The Legal Department provides legal advice to all of the TotalEnergies companies in the UAE to protect the interest of TotalEnergies and minimize legal risks. The scope of the job includes many high value assets with complex and voluminous contractual arrangements. Working in an environment where the legal regime (esp. the energy sector) is not highly developed with recent and constantly changing legislations, so clear answers are often not available. The Legal Department is involved with negotiations and legal discussions which can be protracted and require a flexible, diplomatic approach to achieve business objectives without significant compromise on legal issues.

The General Counsel all necessary support and advice for the E&P activities of TotalEnergies in the UAE in order to: i) minimize legal risks; ii) optimize our commercial position; and iii) find pragmatic solutions to problems. Major activities are:

Negotiations and Agreements

• Advise on terms of existing agreements exploring alternative interpretations, potential risks, and the broader contractual or legal implications for TotalEnergies
• Participate in negotiations with the State, national companies and Joint Venture Partners 
• Draft, review and validate new agreements and major contracts ensuring compliance with local legislation and protecting the Company’s interests 
• Support Business Development teams during negotiations 
• Conduct specialized legal research and prepare strategy briefs for upcoming negotiations and commercial projects.

 Disputes and Litigation

• Prevent disputes and litigation 
• Defend the interests of TotalEnergies in the event of disputes or litigation (threatened or actual)

Additional Legal Support

• Stay informed on new Laws and Regulations affecting Company's operations, influence where possible, and alert/advise relevant Departments of new developments 
• Screen and perform sanction checks on third party counterparts 
• Support with internal governance and be the focal point with the central legal functions in HQ
• Select and manage external Legal support in UAE as required
• Maintain Legal Databases

Legal team management

• Plan and follow the activities of the department 
• Guide and support the Legal team, ensuring effective delivery while supporting talent development and team cohesion

Degree: Law — minimum requirement is LL.B Honors from civil/common law jurisdiction (Europe, UK, US) but preferably Masters in Petroleum law.

Experience: minimum 15 years' experience in E&P law.

Knowledge/Skills: Petroleum law, international business law/public law; community law/environmental law; company law.