Location: Erbil
Job Type:
Permanent
Closing Date:
2025-09-30
About vacancy
mselect is hiring an experienced Legal Counsel for a national oil and gas operator in Erbil, Iraq. Candidates must have 10+ years’ legal experience, ideally in the oil and gas sector or within a corporate legal department or law firm. Fluency in English, Kurdish, and Arabic is a must.
Job Purpose
The Legal Counsel will support multiple oil and gas projects in Iraq and will play a vital role in providing legal support and guidance across various aspects of our oil and gas operations. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, managing legal risks, developing contract development, and supporting business objectives. This position requires a solid understanding of oil and gas law, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.
Job Purpose
The Legal Counsel will support multiple oil and gas projects in Iraq and will play a vital role in providing legal support and guidance across various aspects of our oil and gas operations. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, managing legal risks, developing contract development, and supporting business objectives. This position requires a solid understanding of oil and gas law, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice and support on a wide range of matters related to oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation
- Manage the legal department for multiple corporate entities
- Draft, review, and negotiate agreements and contracts specific to the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production agreements, drilling contracts, and other agreements with suppliers/vendors
- Support the procurement process on all contracting and legal matters
- Advise on regulatory compliance issues, including land use permits and interacting with government stakeholders as needed
- Assist in the management of litigation and disputes involving the company, including working with external counsel, and representing the company in negotiations and court proceedings
- Support business activities by conducting due diligence, assessing legal risks, and drafting transaction documents
- Collaborate with internal departments, such as operations, procurement, finance, and HR, to address legal issues and ensure alignment with business objectives
- Participate in the development and implementation of company policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practices
- Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders and staff on legal matters relevant to the oil and gas industry, promoting awareness and compliance throughout the organization
Requirements
- Degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in the relevant jurisdiction
- 10+ years of experience practicing law, preferably in a corporate legal department or law firm; Focus on the oil and gas industry is an advantage
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating legal risks
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, building strong relationships with internal and external partners
- Experience with litigation and dispute resolution, including managing outside counsel and representing clients in court proceedings, is preferred
- Familiarity with national and international oil and gas laws and regulations is a plus
- Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information
- Experience developing and staffing a corporate legal department
- Middle East experience is an asset
- Language Requirements: English/Kurdish essential, Arabic a strong advantage
*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.
