Senior Legal Counsel, Gulf Levant & Saudi Arabia

As the primary legal advisor for the Gulf-Levant and Saudi Arabia Affiliates within AbbVies Middle East Africa and Russia (MEAR) Region you will play a critical leadership role in safeguarding and advancing the businesss legal interests. This highly visible position partners directly with affiliate management teams providing strategic and pragmatic legal counsel across a diverse set of commercial operational and compliance matters. Success requires expert business and legal judgment advanced multitasking and the ability to thrive independently within a fast-paced multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a core member of Affiliates management and Intercontinental Legal teams contributing legal insight to business strategy and operational execution.
• Advise on all legal aspects regarding AbbVies on-market and pipeline products with particular focus on anti-kickback antitrust regulatory matters advertising/promotional compliance local manufacturing new business models distributor management and commercial negotiations.
• Provide substantive legal guidance to Marketing Medical Affairs Market Access and Regulatory Affairs ensuring risk mitigation and compliant growth.
• Develop review and negotiate complex agreements including third-party vendor distributor pharmacy consulting and service contracts optimizing for business outcomes and legal protection.
• Provide clear advice to business clients and senior legal management on local laws focusing on areas of promotion patient support payer access go-to-market strategies and scientific exchange.
• Support in-country establishment transformations and work to unlock new business opportunities.
• Proactively identify assess and address legal risks; anticipate issues and create actionable forward-thinking solutions for Affiliates management.
• Collaborate cross-functionally facilitating compliance with law corporate policies and AbbVies Code of Conduct.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels translating legal requirements into practical business advice.
• Monitor and interpret changes in legislative and regulatory environments keeping business partners informed and prepared.
• Drive legal strategy and support in cross functional meetings including MLOR meetings (Medical/Legal/OEC/Regulatory) and ACIF meetings (Affiliate Compliance Insight Forum).
• Design deliver and oversee legal training programs tailored for affiliate teams.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsels to ensure cost-effective high-quality support.
• Resolve legal issues through skilled negotiation and project management; keep legal leadership informed of progress and developments.
• Promote AbbVies values and a strong culture of ethics compliance and diversity.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Advise on digital health technology and real-world evidence initiatives navigating novel regulatory frameworks.
• Lead Affiliates crisis management and incident response from a legal standpoint.
• Act as primary legal contact for cross-border matters affecting both Affiliates ensuring harmonized guidance and execution.
• Identify emerging legal trends and develop innovative strategies to support business growth and compliance.

Qualifications :

Basic Qualifications:

• Law degree from a reputable university; international legal qualifications are advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience ideally in pharmaceuticals or a highly regulated sector.
• Extensive legal experience in the UAE or Saudi Arabia is required.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership with a proven ability to advise and influence senior management in complex scenarios.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple matters independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication negotiation and interpersonal skills; adept at working within multicultural and cross-functional teams.
• Sound commercial judgment and creative problem-solving capabilities.
• Commitment to equal opportunity and fostering diversity (Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled).

Additional Information :

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity driving innovation transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time