Sr Specialist Governance

Job purpose

Lead, plan and organize the implementation of an efficient and streamlined governance framework at OQ Group, under VP Legal Corporate, acting as single point of accountability for the Governance Framework Development, including reviewing Terms of Reference of Committees, Compliance and Regulatory Oversight, related Policies and Procedures, Training and Awareness on Governance related matters.

The position will act in accordance with the Group's Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, OIA requirements, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Oman's government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Governance Framework Development

• Design, implementation, and supervision of an efficient and streamlined governance, environment Governance of the organization and its compliance with external statutory, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains governance framework and strategy around OQ and its subsidiaries legal and organisational hierarchies.
• Protect the organization's interests, while allowing for innovation and achievement of corporate objectives.
• Lead the development and maintain an enterprise-wide effective and efficient governance framework that aligns with the organization's strategic objectives and promotes good governance practices.
• Draft and review policies, procedures, guidelines, and frameworks to guide decision-making processes and ensure accountability and transparency.
• Draft and review terms of reference and appropriate governance structures for functions, committees and other bodies.
• Identify gaps in governing documents and optimize processes, frameworks and documents to gain efficiencies.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and drive initiatives to enhance overall business performance.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Stay updated with relevant laws, regulations, shareholder directives and policies, industry standards and ensure the organization's compliance.
• Establish processes to monitor and assess compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external audits to ensure adherence to governance and control frameworks.
• Establish compliance frameworks to ensure and enhance compliance with relevant laws and policies across the Group and ensure adherence and maintaining effectiveness and accountability.
• Implement monitoring and reporting mechanisms to implement the above mentioned.
• Fulfils job duties and responsibilities in conformance with sound safety practices.

Policies and Procedures

• Develop and enforce policies and procedures that enable the ease of applicability of governance framework and matters related thereto.
• Regularly review and update the Delegation of Authority and policies related thereto to reflect changes.

Training and Awareness

• Provide guidance and training to employees on governance, and compliance-related matters. Promote a culture of compliance through communication campaigns, training sessions, and awareness programs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Summarize and communicate to executive management any noted issues, risks, and business impact of governance framework controls deficiencies and track remediation to completion.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, such as executive management, board of directors, internal audit, legal, and finance teams, to ensure effective governance practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement in governance by identifying opportunities for efficiency enhancements, automation, and streamlining of activities.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of the governance framework and implement improvements, as necessary.
• Fosters an environment in which employees are actively encouraged to identify and implement departmental and company-wide continuous and quality improvement initiatives
• Research, analyse and report governance, legal and regulatory issues and precedents related to the OQ's
• Suggest, promote and implement robust governance practices from the industry while mitigating risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

External Relationships

• Represent the organization in external forums related to governance, and compliance.
• Build relationships with regulatory bodies, industry associations and to stay informed about best practices and regulatory developments.
• Maintain positive and effective relations with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies

Key interactions

Internal: OQ SAOC & Subsidiaries

External: Shareholders & Regulatory Bodies

Notable Working Conditions.
Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site.

Education requirements

• A minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree is required.
• A qualification of a bachelor's degree in legal is a plus

Language

Exceptional knowledge of written, read, and spoken English and Arabic

Background and experience

• A minimum of 6-8 years of experience in similar role, preferable in the energy/oil and gas sector and/or a holding company with subsidiary oversight.
• Record of accomplishment of overseeing the governance and compliance of a large, complex organisation with external statutory or regulatory requirements.
• Governance Expertise: In-depth knowledge and understanding of governance principle

Soft:

• People's management skills
• Leadership and Influence
• Planning and Analytical skills
• Strategic and Forward Thinking
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal, comfort with presenting to all levels of the organization
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – listening, oral, written, presentation and influencing skills with a track record of forging strong working relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, able to assimilate a wide range of information quickly to develop an understanding of complex projects Excellent business and technical report writing skills.
• Ethical Conduct

Technical

• Excellent knowledge of Computer Applications especially MS Office, email and internet.
• Excellent business and technical report writing skills.
• Governance & Delegation of Authorities
• Record of accomplishment of overseeing the governance and compliance of a large, complex organization with external statutory or regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated success in leading and driving solutions involving multiple layers of management, and multiple simultaneous deliverables.
• Thrives when facing ambiguity and complexity; willingness to explore multiple solutions to a problem.
• Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Knowledge of compliance frameworks and experience in implementing and monitoring compliance programs within an organization.
• Demonstrable understanding and knowledge of the governance principles, legal framework