DP World - Maritime Solutions , Legal Counsel , Dubai

ABOUT THE ROLE : 

Based at our Corporate Office in Dubai and reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel , The job holder is responsible to provide comprehensive legal support and assistance across all aspects of DP World Maritime Solutions' business activities, with a primary focus on transactional shipping matters, including charter parties, offshore and towage contracts, vessel acquisitions and disposals, financing, newbuilds, vessel registration, regulatory compliance, insurance, corporate governance, joint ventures, and commercial contract management. The role will focus on contract drafting and Charter Party (CP) work for Offshore Services, Ports Services and MCV/Cargo divisions.

KEY  ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provide legal support with the Offshore, MCV/Cargo, and Port Services businesses on chartering activities, including cross-charters, bareboat charters, time and voyage charters, heavy lift/project cargo contracts, tendering, Charter Party (CP) reviews, and chartering support for spot tug operations and business expansion initiatives.

• Advise the Group in all legal issues regarding the ownership and operation of DP World Maritime Solutions vessels and vessel owning companies in the company Group to mitigate risk and align matters with DP World Maritime Solutions Group policy and capacity, in particular:

  • Prepare, review and negotiate charter party contracts, vessel acquisition and disposal contracts, including related tax and insurance matters;

  • Contribute legal material to tenders and bid proposals contracts, including drafting and reviewing NDA, LOI, MOU;

  • Drafting and reviewing shipbuilding contracts

  • Reviewing financial & loan agreements, including assisting on loan documentation and ensure compliance with loan covenants;

  • Assist in preparation and review of joint venture, collaboration and alliance agreements;

  • Assist on general contracts, including IT, procurement and labour related contracts;

  • Assist on maritime insurance claims with nominated insurance brokers and insurance underwriters when necessary.

• Support in administering the legal framework and compliance requirements of the organization to ensure continuity of business and appropriate company corporate structure.

• Identify tax implications for business activities and implement structures to handle required tax implications, including preparation and review of agreements between entities within the DP World Maritime Solutions Group incorporating applicable transfer pricing principles.

• Evaluate and determine whether external legal advice is required, prepare briefing material for external providers of legal servicesand advise relevant internal department on such matters.

• Drafting and revision of Company standard agreements and other legal documents as required.

• Drafting and revision of internal control routines and procedures.

• Coordinate and monitor litigation/other proceedings to which the Company is party or potentially party.

• Assist and support the Head of Legal on ad hoc work as necessary.

.QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in Law

• Master’s degree in marine law or Contract law preferable

Minimum Experience:

• 5–7 years' experience in shipping law year

• Strong transactional shipping/contracts experience.

• Offshore Charter Party or towage concession drafting experience.

• Heavy lift/project cargo experience (preferred).

• English/common-law qualification.

• Based in the Gulf region or willing to relocate to Dubai.

• Dependable and able to deliver contributions with little direction

Key Attributes:

• Strong understanding of the tender process and experience in managing complex proposals.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks concurrently.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards.

• Excellent written, drafting and oral communication skills with fluency in English.

• Detail oriented, hands‐on, driven and able to cope with demanding deadlines.

• Focus on quality and efficiency, with positive commitment to EHSQ.

• Some disputes and compliance experience (sanctions, GDPR, anti-bribery) will be considered a plus.

• Transaction and project management skills.