Senior Legal Counsel

Job description

Purpose A key member of the Legal team, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across all functions of the business, including Product, Tech, Procurement, Partnerships, HR and Compliance. You will play a key role in helping Ooredoo Fintech operate at speed in accordance with its risk appetite. The primary focus of the role will be to draft and negotiate commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, strategic partnerships & intra-group agreements, as well as help manage external legal resources in Qatar and in the jurisdictions in which OFTI operates. You will also be a key support to the Chief Legal & Governance Officer on day-to-day ad hoc legal matters as they arise within the business. Context Ooredoo Fintech (OFT) is a fast-growing scale-up on a mission to empower people and businesses across the MENA region with innovative financial solutions. Backed by the strength and heritage of Ooredoo Group and driven by a passionate team, we deliver secure, intuitive money tools through our brands: Ooredoo Money, walletii, and m-Faisaa, serving users in Qatar, Oman, and the Maldives. Working with us presents a unique and exciting opportunity to make a difference and be part of a revolution where we are leveraging financial technology to provide accessible, empowering tools. Role Accountabilities • You will support the Chief Legal and Governance Officer to deliver a best-in-class Legal service in a fast-paced fintech environment – focusing on efficient and innovative processes and workflows to ensure your legal advice is most effective. • You will be responsible for certain relationships with external counsel, with potential management of the anticipated legal operations and paralegal support. • You will help to ensure that delivery of legal services continuously evolves as Ooredoo Fintech grows and changes – it is critical to balance business needs in 6, 12, 18 months as well as the demands of today. • You will provide legal guidance on a wide range of issues related to fintech operations across our multi-country business, requiring a cohesive and non-siloed approach to the use of central and local resources. • You will draft, review and/or negotiate all contracts ensuring that contracts meet with all international/legal/ regulatory/ governmental/commercial standards, safeguard the company’s interests, limit the risk potential and protect the company from litigation. • You will work closely with stakeholders to structure and develop products and services, including reviewing and working through process flows and understanding complexities of the relevant product(s) and technology and provide legal insight and expertise on existing and developing business propositions. • You will advise on legal and regulatory matters (including licensing) associated with transactions, partnership and product structure, operations, and entry into new markets, including IP and data privacy/protection. • You will engage, procure, and manage external counsel support as and when required. • You will help resolve any issues related to contractual issues as may arise from the business. • You will provide advice on contract/tender process etc. to ensure compliance with the company’s contractual standards. • Maintain records of all contracts within the business, ensuring that they are recorded, tracked and appropriately reviewed as required by the business. • Keep updated/advise on relevant changes in law and regulations including employment laws. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) • To ensure company compliance with legal requirements and applicable laws • To provide timely and accurate legal advice to the business operations, managements and other departments within the company • Proactively identify legal risks that may impact the company and develop strategies to mitigate those risks • Efficiently manage the company's contracts including drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements to protect company's interests • Identify and distinguish between matters that require different levels of review (i.e. line-by-line, red-flag only, etc.) • Provide necessary training and education to relevant departments (i.e. procurement) to encourage a culture of legal awareness within the business Experience • 7 years post qualification experience, but with reasonable flexibility - if you are qualified and have the right skills and experience, then please apply • A mixture of private practice and in-house experience is preferable • Experience in banking and/or fintech law is a plus Minimum Entry Qualifications • Undergraduate degree in law or postgraduate equivalent from an accredited law school • Membership/ admission to the bar in Qatar or eligible jurisdiction • Fluency in English and French (written and spoken); Arabic is a plus • Excellent drafting and communication skills