Head of Departement Legal

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB DETAILS:

Position Title: Head of Department - Legal

Reports to: Vice Chancellor

Department Legal

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Grade: 3

Prepared / Revised on: November, 2023

2. JOB PURPOSE / ROLE:

To provide the senior management, academic and support functions in Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi (SUAD)
with Legal advice, interpretation and counsel in all areas to prevent Legal claims and facilitate compliance with
regional and international laws and regulations.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS

Number of Staff Supervised:
Direct Reports: 0

Total: 0

Key Priority Key Activities

Legal Documents Draft and standardize all required Legal documents in a timely manner to ensure SUAD's Legal
rights are preserved

Undertake Legal translations for Arabic and English text when required by authorities

Legal Advice

Provide all academic, administrative and support divisions/departments with informed Legal advice
on all Legal matter impacting SUAD's best interests to ensure all decisions are compliant with local
and international laws, including but not limited to: external contractors; insurance companies;
governance and charitable issues; policies; issues relating to students and grievances; and property
work

Proactively identify and establish methods to reduce potential risk or liability to the University

Give Legal counsel on issues arising from actual or anticipated lawsuits

Legal Research Conduct Legal research on external Legal matters of significance to SUAD's best interests in order
to maximize knowledge in Legalities pertaining to relevant matters and offer informed Legal advice

Planning and
Developing Legal
Services

Participate in the definition and development of University policies, procedures and regulations to
ensure compliance with applicable regional and global laws

Legal
Representation

Represent SUAD in administrative proceedings and litigation, including the negotiation and
settlement of all litigation and claims by or against the University, including but not limited to: student
complaints and grievances; non-academic contracts; supervision of data protection and freedom of
information responses

JOB DESCRIPTION

2

External Law
Firms

Liaise and negotiate with external law firms and counterparties on all Legal issues and inquiries and
consequently coordinate the execution of necessary documentation to protect the interests of SUAD

Business
Optimization

Remain abreast with latest local, regional, and global law-related updates in order to provide SUAD
with informed and updated perspectives when required and to implement changes and
improvements in SUAD regulations and any related issues

Legal Audit Periodically review SUAD Legal documentation and forms to ensure compliance with Legal
requirements and maximum protection for SUAD assets at all times

Knowledge
Transfer

Ensure all relevant experience and knowledge on Legal initiatives and statutory compliance is
transferred to all relevant parties within the University including the Board of Trustees, in order to
build a highly professional and knowledgeable workforce for SUAD

Confidentiality
and Integrity

Maintain secrecy and confidentiality of documents and transactions at all times

Related
Assignments

Perform other related duties or assignments as directed by the Board of Trustees / Vice Chancellor

5. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Law or equivalent is required

License to advise on Legal matters

Minimum Experience:

15 years Legal experience

Job-Specific Skills:

Knowledge of International and UAE labor laws and contract laws

Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and related policies is preferred

Knowledge of the data protection/privacy laws and regulations.

Communication and negotiation skills

Ethics, integrity and taking moral decisions

Strong judgement skills

Languages: English, Arabic are mandatory/ French is preferred