Application Open:
Full-Time
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.
