Senior Legal Counsel

Purpose

As a key member of the Legal team, you will work closely with stakeholders across all business functions, including Product, Tech, Procurement, Partnerships, HR, and Compliance. Your primary focus will be drafting and negotiating commercial contracts such as supplier agreements, strategic partnerships, and intra-group agreements and managing relationships with external legal counsel in Qatar and other relevant jurisdictions. You will also provide direct support to the Chief Legal & Governance Officer on day-to-day legal matters as they arise.

Context

This role sits within a dynamic, fast-growing fintech scale-up delivering secure, intuitive financial solutions across the MENA region. Backed by the strength of a major telecom group and driven by a passionate team, the company is reimagining financial services through innovative platforms that currently serve users in Qatar, Oman, and the Maldives. Working here offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of accessible, empowering digital finance.

Role Accountabilities

• Support the Chief Legal & Governance Officer in delivering high-impact, efficient legal services in a fast-paced fintech environment.

• Take ownership of certain relationships with external legal counsel, and potentially oversee legal operations and paralegal support.

• Help evolve the legal function to meet the growing and changing needs of the business over short-, medium-, and long-term horizons.

• Provide cross-border legal guidance in a multi-jurisdictional environment, ensuring a collaborative and non-siloed approach.

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts that align with legal, regulatory, governmental, and commercial standards while minimizing risk exposure.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to support the development of new products and services, offering legal insight into relevant processes, technologies, and compliance considerations.

• Advise on legal and regulatory issues including licensing, intellectual property, data privacy/protection, partnerships, operations, and market expansion.

• Manage procurement and engagement of external counsel when necessary.

• Address and resolve contract-related issues that may arise in the course of business.

• Provide advice on contract and tender processes to ensure alignment with internal standards and policies.

• Maintain a central repository of contracts, ensuring proper tracking, renewals, and review mechanisms.

• Stay informed on legal and regulatory developments, including changes to employment law and other relevant legislation.

Key Performance Indicators

• Ensure compliance with legal requirements and applicable laws.

• Deliver timely, accurate legal advice across business functions.

• Proactively identify and mitigate legal risks to the business.

• Efficiently manage contract lifecycle, including negotiation, drafting, and risk minimization.

• Promote legal awareness across teams through training and proactive engagement.

Experience

• 7+ years post-qualification experience preferred (flexible depending on relevant expertise).

• A mix of private practice and in-house legal experience is advantageous.

• Experience in banking, payments, or fintech law is a strong plus.

Minimum Entry Qualifications

• Undergraduate or postgraduate law degree from an accredited institution.

• Bar membership/admission in Qatar or another eligible jurisdiction.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Strong independent judgment and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

• High standards of ethical and professional conduct.

• Fluency in Arabic is a plus, but not mandatory.