General Counsel

Job Purpose:

To direct and oversee MBZUAI’s legal advisory, representation, and compliance requirements and services; data protection requisites; and risk identification, management, and mitigation requirements. The role will ensure MBZUAI receives timely and sound legal advice to guide decision-making, protect its interests, and mitigate legal risk; and operate an organization-wide risk management framework that identifies, manages, and mitigates all types of business risks including financial, intangible, physical, technological, and operational risks.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Counsel and Advice

• Provide legal counsel and guidance to MBZUAI on a broad range of legal matters, including contracts, intellectual property (IP), academic and industrial research collaborations, employment law, regulatory compliance, and litigation.
• Conduct legal research and analysis and horizon scan to remain updated on laws, regulations, and industry trends that may impact MBZUAI’s operations; and brief senior management on relevant changes and challenges to be addressed.
• Advise senior management, faculty, and staff on legal risks and potential liabilities, and recommend appropriate courses of action to mitigate risks identified.

Contract Management

• Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Collaborate with departments and stakeholders to develop and implement contract management processes and templates to streamline and standardize contract administration.

Data Protection and Privacy

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with data protection and privacy laws, such as GDPR and other applicable regulations.
• Provide guidance on data security, data breach responses, privacy impact assessments, and other data protection matters.

Risk and Compliance Management

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework for MBZUAI, including identifying, assessing, and advising on risk mitigation across various areas of operation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish and monitor compliance programs, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments and internal compliance audits to identify potential areas of non-compliance and develop corrective action plans.

External Engagement and Representation

• Represent MBZUAI in legal proceedings, negotiations, and interactions with external partners, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Build and maintain relationships with external legal counsel, consultants, and industry experts to stay abreast of legal developments and seek specialized advice and representation when required.

Training and Education

• Develop and deliver training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance legal awareness and promote a compliance culture across MBZUAI.
• Provide legal training and guidance to faculty, staff, and students on legal and ethical responsibilities, including regarding IP rights, confidentiality, and data protection.

Academic Qualification:

• A JD or LLB degree (according to country of qualification) or equivalent from an accredited law school, with active membership in the relevant bar association or law society (as applicable).

Professional Experience:

Essential

• At least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney or lawyer, with a focus on technology law, intellectual property law, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of laws and regulations related to higher education, data protection, privacy, IP, contracts, and employment law.
• Strong understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by technology-focused institutions, including research and development, technology transfer, and commercialization.
• Proven track record in providing strategic legal advice to large, complex organizations, managing complex legal projects, and leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with superior written English skills and the ability to communicate legal information in plain language.
• Experience in relationship management locally and internationally, and a demonstrated ability to build enduring stakeholder relationships that serve an organization’s strategic purposes.
• Sound financial management skills with experience managing budgets.
• Experience successfully leading, managing, motivating, and empowering teams.
• Understanding of Middle Eastern working practices and culture.

Preferred

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to higher education institutions.
• Experience successfully working in the UAE.
• Arabic language speaker.