General Counsel

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job Purpose:

The General Counsel for Shell Oman is a key strategic advisor, responsible for providing expert and proactive legal counsel across the organization. This role ensures Shell Oman operates within legal and regulatory frameworks, effectively manages legal risks, protects the company's assets and reputation, and contributes directly to its sustainable growth and future opportunities. The General Counsel acts as a critical partner to senior management, influencing strategic decisions and driving legal excellence.

Position Accountabilities:

As the General Counsel for Shell Oman's Downstream business, you will:

1. Serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior management and various business units on a wide range of legal issues, including commercial contracts, corporate law, regulatory compliance, litigation and business relevant matters.
2. Provide expert legal guidance on corporate governance matters, ensuring compliance with Omani company law and best practices.
3. Be in charge of the delivery and performance of the entire legal function in relation to all legal matters for Shell Oman Marketing.
4. Anticipate and proactively address potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively.
5. Conduct, manage and oversee litigation and dispute resolution processes, working closely with external legal counsels and Shell Global Litigation as required.
6. Provide professional, proactive, timely, cost-effective and practical legal advice and support to the Downstream business and relevant functions.
7. Support negotiation, finalization and execution of contracts with customers, suppliers and distributors.
8. Provide legal advice on employee/labour law matters and other matters including local regulatory requirements and licensing.
9. Ensure delivery in all activities relating, among other things, to the Muscat Stock Exchange, the Annual General Meeting and Board meetings in a legally and regulatory compliant manner.
10. Stay abreast of relevant changes in Omani laws and regulations and advise the business on their implications.
11. Develop legal capability and sound awareness within the legal team and within the bigger organisation.
12. Provide training for the business on legal and compliance issues in order to mitigate legal risk and to support the Group Ethics & Compliance program.
13. In line with the Shell Legal strategic intent, Shell Group standards and local requirements.
14. Ensure that legal risks and opportunities are properly identified and managed.
15. Manage relationships with external legal counsel and other external stakeholders.
16. Effective individual contributor and team player able to provide legal advice, effectively balancing and prioritizing the needs of the business in a complex environment.
17. Promotion of the Legal function, including Ethics & Compliance, in Oman.
18. Working effectively with internal stakeholders located inside and outside Oman (including the line manager and functional line manager) and from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Job Requirements:

The experience, qualifications and skills required for this position include:

1. Minimum Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a recognized university. A postgraduate degree (LLM or equivalent) or specialized certifications will be an advantage.
2. Qualified and experienced Omani lawyer with at least 8-10 years' experience in a well-respected law firm, multinational or large local company legal department with responsibilities similar to those required in this role, including commercial legal advice, company secretarial support, advice on real estate, regulatory compliance matters and litigation management.
3. Strong understanding of Omani laws and regulations, particularly those relating to commercial activities, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
4. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
5. Demonstrated ability to provide clear, concise, and commercially focused legal advice to senior management.
6. Excellent command of both Arabic and English languages, both spoken and written.
7. Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
8. Understanding of Shell's Downstream business or able to gain this quickly.
9. Able to promote the contribution of Legal to business goals.
10. Strong problem-solving ability. Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
11. Ability to prioritize and deliver under pressure. Resilient and adaptable to change.
12. Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
13. Strong attention to detail.
14. Leadership and commercial acumen.
15. Strong sense of business integrity and ownership with zero tolerance for any non-compliance with Shell Ethics and Compliance standards.

Kindly note that if you have not been contacted within 3 weeks from the closing date, your application is considered as unsuccessful.