General Counsel

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. HBKU is a homegrown research and graduate studies University that acts as a catalyst for positive transformation in Qatar and the region while having a global impact. 

Position

HBKU invites applications for the position of General Counsel to provide legal advice and guidance to the University. Working closely with the President of the university and other members of the HBKU leadership team, the General Counsel will be responsible for overall compliance matters, the drafting and review of policies, procedures, contracts, and other legal documents, including corporate affairs, the handling of employment matters, and engagement and oversight of outside counsel, when required.

Candidates should have a strong record of advising educational institutions and other clients in complex matters, demonstrating creativity and professionalism in preventing and solving problems and disputes. They must have excellent communication skills and solid, well-reasoned judgment in their approach to legal and related matters.

The position is ideal for a lawyer who wants to work in a dynamic environment involving the HBKU Colleges and Research Institutes as well as the universities and other institutions situated in Education City, home to QF.

Further, given HBKU’s role in Qatar, the region, and beyond, the position will enable the lawyer to work with outstanding professionals, whether they be within the University, such as the administration, faculty, and researchers, or outside, such as officials with government ministries and leaders in the private sector. 

Job Role Description 

• Manage the development and implementation of legal strategies and solutions, including in high-risk situations, in alignment with university objectives and priorities.
• Provide and coordinate legal advice, consultation, and services through the appropriate University officer or entity (e.g., President, Board of Trustees, Senior Management) to ensure that HBKU's interests are safeguarded on a wide range of areas including employment matters, contracts, capital construction and financing transactions, real estate, student affairs, research, technology transfer, intellectual property, commercialization, development and gift agreements, trusts and estates, academic affairs, cybersecurity and data protection, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Guide the legal registration process for new institutions associated with HBKU to efficiently incorporate new centers/subsidiaries.
• Advise on HBKU's compliance with applicable Laws and regulations to mitigate any risk of legal action against HBKU.
• Advise management of significant legal developments and potential legal risks and their implications to ensure compliance with HBKU's legal framework, signed contracts, and agreements.
• Perform assessments relating to legal risks that HBKU may face and proactively develop legal risk mitigation plans in consultation with HBKU risk function.
• Work in collaboration with various university entities and units to develop, review, and maintain legal standards, policies, and procedures across HBKU ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in managing and resolving legal matters and issues.
• Draft, review, and assist in negotiating contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to ensure that they are submitted and completed efficiently and effectively to serve the best interests of HBKU and respond to any queries as appropriate.
• Stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and emerging legal trends and developments in higher education and disseminate relevant information to stakeholders.
• Identify, anticipate, and prepare for any legal disputes/issues that could affect HBKU.
• Ensure that the President and, when appropriate, other University leadership are kept informed of all incidents that may have legal implications and act as appropriate.
• Serve as a resource person and provide legal opinions and advice to University committees and bodies.
• Manage legal disputes, claims, and litigation involving HBKU.
• Liaise with the University Internal Audit Office and the Office of Risk Management with all relevant laws and regulations, including participation in financial and compliance audits and investigations.
• Develop and deliver legal training programs for employees and other University stakeholders to enhance awareness of legal issues and compliance requirements.
• Represent HBKU's interests before regulatory agencies, governmental bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by the supervisor. 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Law or Juris Doctor (JD) degree with ideally at least 8-10 years experience in a similar role preferably in higher education or within a large non-profit or public sector organization. Master's preferred.
• Active membership in a bar association or law society of a reputable legal jurisdiction qualifies the candidate to practice law in that jurisdiction.
• Ability to anticipate legal issues or risks.
• A high degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Overall broad legal knowledge (corporate law, litigations, labor law, intellectual property law, etc.).
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Strong client service and counseling skills as demonstrated through efficient and creative resolution of legal issues.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written contracts, agreements, reports, and other legal documents and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications. 

How to Apply

Please submit your application (CV, cover letter, and names of three references with their contact information) by clicking the 'Apply' button

Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Shortlisted candidates will be called for interviews.                                                                                                                        
Remuneration

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as housing & transportation allowances, children educational assistance, annual paid leave and airfares, medical insurance etc.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.