Abu Dhabi Legal Job Listings

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Corporate Secretary

Purpose of the Role The Corporate Secretary – Governance Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the Emirates Investment Authority’s (EIA) compliance with governance standards and legal frameworks. By ensuring the organization’s practices align with UAE regulations, international benchmarks, and best practices in governance, this position supports the strategic and operational decision-making processes at the highest level. The role also involves fostering robust relationships with government authorities, overseeing statutory obligations, and ensuring the effective functioning of Board and committee operations. In addition to being a governance advisor, the Corporate Secretary is a key advocate for organizational integrity and transparency, aligning all practices with EIA's overarching strategic goals. Main Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Responsibilities: Governance Advisory: Serve as the principal advisor to the Executive Board Committee and senior management on corporate governance matters, providing strategic insights and recommendations to align governance practices with UAE federal laws, international standards, and the EIA's long-term goals. Policy Formulation: Lead the development, implementation, and periodic review of governance policies, ensuring they reflect the operational nuances of a sovereign wealth fund while complying with legal mandates. Regulatory Compliance: Actively monitor the organization’s adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely submissions, filings, and compliance reports to relevant authorities. Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure governance strategies support the EIA's investment and operational goals, fostering an environment of accountability and ethical leadership. Core Responsibilities: Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Board and committee meetings, ensuring seamless logistics, comprehensive agenda preparation, and timely distribution of materials. Accurately document minutes of meetings, capturing all discussions, decisions, and resolutions in both English and Arabic, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to confidentiality and precision. versee the archiving of Board proceedings and corporate documents, ensuring their secure storage and compliance with document retention policies. Draft, review, and translate legal and governance documents, including contracts, memorandums, policies, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and cultural relevance in both Arabic and English. Ensure all corporate documentation submitted to government authorities meets the required standards, fostering positive and efficient communication with regulatory bodies. People Management Responsibilities Training and Capacity Building: Design and deliver targeted training sessions for Board members and staff to strengthen their understanding of governance principles, statutory requirements, and ethical practices. Foster an organizational culture of governance excellence through regular workshops and awareness programs, ensuring a unified approach to compliance and accountability. Collaboration and Mentorship: Act as a mentor to junior staff, guiding them in governance-related tasks and ensuring knowledge transfer to build a robust pipeline of governance professionals. Education and Experience Education Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced professional certification in governance (e.g., ICSA, IOD, or equivalent) is highly desirable and indicative of expertise. Experience A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in governance, corporate secretarial roles, or compliance management, preferably within sovereign wealth funds, listed entities, or financial institutions in the UAE. Demonstrated success in drafting and managing complex legal documentation and liaising effectively with government entities and regulatory authorities. Technical Expertise / Skills / Knowledge Bilingual Proficiency: Native-level fluency in Arabic and English, with advanced capabilities in legal drafting, formal correspondence, and document translation. Technological Proficiency: Expertise in governance software, board management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring efficient governance operations. Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of UAE corporate and governance laws, coupled with knowledge of global governance frameworks and practices. Strategic Competence: Exceptional ability to analyze, design, and implement governance frameworks that are pragmatic, forward-thinking, and aligned with EIA’s objectives. Interpersonal Excellence: Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, fostering effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Key Role Interfaces Internally: Board of Directors Executive Committee Legal and Compliance Department Finance and Strategy/PMO Departments Human Resources for governance-related training and policy compliance Externally: UAE government entities such as Ministries, Federal Regulatory Authorities, and Judicial Bodies Legal advisors and governance consultants Regional and international governance organizations and sovereign wealth fund networks Requirements Education Mandatory: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Preferred: Professional certifications like CPA, ACCA, or CFA. Experience Minimum: 8+ years in financial reporting with at least 3 years in a managerial role. Relevant Industry: Government entities, sovereign wealth funds, or investment institutions. Technical Skills, Expertise, and Knowledge Proficiency in ERP systems, advanced Excel, and financial reporting tools. Expertise in IFRS, UAE financial regulations, and sovereign wealth fund reporting frameworks. Ability to prepare and analyze consolidated financial statements for diversified portfolios. Knowledge of ESG standards and sustainable finance practices. Benefits The Emirates Investment Authority (EIA) stands as the UAE's only federal sovereign wealth fund, entrusted with the dual mandate of prudently managing and investing the nation’s wealth to secure long-term sustainable financial returns and contribute to the UAE’s economic growth and prosperity. Established in 2007, EIA embodies a vision to drive national development by creating industry champions, diversifying economic assets, and supporting critical government initiatives. Governed by the highest standards of integrity and accountability, the EIA strategically allocates capital to maximize financial returns while ensuring alignment with the UAE’s long-term priorities Joining the EIA offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the UAE’s economic future. Employees gain access to an enriching environment where innovation, strategic thinking, and excellence drive success. The EIA provides: Professional Growth: Comprehensive development frameworks that align individual competencies with organizational goals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and expertise. Diverse Experience: Exposure to a diversified portfolio of global and regional investments, spanning multiple sectors, allowing employees to build expertise in high-stakes financial and strategic asset management. Impactful Work: The chance to contribute to transformative national projects and initiatives, playing a pivotal role in creating economic champions that drive the UAE’s growth. Collaborative Culture: A performance-driven workplace that values teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

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