Lead Legal Counsel - Operations at Oman Investment Authority

The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) is inviting applications for the position of Lead Legal Counsel - Operations at its headquarters in Muscat, Oman. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for experienced lawyers to join the entity responsible for managing the Sultanate's sovereign assets and investments, contributing to the pillars of the "Oman 2040" economic vision.

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Lead Legal Counsel for Operations will hold a pivotal role within the authority's legal framework, responsible for providing strategic and operational legal advice related to investment activities and portfolio management. The key responsibilities expected for this position include:

• Providing comprehensive legal support for the authority's direct and indirect investment operations across diverse sectors.
• Reviewing, drafting, and analyzing complex contracts and agreements, including investment agreements, shareholders' agreements, merger and acquisition (M&A) agreements, and joint venture agreements.
• Managing legal risks associated with the operational activities of the authority and its investment subsidiaries.
• Working closely with investment, finance, and compliance teams to ensure deals are executed according to the highest legal and regulatory standards.
• Contributing to the development of internal legal policies and procedures to enhance governance and operational efficiency.
• Representing the authority in liaising with and overseeing external legal counsel when required.
• Staying abreast of local and international legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the authority's activities.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be qualified for this leadership role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualification: A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university. A Master of Laws (LLM) or an advanced professional qualification in a relevant field will be a strong added advantage.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years of legal practice experience, with a proven focus on corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and/or financial law. Prior experience in the sovereign investment sector, sovereign wealth funds, investment banking, or top-tier international law firms is highly preferred.
• Legal Skills: Deep expertise in contract drafting and negotiation, with a strong understanding of the legal structures of complex cross-border transactions.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of relevant Omani laws and regulations, with familiarity with international regulatory frameworks.
• Personal Skills: Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities, with leadership skills in managing legal projects and working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Language: Full professional proficiency in both Arabic and English, written and spoken.

Work Location and Benefits

• Location: Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
• Job Type: Full-time.
• Environment: Working in a stimulating professional environment within one of the most important financial institutions in the Sultanate, with opportunities for career development and contribution to strategic national projects.

How to Apply for the Position

Applications for this position are accepted exclusively through the Naukrigulf platform, where the advertisement was posted. Interested candidates should refer to the original advertisement link and follow the application instructions provided. Applicants are advised to prepare an updated and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly highlights their relevant experience, along with a Cover Letter explaining their suitability for this specific role at the Oman Investment Authority.

Given the strategic importance of this position, the selection process is expected to be competitive and thorough. The authority will review applications and will contact only those candidates who meet the criteria for the next stages of interviews.