Head Legal - Gulf Cluster

Summary

The position involves overseeing the legal function for the Gulf sub-cluster, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, with sales revenue exceeding 500 million USD and more than 180 employees. The Gulf legal team provides legal support for business operations throughout the region. The role will be located in Dubai, UAE.



About The Role

As Head of Legal and a member of the Gulf Leadership Team, you will:

• Provide pragmatic legal counsel on business matters including value and access, marketing, sales, new product launches, Business Development & Licensing (BD&L), and patient-centric programs.
• Draft and review a comprehensive range of contracts, from BD&L agreements to sourcing.
• Advise on corporate governance matters throughout the Gulf region.
• Ensure the Gulf leadership team remains well-informed and current with relevant legislation, regulations, and significant legal developments that may impact Novartis operations.
• Lead all legal activities across the Gulf, including, but not limited to, process harmonization, template standardization, and the implementation of digital and AI initiatives.
• Oversee outside counsel relationships and manage related legal expenditures.
• Manage regional investigations and disputes, providing support to SUO and ERC on material matters.
• Collaborate with ERC teams to ensure a unified strategy and provide comprehensive support to associates on ethical matters.
• Support the Head Legal GCC/METAA in executing the regional legal strategy while coordinating and aligning efforts across the team.
• Foster strong relationships with a diverse network of stakeholders within the global Legal function, or outside
• Support and lead ongoing activities and initiatives driven by Global IP, Anti-Trust, CLS, and other relevant departments.
  
  

Education

Strong legal education background. Bachelor or Master degree in law and overseas legal education is preferred

Languages

Proficient English speaking, reading & legal writing skills

Experience

MNC in-house counsel experience preferred;

University degree and Bar admission

Extensive experience in legal practice (> 8 years)

Preferably significant (> 5 years) experience in-house

related to the pharmaceutical industry

Proven ability to proactively provide insightful and timely legal

support to stakeholders across a functionally dispersed organization

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Persuasive negotiator

Strong leadership skills

Experience with corporate responsibility and with balancing global

standards and local cultures

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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