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.
Key Activities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Participate in the definition and development of University policies, procedures and regulations to ensure compliance with applicable regional and global laws
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Periodically review SUAD Legal documentation and forms to ensure compliance with Legal requirements and maximum protection for SUAD assets at all times
- 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
- Maintain secrecy and confidentiality of documents and transactions at all times
- 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
