The Arab Monetary Fund aims to onboard a "Executive Director, Legal" to lead the Legal Department, reporting to the Director General, Chairman of the Board.
Job Purpose
The Executive Director of Legal is responsible for leading AMF’s legal and compliance functions by providing strategic legal counsel, managing institutional risk, and ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. This role oversees contracts, litigation, investigations, and regulatory compliance, while strengthening legal governance through the development of standardized frameworks, policy implementation, and alignment with international best practices. The role also ensures that AMF’s legal operations effectively support its strategic objectives and protect its institutional interests.
Key Accountability Areas and Activities
The key activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead and oversee the provision of strategic legal counsel and recommendations to support the Director General, Chairman of the Board, and senior management in decision-making, ensuring AMF’s interests are protected through sound legal measures.
- Direct the delivery of legal support and guidance on high-priority matters to safeguard AMF’s institutional interests and compliance with international and local regulations.
- Ensure corporate compliance with statutory and governmental regulations by providing legal insights and ensuring adherence to judicial requirements that protect AMF’s interests.
- Provide legal guidance on domestic and international agreements related to business operations to facilitate proper legal structuring and minimize liability risks.
- Advise on legal aspects of commercial claims involving customers, suppliers, vendors, and contractors, aiming to recover AMF’s rights, reduce liabilities, and reach amicable settlements in line with management decisions.
- Oversee the formulation and review of contractual negotiations and documentation, assisting managers in resolving contractual disputes to secure AMF’s best interests.
- Supervise the development, negotiation, and review of contracts to maximize AMF’s legal and financial interests while ensuring balanced risk assessment and minimal legal exposure.
- Lead the drafting and evaluation of agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), ensuring that joint business engagements align with legal standards while promoting commercial advantages.
- Oversee and manage AMF’s litigation and dispute resolution strategies, ensuring legal negotiations are handled effectively to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Safeguard AMF’s legal rights by directing the initiation or defense of litigation and other legal proceedings when necessary.
- Lead AMF’s defense against legal claims, ensuring compliance with state laws while minimizing reputational and financial risks.
- Promote the use of communication and negotiation techniques to resolve disputes amicably and favor out-of-court settlements whenever possible.
- Oversee the procurement and management of external legal service providers, ensuring their engagement aligns with AMF’s scope of services, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
- Ensure effective coordination with external legal advisors and key stakeholders during the retainer period, overseeing deliverables to maintain high-quality standards and maximize value for fees paid.
- Lead the development and implementation of AMF’s compliance strategy, policies, and control frameworks in alignment with regulatory requirements and institutional priorities.
- Monitor legal and regulatory developments, ensuring timely updates to internal policies and risk mitigation measures.
- Oversee internal investigations related to misconduct, fraud, or policy breaches, ensuring due process and appropriate disciplinary actions.
- Conduct regular compliance assessments and promote a culture of ethics, accountability, and regulatory awareness across the organization.
- Lead the design and execution of the legal and compliance department’s strategic objectives by providing expert legal insights that align with AMF’s vision.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of operational plans to support the realization of AMF’s future strategic direction.
- Collaborate with AMF leaders and staff to identify essential projects and initiatives that contribute to long-term institutional aspirations.
- Implement measures to sustain the efficiency and effectiveness of the department through proactive and structured management approaches.
- Identify, evaluate, and establish legal risk mitigation strategies in alignment with AMF’s risk management framework.
- Lead enhancements in departmental policies and oversee the implementation of regulatory procedures to ensure compliance with legislative and procedural requirements while optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by motivating subordinates to identify and implement best practices in legal operations, processes, and systems.
- Monitor daily activities to ensure adherence to established legal policies and procedures.
- Conduct periodic reviews of the department’s business process manual, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and necessary corrective actions.
- Provide legal expertise and support by actively participating in relevant committees and working groups.
- Promote a culture of legal awareness within AMF by emphasizing the implications of legal matters in organizational communication and decision-making.
- Oversee and manage interactions with external law firms representing AMF in legal disputes, ensuring effective legal service provision.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders (e.g., member countries) and external legal entities (e.g., legal consultants) to support AMF’s legal and strategic objectives.
- Strengthen and sustain high-level stakeholder relationships to enhance the scope and depth of AMF’s business cooperation with member countries.
- Stay informed on local market developments, business opportunities, and regulatory trends, leveraging this knowledge to refine AMF’s stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Lead, guide, and support team members in executing their responsibilities in compliance with AMF’s legal policies and operational frameworks.
- Establish and monitor performance objectives, providing necessary training, feedback, and appraisals to strengthen team expertise and capabilities.
- Foster a high-performance work environment that embraces AMF’s values and promotes a results-driven culture.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A minimum of 12 years of experience in the legal function, preferably in the financial sector
- Proven experience in leading legal functions and designing and implementing legal and compliance strategies
- Familiarity with international public law and financial regulatory frameworks in the MENA region is preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in law
- Master’s degree in law is preferred
- Legal bar qualification
- Excellent communication and writing skills in Arabic and English. French, as a third language, is a solid advantage
We offer an attractive package of benefits aligned with our employment policies, including a tax-free salary and supplementary allowances as housing, furniture and air ticket, schooling, and comprehensive medical insurance.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.