Our client, an oil & petrochemical trading company is looking for a Legal & Contracts Officer to be based in Dubai. You will report directly to the CEO. The Legal & Contracts Officer oversees all legal and contractual matters related to the company’s oil cargo trading activities. This role ensures that commercial operations are executed within a solid legal framework by managing risk, ensuring contractual compliance, and safeguarding the company’s interests in negotiations and disputes. The position acts as the primary legal advisor to senior management and supports traders, operations, and finance on all contractual issues.

• • Contract Drafting & Review: You will draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of commercial contracts including Sale & Purchase Agreements (SPAs), charter-parties, storage agreements, and NDAs.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with cargo trading, shipping, finance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Advisory to Traders: Provide real-time legal advice to the trading and operations teams on contract clauses, defaults, indemnities, force majeure, and related matters.
  • Claims & Disputes: Manage claims, litigation, and arbitration proceedings—these may involve demurrage disputes, cargo loss, or breach of contract.
  • Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with international trade laws, sanctions, anti-bribery/AML legislation, and local UAE regulations.
  • External Counsel Coordination: Oversee the company’s relationships with external law firms and legal advisors across jurisdictions, ensuring consistent and effective support.
  • Internal Policy Development: Draft and implement company-wide legal and contractual policies and frameworks that support the business’s strategic objectives.

• • Law degree (LLB or JD) from a recognized university; Master’s or professional legal qualification preferred (e.g., UK Solicitor or Common Law bar admission).
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in legal roles, with at least 5 years in oil or commodity trading.
  • In-depth knowledge of international trading contracts (such as BP, Shell, ExxonMobil GT&Cs), shipping law, and INCOTERMS.
  • Experience in handling complex disputes and arbitrations (LCIA, ICC, etc.).
  • Understanding of banking and trade finance contracts is a plus.
  • Fluent in English; French is an advantage.