Lead – Ethics & Compliance (UAEN) at EWEC

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Lead – Ethics & Compliance (UAEN) at EWEC

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Organising Institution / Firm

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)

Not Specified by Organiser

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Not Specified

Bachelor's degree in compliance, law, finance, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications (CCEP, CIPP, CRCM, CAMS) preferred. Minimum 7 years of combined experience in ethics and compliance within global, large, and/or mature organizations. Sound understanding of local and international regulatory landscape. Regional and good-practice jurisdiction experience preferred. Energy and utilities sector experience is an advantage. UAE National (UAEN) preferred as per job title.

Full-time Job

Full Opportunity Brief The Opportunity: Leading Ethics & Compliance at a Climate-Powered Utility

If you’ve ever wondered where legal expertise meets the future of energy governance, the Lead – Ethics & Compliance (UAEN) role at Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in Abu Dhabi is the answer. EWEC is not just another utility—it is the exclusive procurer and supplier of water and electricity for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and a central actor in the UAE’s energy transition. With a mandate to achieve 60% clean energy by 2035 , support the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 , and align with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative, EWEC sits at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and public trust. This makes the Ethics & Compliance Lead a pivotal role in ensuring the company’s rapid transformation remains anchored in integrity and regulatory excellence.

The job posting, fresh on LinkedIn and aimed at UAE Nationals (UAEN), calls for a seasoned professional who can lead the development and implementation of ethics and compliance frameworks. The ideal candidate will not only manage policies and investigations but also shape a culture of ethical behavior across the organization. That’s no small feat when you’re dealing with a sprawling portfolio that includes power generation, water desalination, and long‑term energy contracts—all under the watchful eye of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy and ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies.

“We are not looking for someone who just checks boxes. We need a leader who can embed ethics into every operational decision, from procurement to project development.” — Implied recruitment philosophy from EWEC’s job brief.

For legal professionals, compliance experts, and governance specialists in India and across the Gulf, this is a career‑defining opportunity. Let’s unpack what makes this role special, what the job truly demands, and how you can position yourself to win it.

Why This Compliance Role Matters Beyond the Job Description

In the energy and utilities sector, compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about safeguarding public confidence and ensuring uninterrupted service. EWEC is the backbone of Abu Dhabi’s water and electricity supply, and any failure in ethical conduct could have cascading effects on millions of residents and businesses. The role’s emphasis on the Code of Conduct, anti‑corruption, conflicts of interest, and gifts/hospitality tracking speaks to a broader trend: utilities are increasingly being held to the same rigorous standards as financial institutions.

Moreover, EWEC’s status as a subsidiary of ADQ (a sovereign‑backed conglomerate) means compliance is tied to national policy objectives. The ADQ Minimum Compliance Standards mentioned in the job description are not internal formalities—they reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to global best practices in corporate governance. By joining EWEC, you become part of a larger mission: aligning one of the world’s most strategic infrastructure providers with the UAE’s bid to be a global hub for clean energy and responsible business.

What Does a Lead – Ethics & Compliance Actually Do at EWEC?

Let’s break down the core responsibilities into actionable insights. This is not a remote or advisory‑only role; you will be hands‑on in shaping policies, investigating incidents, and driving a robust compliance culture. Here are the key pillars as listed in the official job description:

• Ethics Framework and Programme: You’ll develop and maintain policies on the Code of Conduct, corruption, bribery, conflicts of interest, and gifts. You’ll also manage the disclosure process for employees and board members, ensuring every declaration is reviewed for potential risk.
• Incident Management: This involves leading investigations into compliance breaches, planning investigations, analyzing evidence, and writing clear technical reports. You’ll also manage the Speak‑Up whistleblowing channel and coordinate corrective actions.
• Regulatory Compliance: You’ll maintain compliance registers, conduct risk assessments, and monitor how well internal policies align with evolving regulations—from Abu Dhabi’s energy laws to international benchmarks like the UK Bribery Act or the UAE’s federal anti‑corruption statutes.
• Training and Culture: A subtle but crucial responsibility is fostering a culture of integrity through awareness programmes. This means you’ll be a teacher as much as a watchdog, ensuring every employee knows what ethical expectations look like in practice.

This role sits within the Legal function, but it’s deeply cross‑functional. You’ll collaborate with procurement, HR, operations, and senior executive committees. It’s a role that demands both technical compliance expertise and the soft skills to influence leadership.

Who Should Apply? A Detailed Look at Eligibility and Requirements

The job posting is relatively transparent about what EWEC

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