Job Description/Specification:
Qatar Airways is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel – Commercial & Construction Contracts to provide legal advice and contract support across Qatar Airways Group and its subsidiaries. The role will focus on reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and managing a broad range of commercial, corporate, and construction-related contracts.
The successful candidate will work closely with internal departments, including the Group Legal Department, procurement, business teams, and external counsel to protect the company's interests, ensure contractual compliance, and minimize legal and commercial risks.
About This Role
The Legal Counsel will provide impartial and practical legal advice on commercial and construction law matters, ensuring contracts comply with applicable laws, regulations, corporate policies, and industry standards. The role will support stakeholders throughout the RFP, negotiation, contract award, implementation, and dispute resolution stages.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Drafting & Negotiation
- Review, draft, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial and construction contracts.
- Review contractual templates across multiple jurisdictions, including Qatar and England & Wales.
- Draft and negotiate agreements with suppliers, service providers, contractors, and other third parties.
- Manage contracts relating to facilities management, IT, manpower supply, equipment, professional services, and construction.
- Review third-party terms and conditions and recommend appropriate amendments to protect company interests.
Legal & Commercial Advisory
- Provide legal advice on commercial, corporate, contracting, and construction law matters.
- Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, policies, and industry standards.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and legal risks, escalating complex matters where required.
- Advise internal stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations, liabilities, and potential disputes.
- Support the resolution of contractual disputes and identify opportunities to improve contracting processes.
RFP & Stakeholder Support
- Provide legal support throughout the RFP and procurement process, including selection of appropriate contractual terms and conditions.
- Review and negotiate deviations from standard Qatar Airways contract terms.
- Prepare and finalize contract documentation following contract awards.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure effective contract execution.
External Counsel & Contract Management
- Effectively manage external legal counsel and monitor the quality and effectiveness of legal services.
- Assist internal stakeholders in interpreting contractual provisions during dispute resolution.
- Maintain high standards of contract governance, documentation, and legal compliance.
- Perform other duties related to the position as directed by the Head of Department.
Minimum Requirements
Education & Professional Qualification:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.
- Must be qualified as a lawyer in a recognized jurisdiction.
- Qualification in a Common Law jurisdiction is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum 6 years of relevant job-related experience.
- Previous experience working within a law firm or dedicated legal environment.
- Proven experience in a similar Legal Counsel / Contracts / Commercial Law position.
- Strong experience in commercial contract drafting, negotiation, and contract management.
- Excellent knowledge of general commercial contracts and construction contracts.
- Experience working in medium or large matrixed and cross-functional organizations.
- Experience working in multicultural environments is advantageous.
Technical & Professional Skills
- Commercial Contract Law
- Construction Law & Contracts
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation
- Contract Management
- Legal Risk Assessment
- Supplier & Service Agreements
- RFP & Procurement Legal Support
- Dispute Resolution
- Contract Compliance
- Legal Advisory
- External Counsel Management
- Microsoft Office, particularly MS Word
- Strong legal research, drafting, presentation, and analytical skills
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a commercially minded legal professional with excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills and the ability to manage complex legal and commercial matters. Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, stakeholder management, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential.
Candidates should be self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working across multiple departments and jurisdictions. Experience within a large international or multicultural organization will be highly advantageous.
Language Requirements
- Fluent English is mandatory.
- Arabic language proficiency is an advantage.