IDB2549 - Lead Legal Counsel - Awqaf Financing Fund

Responsible for providing expert level advice and solutions to the Management about legal issues related to the IFSD’s activities, including administration, operations and financial activities, in general, and for financing Awqaf projects in Saudi Arabia through different forms, including Islamic debt financing instruments, Sukuk, Crowdfunding Platforms etc. 

Legal Services Provision:
• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations and provide expert legal advice and technical guidance to the Unit’s management in relation to financial transactions, operations’ policies, mobilization and management of the Awqaf related financial resources.
• Provide advice to the various internal stakeholders in the Unit with respect to the administrative matters and legal issues arising from the interpretation and application of various Awqaf related regulations.
• Provide technical advice to the Unit in enforcing the financing and investment agreements and arrangements, including the review of legal opinions and other legal documents submitted in fulfillment of financing and investment conditions.

• Serve as a key adviser to the Unit management on issues of governance, risk management, policy implementation, internal and external communications relating to complex legal matters.

• Negotiate, review and approve all legal documents and agreements related to the Unit’s activities e.g. agreements on the establishment of special funds and trust funds, investments in the real estate and sale thereof.
• Provide legal expertise, research and knowledge services to advance the Unit’s Islamic Finance agenda and developmental mandate.
• Participate in the definition and development of the legal policies, procedures and provide counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters related to the Unit.
• Ensure that the Unit complies with applicable laws and regulations and keep abreast of legislative changes that may affect the Unit’s operations in KSA.

Operational Excellence:
• Keep abreast with the latest developments, regulations and the best practices in the field and adopt in the Unit.
• Propose and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, effectiveness and compliance of the related operations.
• Provide necessary inputs for the preparation of the budget of the Unit and for the monitoring of actual expenditure against the approved budget.

Minimum number of years and nature of experience:

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Islamic Banking and Finance, Project Finance, Trade Finance, International Finance, Corporate Law, Development and Public International Law, of which 3 years in the managerial/supervisory role.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge: 

• Legal advisory
• Legal drafting and contracting
• Legal service delivery
• Regional Law and Shariah Compliance Norms
• Negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Crisis management
• People management
• Analytical thinking
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• MS Office skills

Required Languages:

• English (mandatory).
• Arabic (mandatory).
• French (preferred).