Principal Legal Counsel

Job purpose Act as a senior technical legal authority, providing expert advice and leading complex, sensitive and strategically significant legal matters. Accountable for the delivery of legal support of major transactions, high-risk contractual arrangements and material legal disputes. Accountable for the delivery of legal support on major transaction, high-risk contractual arrangements and material legal disputes, while providing technical guidance, quality review and mentoring to other legal professionals. 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 • Provide legal advice on complex commercial, contractual, regulatory, and operational matters. • Advise on the legal implications of strategic business decisions, including alternative transaction structures and associated risk allocation. • Develop legal strategies for managing material disputes, contentious matters and complex contractual exposures. • Review and provide technical challenge on significant legal advice, legal opinions and contractual positions prepared by other team members. • Lead legal workstreams on major acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, restructuring, financing arrangements and other strategic transactions, as assigned • Lead the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of complex agreements and legal documentation. • Support major transactions, investments, partnerships, financing arrangements, and strategic projects. • Conduct legal assessments and provide recommendations to support management decision-making. • Interpret laws, regulations, and legal developments and advise stakeholders on business implications. • Identify legal risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the organization's interests. • Lead legal due diligence activities and assess legal exposures and obligations. • Manage complex contractual disputes, claims, and legal issues. • Coordinate, direct and challenge external legal counsel on specialized legal matters. • Develop legal guidance, templates, and best practices to strengthen legal consistency. • Review and validate legal analyses and recommendations prepared by junior team members. • Coach and mentor Legal team members. • Identify opportunities to improve legal effectiveness and support business objectives. Key interactions Internal: OQ SAOC Streams & Assets External: Staffing specialized Contractors, Vendors & Suppliers 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. Language Excellent written and spoken English is a must. Background and experience Competencies and skills • A minimum of 10-12 years of experience with a recognized law firm and/or in-house legal and compliance function within a recognised corporate entity • Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements. • Experience supporting strategic projects, transactions, disputes, and legal risk mitigation initiatives. • Experience supporting strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions, including legal due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation and documentation. • Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and commercial legal practices. Soft: • Ability to think strategically and align legal advice with business priorities. • Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters. • Strong negotiation and relationship management capabilities. • Ability to exercise sound judgment in high-risk and ambiguous situations. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to coach, mentor, and develop legal talent. • Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Technical Competencies: • Ability to provide expert legal advice on complex commercial and regulatory matters. • Ability to lead negotiations and develop commercially sound legal solutions. • Strong knowledge of contract law, regulatory requirements, and legal risk management. • Ability to assess complex legal risks and recommend effective mitigation strategies. • Ability to support strategic transactions, disputes, investigations, and business initiatives. • Ability to interpret legislative and regulatory developments and advise on business implications. • Ability to establish legal standards, guidance, and best practices.