC Group policies and UAE laws.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Transactional Support

• Draft, review and negotiate contracts including EPC agreements, SLAs, technical support agreements and confidentiality agreements.
• Provide legal opinions and risk assessments on corporate transactions, joint ventures, and concession agreements.
• Support business units including Procurement, HR, Projects, HSE, Finance, and Business Performance.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Advise on claims and disputes, including high-value and complex EPC matters.
• Liaise with external counsel and claims consultants for litigation and arbitration support.

Board Secretarial Support

• Assist in the preparation and organization of Board Meetings, including coordinating with internal stakeholders, shareholders, document preparation and ensuring that all materials are finalized and aligned with Board members.
• Capture and draft Minutes of Meetings and align with Board of Directors and Observers before execution.
• Ensure adherence to governance and compliance standards, including supporting the Board Secretary in implementing and maintaining governance frameworks, and assisting with all board-related matters to ensure that the board's activities align with ADNOC's policies and legal requirements.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to ADNOC policies, procedures and legal governance frameworks.
• Support ethics and compliance programs including Speak-Up and One Compliance systems.
• Participate in internal audits and risk committee reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Interface with ADNOC HQ Legal, external regulators (e.g., ADAA) and shareholders.
• Represent Legal in cross-functional meetings and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Law from a recognized university.
• Common Law qualification and valid Practicing Certificate.
• Legal training and qualification from a reputable law firm.
• Minimum 5 years of legal experience in petroleum or industrial sectors, preferably within the UAE.
• Strong understanding of commercial principles, Projects and Construction contracts, UAE laws, and international legal standards.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and legal risk mitigation.
• High integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with digital legal AI tools and contract management systems.