JOB PURPOSE:
The role holder is responsible for providing legal counsel to the Board of Directors, CEO and senior management on management and control of legal and corporate affairs for ArabSat. The role holder also advises on overall strategy from a legal standpoint by communicating issues, legal risks, opportunities and trends. Responsibilities also include supporting internal departments through legal consulting around contracting, due diligence, litigation to ensure adherence to legal provisions and protection of ArabSat's rights.
Strategic Responsibilities:
- Participates in the development of organization strategy and contributes to the overall process of management and corporate decision making with the senior leadership of ArabSat.
- Sets the business direction for the Legal Department in line with stated organizational priorities.
- Prepares and manages the annual budget for the Department in conjunction with the organization budget, secures subsequent approvals and ensures adherence.
- Forecasts the workforce requirements for the Department and obtains requisite approvals.
- Defines operating framework, provides leadership and facilitates work processes in order to achieve high performance standards.
Core Responsibilities:
Legal Strategy and Legal Counsel
- Participates in the development and refinement of ArabSat's overall vision, strategy, corporate management and decision making to ensure the company maximizes its short, medium and long term profitability and returns to its shareholders.
- Develops a legal strategy that is in line with the overall strategy.
- Formulates and leads the implementation of the Legal Department strategy, in conjunction with the CEO and senior management, which supports the achievement of corporate goals.
- Identifies the risk associated with corporate operations and recommend mitigation plans to senior management.
- Advises the Board of Directors, CEO and senior management on all current and future laws and regulations and how they might impact ArabSat.
- Ensures all departmental activities are undertaken in strict compliance with legal guidelines laid out for ArabSat by the board.
Litigation Services:
- Represents ArabSat in legal proceedings and guides the CEO and senior management on the most optimal course of action on complex litigations and high value recovery cases to safeguard organizational interests at all times.
- Oversees legal defense actions in matters before courts, government agencies or other authorities in order to protect ArabSat's legal and business interests.
- Manages the legal cases/issues arising out of ArabSat's business/operations.
- Oversees the resolution of major litigation cases and internal conflicts including participating in leadership policy deliberations.
- Ensures collection of outstanding debt via legal procedures as relevant for various customer countries and KSA.
Compliance:
- Evaluates ArabSat's current and proposed activities, policies and business processes to ensure they comply with the relevant laws and regulations.
- Advises the board and senior management on any regulatory change, impact on the business activities and recommended actions to mitigate relevant compliance risks.
- Provides regular reporting to the board through relevant committees and the executive committee outlining the current compliance risk profile of ArabSat, actions taken from management to manage higher compliance exposures, regulatory change and other relevant matters.
Legal Contracts Assurance:
- Oversees the preparation and development of contracts and agreements with customers, suppliers and employees.
- Provides view on legal aspects of new contracts/agreements with vendors/customers.
- Ensures minimum financial liability due to instances of breach of contract, if any.
- Provides legal advice to departments in taking action against parties who breach the terms of contract.
Department Management:
- Manage the departmental priorities in order to develop a proactive approach and maintain effective responsive mechanisms.
- Conducts due diligence to ensure all legal practices and standards are abided by.
Outsourced Legal Work:
- Maintains a panel of lawyers/counsellors to solicit advice on matters within legal jurisdiction.
- Directs outsourced legal work management including the selection, appointment, evaluation and monitoring of external/outsourced parties to ensure ArabSat is getting the best value for fees paid and is being protected.
Continuous Improvement:
- Keeps the department updated on new laws and regulations that might impact business operations and services in all countries where ArabSat operates.
People Management Responsibilities:
- Defines goals and key performance indicators for each member of the team and ensures effective application of the ArabSat performance management process.
- Develops talent within the team by providing consistent direction and support to achieve stretch targets.
- Enhances team productivity through skills development through coaching and training.
Performs other responsibilities and tasks as directed by President & CEO in order to meet Department objectives.
Qualifications:
- First degree in Law or equivalent
- Second degree in Law / Business Management preferred
Years of Experience:
- Minimum of 10 12 years of experience with at least 6 years in a similar role
Nature of Experience:
- Prior experience in heading the legal function of a mid-size organization along with knowledge in relevant legal aspects in countries where ArabSat operates preferably in the Telecom/Satellite industry
Job Specific Skills:
- Knowledge of laws affecting ArabSat operations
- Knowledge of litigation procedures
- Ability to evaluate contractual risks
- Ability to leverage business and legal expertise
- Ability to take calculated risks and make sound judgements
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders
Business Language Skills:
- Good command of written and spoken English is essential
