Associate Director

Job description / Role

We are looking for an experienced and astute claims management consultant based in our Dubai office. Candidates will have experience leading a team, being client facing and have a strong personality with excellent analytical, problem solving, planning and contract management skills as well as experience with FIDIC / other forms of contract. Experience in commercial negotiations, dispute resolution and providing expert advice in multiple local and international jurisdictions.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Preparation and defence of construction claims and management of disputes
• Preparation and advice on contractual terms and arrangements and procurement routes
• Preparation of expert advice, reports and presentations
• Forensic investigation into the causes of delay and preparation of the claims narrative
• Preparation, negotiation and defence of claims and counterclaims in respect of extension of time (EOT), loss and expense, disruption, prolongation, and relief from liquidated damages.
• Dispute resolution advice and assistance, including preparation of documentation in support of arbitrations, mediations and other ADR procedures.
• Commercial management of large projects
• Risk management experience
• Managing teams of Consultants as necessary
• Liaising with clients including Lawyers and assisting in the provision of services to the Employer's clients
• Local experience and contacts and the ability to positively contribute to business development
• Participating in and contributing to seminars, external training, and the publication of learned articles
• Keeping up-to-date with current techniques of claims and project data analysis
• Management and professional development of staff
• Delivering services regionally

Requirements

• 15 - 20 years’ experience, including UAE / GCC Experience
• Qualifications: QS Degree, Engineering Degree, Building Degree and / or Legal Degree
• Experience on a wide range of building and engineering projects
• Experience in Dispute resolution, arbitration, mediation and litigation support
• Professional contractual and claims preparation, advice and assistance
• Expert witness experience would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Project and/or construction management
• Contracts administration
• Team management and leadership

About the Company

Atkins is one of the leading providers of professional, technology based consultancy and support services to the industry, commerce and governments in all of the worlds major economies. With over 17,000 staff operating in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the Americas, Atkins has a broad range of skills and resources and provides Clients with a comprehensive service throughout the entire life cycle of the projects in the built environment.

We aim to be the international first choice supplier of technical and integrated services. Shaped by our customers' needs, our vision is to:

• focus on quality
• seek world class design and excellence
• strive to add value
• be flexible to the evolving needs of a changing society

Atkins first carried out design and supervision commissions in the Gulf area in 1967. From its regional head office in Dubai, U.A.E. Atkins Middle East now employs over 2000 staff located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Oman (Muscat ), Qatar (Doha) Bahrain (Manama), Kuwait (Kuwait City) and India (Bangalore).