Associate University Counsel, Office of General Counsel and Compliance

Reports to: Vice President and General Counsel

Purpose: The Associate University Counsel needs to ensure that The American University in Cairo (AUC) receives high quality, targeted legal advice on a full range of law issues. The Associate University Counsel has to provide legal advice that is placed within the wider strategic context and as such will be expected to develop and maintain a broad knowledge of AUCs business areas. He or She predominately specializes in in-house legal work that is inclusive of legal services processes, contracts, investigations, liaising with external counsels, and so forth. The incumbent will oversee all activities of other lawyers and deal with all complex legal transactions, identifying legal issues and offering AUC optimum solutions as well as ensuring that AUC responds appropriately to any legislative changes.

The Associate University Counsel is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy on complex legal matters. He or She generally leads and manages his or her own portfolio of matters but he or she will also work with other lawyers in the department under the direction and supervision of the Vice President and General Counsel on larger legal projects, particularly those which require input from multiple legal specialties.

Responsibilities:

Proactively identify legal issues at the earliest opportunity and develop and implement strategies to address them

Take a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring risks and issues are identified, addressed and reported and, where appropriate, escalated

Participate in the formulation of AUCs policies, being fully aware of, and actively comply with, AUCs policies and procedures

Assist in the revision and amendment of the AUCs policies and procedures

Supervise and oversee other lawyers work and assist the Vice President and General Counsel in determining the strategy of the legal office

Review, draft and negotiate major agreements and legal documents in both English and Arabic

Provide cross-functional team leaders with legal advice, possible legal solutions, and

recommendations for addressing legal and policy issues

Offer advice to departmental leaders across AUC on applicable laws and the interpretation of legal documents in a manner that avails a practical legal approach while properly managing the risks to the business

Instruct external counsel to advise or act on behalf of AUC on any given legal matter as well as follow up with regards to the same and managing the relationship

Represent AUC in official meetings with minsters, governmental bodies and agencies on various matters

Investigate violations to laws, policies and regulations and recommend disciplinary action in light of the applicable laws and the University regulations

Translate complex legal scenarios into simple language and action plans

Mentor less experienced professionals on various fields of law

Perform other duties as requested by direct supervisor

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor of Law

A masters degree in law from an internationally reputable university is a strong advantage

Experience:

A minimum of ten years of experience in the general legal field preferably in an in-house legal environment

Experience working with colleagues at all levels including at Board and Executive level

Skills:

An understanding of one or more of the key areas of law relevant to the practice, such as Labor Law, Tax Law, Civil Law, or Universities Regulations

Effective use of analytical and innovative thinking and application, specifically, but not exclusively, in relation to the interpretation of law

Able to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary project environment

Able to respond to competing priorities from a wide range of contacts

Ability to identify key issues within complex problems or cases, and ensure effective use of time and resource

Very good interpersonal and communication skills

Very good command of English and Arabic, written and spoken

Other Requirements:

Registration at the Egyptian Bar of Association

This position is open until October 1, 2024

Placement is based on the candidates experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the short list will be contacted.

The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.