Principal Legal Counsel

Job purpose

Provides Advise, thoughts & insights on Corporate Legal Matters at OQ Group, under vp of Corporate Legal, acting as Advisor for Legal function related to legal  process/ activities, including the policies and procedures relating to legal framework & integrated to the complex end-to-end Business, for both annual cycles and ongoing re-forecasts, by : (1) Provides advice independently, and supervising junior and mid-level lawyers on Corporate finance and project finance documentation, execution process, and compliance and utilization procedures, (2)  Provides advised and guidance on Structuring and negotiation of finance documentation, (3) Provides legal advice on Financing condition precedent documentation, (4)  Evaluate Legal risk for the OQ Group and related businesses, (5)  Ensure OQ Corporate compliance and corporate governance, (5)  Guide and direct on Legal and commercial issues, and advice on related regulatory regimes; in order to ensure legal compliance, manage risks, and facilitate successful financial deals and partnerships.

The position will act in accordance with the Group’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Providing advice and assistance regarding corporate finance and project finance documentation, execution process, compliance, and utilization procedures.

Structuring and negotiation of finance documentation, in particular facility agreements, intercreditor agreements and security documents; coordination execution of documentation; liaising with internal stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach, early identification of commercial and legal risks, and timely delivery to internal clients.

Managing and coordinating preparation and delivery of financing condition precedent documentation.

Providing general ad hoc support to the finance department treasury function, e.g. drafting of intra-group loan agreements, assistance in respect of bank accounts.

Assist in structuring financial transactions to optimize legal and financial outcomes.

Legal Documentation Transaction Support

Providing advice and support on the structuring and documentation of transactions of various types, including corporate, commercial, finance or any other relevant matter.

Review and draft legal documentation for financial transactions including loans, project financing, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

Conduct due diligence and assess legal risks associated with proposed transactions.

Negotiate terms and conditions with external parties and stakeholders.

Legal Corporate Compliance

Providing advice and assistance regarding corporate compliance and corporate governance matters and issues.

Assisting transaction teams in conducting due diligence and risk assessment and analysis.

Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Identify legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively.

Provide legal guidance on corporate governance matters.

Management of legal risk for the business and support units.

Contract Management

Draft, review, and negotiate various contracts related to finance, such as loan agreements, securities documentation, and financing arrangements.

Monitor contract performance and address legal issues that may arise during the contract lifecycle.

Legal / Commercial

Advice on strategies to address both legal and commercial issues.

Negotiation and resolution of legal and business issues encountered in the operation of the business with an emphasis on supporting a business-focused approach to support the company’s objectives and strategy.

Regulatory Regimes & Compliance

Advising on applicable regulatory regimes.

Ensures timely and compliant execution of significant Legal Business Unit/ Downstream & Commercial contracts and catalogues, while maintaining custody of the same. 

Monitoring and maintenance of legal aspects of existing businesses/investments, including (a) ongoing reporting and compliance issues, (b) ongoing contractual obligations, and (c) director and shareholder and other requirements.

Advising on legal policy and risk.

Guide resource-based across multiple jurisdictions and ensure high quality advice and experience resources to deliverer that advice.

Advises on maintaining full compliance with Legal Business Unit/ Downstream & Commercial contractual obligations, regulatory agencies, and environmental laws.

Network Relations

Liaising with external counsel and other in-house counsel.

Work with Leader Legal Business Unit/ Stream on most critical business unit matters that require additional guidance/ support.

Drive integrated legal support to corporate segment / Stream through collaboration with Legal CoE’s (Corporate, Operations)

Providing guide and legal advice on legal processes/ activities and coordinate with legal firms (locally/ internationally) to ensure compliance.

Coordinate of Legal and regulatory issues related with OQ’s Business Unit/ Downstream & Commercial in line with financial, and technical advisors.

Collaborate with finance, accounting, and business development teams to provide strategic legal advice.

 Guidance / Coaching

Mentoring and training junior lawyers, trainees, and non-legal personnel (on legal issues/matters), preparing internal best practice notes, supervision of junior lawyers and trainees.

Organizing various aspects of transactions, including supervising internal teams of junior associates and trainees, and retaining and coordinating outside counsel.

Actively promote legal team career development (and overall legal team generally).

Legal Trends

Provide insights associated with key variance / legal trends arising from reports, forecasts and plans for Oil & Gas industry.

Legal Planning, Policies & Budgeting

Guide on how strategize Legal Business Unit/ Downstream & Commercial legal process to various stakeholders among the Group.

Guide and provide high support on planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting practices / set of processes, as well as, documents, performance indicators (KPIs) and embed in day-to-day activities.

Guide & contribute on the development and implementation of departmental policies, systems, processes, procedures, and controls, and continuously identify and recommend improvements while ensuring compliance with the group guidelines, international / local standards, and relevant legislation.

Liaise with Value Partners, Shared Services, and other Centers of Excellence to provide seamless legal service delivery to customers.

Support the development and oversee the implementation of Corporate Legal policies, systems, processes, procedures, and controls covering all areas Downstream & Commercial so that all relevant procedural / legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service in a consistent manner.

Notable Working Conditions. Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.

Education requirements

LLB or equivalent from a reputable university or law school with admission to a recognized civil or common law Bar (or equivalent body), in other words, qualified as a lawyer/solicitor/barrister.

Post-lawyer qualification

Language

Excellent written and spoken English is a must.

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

Minimum of 10-12 years of post-lawyer qualification experience with a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal function for a recognised corporate entity with a focus in one or more of the following areas: corporate, commercial and/or finance.

Experience in the energy sector and/or project development and/or project finance would be helpful but is not essential.

Experience in developing risk mitigation strategies to protect the company's interests.

Direct experience in managing end-to-end legal aspects of financial transactions, from due diligence to closing.

Familiarity with Oil & Gas industry-specific legal requirements and regulations.

Substantial experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, or banking law within a reputable law firm or corporate legal department.

Strong understanding of financial markets, banking practices, and project finance.

 Soft:

Ability to convey complex legal and financial concepts clearly and concisely to various stakeholders, including executives, colleagues, and external partners.

Strong drafting skills for preparing legal documents and agreements.

Proficiency in negotiating terms and conditions of financial transactions with external parties, including lenders, investors, and joint venture partners.

Capability to advocate for the company's interests while maintaining positive relationships.

Strong analytical skills to assess legal risks associated with financial deals and propose effective solutions.

Ability to analyse financial data and understand implications on legal matters.

Initiative-taking approach to identifying legal challenges and developing innovative strategies to address them.

Capacity to oversee unexpected issues during transactions and provide timely resolutions.

Collaborative mindset to work effectively within cross-functional teams, such as finance, accounting, and business development.

Ability to build rapport and influence decision-making among diverse stakeholders.

Comprehensive understanding of corporate finance law, including securities regulations, lending practices, and contract law.

Strong orientation towards the provision of quality services and outputs, combined with a focus on creating value for the business.

effective influencing, communication, and people skills

Have clear, accurate and persuasive communication skills.

Technical Competencies:

Computer literacy including MS Office.

Familiarity with legal research tools, contract management systems, and financial modelling software.

Strong grasp of financial concepts and principles, including financial statements, project economics, and valuation methods.

Ability to interpret financial data and assess the financial implications of legal decisions.

Proficiency in identifying, evaluating, and managing legal risks associated with financial transactions.

Capability to coordinate with internal teams and external advisors to ensure smooth transaction execution.

Ability to leverage technology to streamline legal processes and enhance efficiency.

Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the business beyond the confines of his/her pure legal training.

Function as an advocate of company and its values with all internal and external stakeholders.