SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.
For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.
Context
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Legal Advisor to join our team in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The Legal Advisor is responsible for providing high-level regulatory legal counsel to the delivery partner team, ensuring operations and policy alignment with the Client's frameworks, as well as with applicable Saudi laws, public sector protocols, and Ministry of Transport (MOT) regulations.
Missions/Main Duties
- Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Leadership:
- Lead the interpretation and application of Saudi legal, regulatory, and public sector requirements within the program operations.
- Monitor, analyze, and communicate legislative and regulatory changes impacting the transport, construction, and urban mobility sector.
- Ensure strict compliance with the Client's governance standards, KSA public sector policies, TGA and MOT regulations
- Policy & Process Development:
- Develop, review, and continuously improve delivery partner policies, procedures, and governance documents to ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks and best public sector practices.
- Provide authoritative legal guidance for the customization and practical implementation of policies, based on the Client's and broader public sector requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement With Public Sector Entities
- Act as primary legal interface with critical regulatory bodies (e.g., TGA, RCRC, MoTLS) and other governmental authorities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with public sector regulators, proactively advocating for the Client's interests and ensuring regulatory approval and support.
- Attend and contribute to governmental working groups, committees, or public policy consultations relevant to the Client's projects.
- Advisory & Training:
- Advise senior leaders and project teams on critical regulatory and statutory risks, with a focus on preventive legal governance over reactive dispute management.
- Design and deliver workshops, briefing sessions, and training to promote awareness and understanding of evolving legal and regulatory obligations.
- Regulatory Risk Management:
- Proactively identify regulatory risks and recommend robust mitigation strategies for project compliance.
- Lead regulatory audits, government inspection responses, and the preparation of submissions to regulators as needed.
Profile/Skills
Required Qualifications & Experience:- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in law (LLB) from a recognized Saudi or international university.
- Master's degree in law, Public Administration, or Regulatory Affairs is highly desirable.
- Professional Experience:
- Minimum 14 years experience in legal advisory roles, with a substantial focus (at least 10 years) on regulatory compliance or public sector legal frameworks in Saudi Arabia.
- Direct experience liaising with or working for Saudi regulatory bodies such as TGA, RCRC, MoTLS, or similar authorities.
- Deep familiarity with KSA government processes, public procurement law, regulatory drafting, and legal impact analysis.
- Key Competencies:
- Demonstrated expertise in navigating KSA public sector legal and regulatory environments, including drafting, interpreting, and implementing policies aligned with government standards.
- Strong professional connections within KSA ministries, commissions, and regulatory bodies.
- Excellent communication skills, able to clearly articulate regulatory requirements to both legal and non-legal audiences.
- Fluent in Arabic and English (written and spoken).
- High level of discretion, integrity, and professional ethics.
Preferred Background
- Previous legal/regulatory roles in large-scale public transport, infrastructure projects, or within a government entity.
- Evidence of leadership in legal teams advising public sector clients, especially in regulatory implementation and policy advocacy.
- Fluency in Arabic and English (both written and spoken)
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.
