Senior Legal Counsel - Construction

Khazna Data Centers

United Arab Emirates, Dubai

7-9 Years

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Posted 10 days ago
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Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose

To provide expert legal support for Khazna's data center projects, with a primary focus on project procurement, OFCI (Owner-Furnished Contractor-Installed) arrangements, and work/services orders for minor works and services. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Commercial Legal Affairs vertical to promote the success ofKhazna'sdata center initiatives, drive best practices in project delivery, and support the company's international expansion efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Development and Implementation

Develop and direct the implementation of the function strategy ensuring alignment to divisional strategy, Khazna's vision, mission, and corporate objectives.

Ensure the provision of subject matter expertise for the assigned domain and provide counsel to Khazna leadership on all related areas to facilitate the achievement of Khazna's strategy and divisional strategies.

To Work on new process to simplify or expedite how the company transacts with its counterparties.

Works with other business units to modify templates, prepare for international entries and projects, and introduce efficiencies and processes which improve the department and customer experience.

Leadership

- Manage the effective achievement of function objectives through effective leadership and by setting of individual objectives.

- The job holder is required to foresee and meet current and potential challenges presented by rapid operational and staff growth in implementing effective human resources strategy.

- Play a leading role in the department budget and strategy.

- Lead any talent development initiatives for the assigned function, collaborating with discipline experts and thereby ensure the availability of talent to fit business requirements.

- Provides training and awareness to the relevant departments as to the legal aspects of construction (both major and minor) and project procurement related commercial matters.
- Construction/Project Procurement
- - Advise internal stakeholders on regulatory, legal, and contractual issues relating to procurement, projects and construction initiatives.
- - Review, draft, structure, and negotiate complex commercial contracts and tenders, including for the appointment of contractors, professional consultants (such as technical advisors, project managers, and cost consultants), equipment suppliers, design consultants and other similar services providers and/or goods suppliers.
- - Supervise the review and negotiation of day-to-day construction and project-related documentation, including contracts, amendments, change requests, variations, letters, applications, notices, claims, and similar agreements, by the junior team; provide support and guidance to legal counsels as needed.
- - Provide support and guidance to business stakeholders, including other legal department team members as needed, in relation to construction and project procurement considerations arising in other agreements (such as supply, consultancy, or service contracts), ensuring these aspects are properly addressed and aligned with project objectives.
- - Ensure subject matter expertise for project procurement, and construction projects, locally and internationally.
- - Review, prepare, and advise on bids and new projects to protect the company's interests and mitigate risks.
- - Ensure contractual provisions are consistent with statutory requirements and company policies.
- - Identify legal risks and issues with respect to projects, deals, and contracts, especially regarding liabilities, indemnification, ownership of trademarks, data processing, insurance coverage, and timely mitigation.
- - Manage and advise on disputes and claims arising from construction and project procurement activities, including negotiation, resolution strategies, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to protect Khazna's interests.
- - Ensure alignment from a commercial perspective with the company's strategy, vision, mission, and objectives.
- - Participate in meetings with business partners and legal team members to share updates on ongoing projects, deals, and developments.
- - Collaborate with engineering, security, operations, networking, and other technical specialists regarding contracts and proposed modifications to contract templates and standards.
  - Project Support & International Expansion
  - - To draft and assist with the preparation of project related board and executive committee (including IFC) meeting materials.
  - - To advise on, review and consult with concerned departments on proposed structures in relation to the construction and project procurement transactions at hand.
  - - To work closely together with the engineering and development department (and it's associated sub-departments), as well as to work with and manage external advisors and experts.
  - - To identify, update the relevant departments/stakeholders on and mitigate legal risks and issues with respect to the local and international projects and deals.
  - - To ensure alignment from a construction and projects perspective with the company's strategy, vision and mission.
  - - To participate in meetings with partners, relevant business units, shareholders and other legal team members to share updates on ongoing projects, in progress deals, and recent developments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in law is a must.

A Master's degree would be advantageous.

Admission to practice in a recognized jurisdiction.

Minimum Experience:

7 years of experience working with data centers or other real estate infrastructure projects, either in private practice or in-house, with a proven track record of managing high-value construction deals and project procurement.

Job-Specific Skills (Generic / Technical):

Background or keen interest in technology, real estate, construction, projects, and/or data centers.

Strong understanding of complex commercial contracts, with expertise in drafting and negotiating key clauses, and solid experience in risk assessment and stakeholder management.

Ability to serve as the primary in-house attorney on construction and project procurement matters, including handling multiple simultaneous transactions or projects.