Senior Legal Counsel - Real Estate Development

About the role

The Senior Legal Counsel provides strategic and operational legal support for real estate development projects in Oman, acting on behalf of the developer. The role covers compliance with local laws, risk mitigation and management of contractual and regulatory matters covering land acquisition, development agreements, construction contracts, financing and permitting. It is an on-site position.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on all legal aspects of real estate projects, including land acquisition, zoning, planning and regulatory compliance, and monitor legislative and regulatory changes in Oman.
• Draft, review and negotiate development agreements, design and consultancy contracts, EPC contracts, lease agreements and joint ventures, and give legal input during tendering and procurement.
• Support the permitting process with local authorities and liaise with government agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks in project development, financing and operations, and manage disputes, claims and litigation with external counsel where needed.
• Advise on shareholder agreements and constitutional documents, and prepare legal reports for senior management and the board.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB); Master's degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of post-qualification experience, including at least 5 years in real estate development or construction law.
• Strong knowledge of Omani property, commercial and permitting laws.
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex contracts and managing external counsel.
• Excellent English; Arabic is an advantage.

Required skills

• Expertise in real estate and construction law.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and projects, with strategic thinking and attention to detail.