E&P General Counsel
TotalEnergiesJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
TotalEnergies UAE seeks a General Counsel with at least 15 years in E&P law to lead legal support for operated and non operated assets in the UAE. The role aims to minimize legal risk, optimize the commercial position, and deliver pragmatic solutions in negotiations with the state, national oil companies and joint venture partners, while drafting major contracts and ensuring local compliance. Responsibilities also include disputes management, sanctions oversight, governance, and coordinating with HQ and external counsel. The ideal candidate holds an LL.B Honors from a civil or common law jurisdiction, preferably with a Masters in Petroleum Law, and strong knowledge of petroleum, international and environmental law plus proven team leadership. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight UAE E&P exposure, successful negotiations, risk management, governance and the ability to work strategically with business development and central functions, and demonstrate diplomatic communication and results orientation.
United Arab Emirates
Context & Environment
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.
Activities
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
Candidate Profile
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.
Additional Information
- Provides legal assistance to the TotalEnergies Operated Assets
- Provides legal assistance to all of the TEP UAE Non-Operated Assets
- Sanction Officer for all the affiliates of TotalEnergies in the UAE