Legal Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret and analyze complex legal documents, contracts, and regulatory requirements, providing inputs to support audit and compliance activities.
• Respond to legal inquiries related to Academy operations and coordinate internal responses in line with institutional standards and approved guidance.
• Draft and review legal correspondence, memoranda, internal decisions, supporting documentation, and formal communications issued by the Academy.
• Review contracts, agreements, MoUs, and related documents; identify risks and obligations; and provide legal input and recommendations for compliance and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate and manage the audit process within a legal framework, including scheduling, planning, documentation collection, and oversight of audit-related legal deliverables.
• Support audit engagements by addressing legal issues identified during audits and recommending appropriate corrective actions in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise with internal departments to gather legal and non-legal information as required for investigations, disputes, and compliance assessments.
• Collaborate with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and relevant authorities to support legal and compliance requirements, including follow-ups and official submissions where required.
• Conduct legal research and maintain awareness of legislative updates and regulatory changes relevant to SEA operations.
• Collect, analyze, and consolidate data and documentation related to relevant legislation, compliance controls, and institutional legal requirements.
• Prepare legal documentation related to cases, disputes, and appeals, including summaries, memoranda, supporting evidence, and case-related files.
• Maintain accurate legal records, archives, and document control systems, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with internal policies and applicable UAE requirements.
• Prepare periodic reports and progress updates on Legal Affairs Office activities and matters as required.
• Support the Director of Legal Affairs & Internal Audit by providing critical coordination and legal assistance for risk mitigation and strengthening institutional compliance culture.
• Facilitate effective communication between internal stakeholders to ensure timely resolution of legal and compliance concerns.
• Perform any other related duties or ad hoc assignments as directed by the line manager or the Academy.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field (JD / Master’s in Law is preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in legal affairs, compliance, governance, and related institutional roles.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills are essential for managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Arabic (Required).

Legal & Regulatory Knowledge (Preferred)

• Knowledge or exposure to UAE legal frameworks and regulatory standards, including Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Labor Relations).
• Familiarity with UAE commercial law, governance principles, institutional compliance requirements, and legal documentation standards.
• Understanding of data protection and privacy compliance (UAE and/or global), including standards such as GDPR (as relevant).
• Experience in analyzing contracts, legal documents, and compliance requirements, with the ability to identify risks and legal gaps.
• Ability to draft and review legal documents, reports, and institutional decisions with strong attention to detail.
• Strong documentation management skills including archiving, case file management, and confidentiality controls.
• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word and Excel) and confidence using audit/compliance documentation tools.
• Strong legal research and regulatory interpretation skills; proficiency with legal research tools (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw) is an advantage.
• High integrity with strict confidentiality in handling sensitive documents and information.
• Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and commitment to quality.

Sharjah Education Academy aims to spread a culture of continuous improvement in all educational institutions.

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