Legal Counsel

Job description / Role

• Consult on and handle all corporate legal processes (e.g. arrange board meetings and annual general meetings, preparing minutes of such meetings, review and draft corporate templates, establish corporate strategy regarding a proposed business transaction, draft foundational documents for establishment of various types of companies, regulatory and compliance issues)
• Communicate with and direct outside litigation lawyers
• Research, anticipate and guard company against legal risks
• Guide colleagues and ensure compliance with laws, rules and regulations
• Structure and draft reports (e.g. prepare and submit to line manager and CEO monthly reports on status of matters handled by Legal Department and on new laws and regulations relevant to the business activities of the company)
• Represent company at ministries and other governmental agencies
• Draft and administer all types of commercial contracts
• Negotiate deals, attend client meetings and draft complex transactional legal documents from NDA’s to definitive agreements
• Any other tasks as assigned by the line management

Requirements

• Proven background on corporate law
• Excellent negotiation, communication and drafting skills
• Analytical ability and strong attention to detail
• Current license to practice law
• Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written
• At least four (4) years relevant post-graduation experience
• Excellent knowledge of GCC laws and regulations, especially as pertaining to commercial companies, foreign investment, civil code, commercial law, etc
• Legal experience in maritime shipping or commercial ports would be advantageous
• Legal education and/or experience in a Western jurisdiction would be advantageous
• Familiarity with economic zones and/or duty free zones would be advantageous

About the Company

Situated on the southeastern seaboard of the Sultanate of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean beyond, Port of Duqm is fast becoming an important reality of the Middle East region’s rapidly transforming maritime landscape. With its deep draft, lengthy quay walls, and expansive basin, Port of Duqm has the trappings of a world-class, multipurpose commercial gateway. And as the principal anchor of a huge Special Economic Zone envisioned at Duqm, it also has the potential to develop into one of the Middle East’s largest ports over the long term.

At the heart of Port of Duqm’s appeal is its strategic geopolitical location, far removed from Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf. It is this advantageous location that the Omani government seeks to leverage as it sets out to position Duqm as a safe, stable and business-friendly destination for industrial and economic investment. Indeed, the Sultanate of Oman – and the Port of Duqm in particular – stand to reap the benefits of the country’s international reputation as an oasis of tranquility and standard-bearer of regional peace and reconciliation.

Underscoring Port of Duqm’s strategic importance is its planned development into an integrated, multimodal logistics hub, encompassing the maritime, road, air and rail modes of transportation. An airport is under construction at Duqm, while a proposed rail-based freight and passenger transportation network, will eventually link this industrial port city with the national rail system. Utilities and services are also modern, effectively providing investors with an unrivalled setting to do business. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) with Gulf Arab states, the United States, as well as a host of other nations, add to Oman’s investment appeal.