LEGAL OFFICER

• Position: Legal Officer
• Work Location : Abu Dhabi
• Immediate Joining
• Must be Available in UAE

Job Summary

The Legal Officer will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal support and advice to Al Sahraa Recruitment Services ensuring compliance with all applicable UAE laws and regulations with a particular emphasis on labor law. This role involves drafting and reviewing legal agreements managing employee disputes overseeing legal documentation and advising on legal risks and strategies. The Legal Officer will play a critical role in safeguarding the companys legal interests and ensuring its operations adhere to the highest standards of legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory and Compliance

• Legal Counsel: Provide expert legal advice and guidance to the CEO management and various departments on a wide range of legal matters affecting the companys operations with a primary focus on UAE labor law and general commercial law.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the companys full compliance with all relevant UAE federal and local laws regulations decrees and ministerial decisions particularly those pertaining to recruitment employment immigration and business licensing.
• Risk Management: Identify assess and mitigate legal risks associated with the companys business activities contracts and operational procedures. Develop and implement strategies to minimize legal exposure.
• Policy Development: Assist in the development review and implementation of internal legal policies procedures and guidelines to ensure they are robust compliant and aligned with legal best practices and company objectives.

Contract Management and Documentation

• Agreement Drafting: Draft review and negotiate a variety of legal agreements and contracts including but not limited to:
  • Client service agreements (recruitment contracts service level agreements)
  • Employment contracts (for both internal staff and deployed manpower)
  • Subcontractor agreements
  • Vendor and supplier contracts
  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
  • Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
• Legal Documentation: Prepare review and manage all legal documentation ensuring accuracy completeness and compliance with legal requirements. This includes official letters notices legal opinions and corporate governance documents.
• Contractual Compliance: Monitor contractual obligations and ensure adherence by all parties advising on potential breaches and remedies.

Employee Relations and Dispute Resolution

• Employee Dispute Management: Manage and resolve employee disputes grievances and disciplinary matters in accordance with UAE labor law and company policies. This includes conducting investigations mediating conflicts and advising on appropriate disciplinary actions.
• Labor Court Representation: Represent the company in labor court proceedings Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) hearings and other relevant governmental bodies for employee-related disputes.
• Termination Procedures: Advise on and oversee the legal aspects of employee termination ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and minimizing legal risks.
• HR Support: Collaborate closely with the Human Resources department to ensure HR practices and policies are legally sound and compliant.

Manpower Company Specifics

• Manpower Regulations: Possess in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the specific legal and regulatory framework governing manpower supply companies in the UAE including licensing requirements visa processes and sponsorship obligations.
• Work Location Familiarity: Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and practical experience with the legal and operational landscape across all manpower company work locations in Abu Dhabi including free zones and mainland regulations.
• Immigration Law: Advise on immigration laws and procedures relevant to the recruitment and deployment of expatriate workers including visa applications residency permits and labor cards.

Litigation and External Counsel Management

• Litigation Support: Manage and oversee all litigation matters involving the company coordinating with external legal counsel where necessary. This includes preparing legal briefs gathering evidence and attending court hearings.
• External Counsel Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for external legal counsel managing their engagement reviewing their work and ensuring cost-effective legal representation.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university.
• A Master of Laws (LLM) or equivalent postgraduate legal qualification is highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 4-5 years of progressive legal experience with a significant portion gained within the UAE.
• Demonstrated experience working as a Legal Officer Corporate Counsel or similar role within a recruitment agency manpower supply company or a law firm specializing in labor and commercial law in the UAE.
• Proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements and managing employee disputes.

Legal Knowledge

• UAE Labor Law: Expert-level knowledge and practical application of UAE Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 (the New UAE Labour Law) its executive regulations and related ministerial decrees.
• UAE Commercial Law: Strong understanding of UAE commercial laws including contract law company law and civil transactions law.
• Immigration Law: Familiarity with UAE immigration laws and regulations pertaining to employment visas and residency.
• Free Zone Regulations: Knowledge of specific regulations applicable to free zones in Abu Dhabi (e.g. ADGM TwoFour54 KIZAD) is highly advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Legal Research: Excellent legal research skills with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide clear concise and practical advice.
• Drafting Skills: Superior legal drafting skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and persuasion abilities with a track record of achieving favorable outcomes.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic (fluency in Arabic is highly preferred for interacting with government bodies and local entities).
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and solution-oriented approach to legal challenges.
• Ethical Conduct: Unwavering commitment to professional ethics integrity and confidentiality.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external parties.
• Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in legal research databases Microsoft Office Suite and document management systems.

Personal Attributes

• Immediate Availability: Ability to join immediately is a significant advantage.
• Resilience: Ability to work under pressure and manage challenging legal situations effectively.
• Proactive: Takes initiative and anticipates potential legal issues.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of legal work.