Senior Specialist, Corporate Governance

About the Role
The Senior Specialist, Corporate Governance is responsible for developing and implementing effective corporate governance practices that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This role focuses on supporting relevant departments with the development, implementation, and monitoring of their policies and procedures, operating frameworks, and documentation that aligns with the corporate governance framework. The Senior Specialist will participate in the design and implementation of governance frameworks and systems, facilitate effective information flow in accordance with governance guidelines, and conduct research on leading practices in the field.

Key Accountabilities
Key accountabilities include:

• Monitor changes in corporate, functional, and divisional policies and advise on necessary updates to documentation, policies, and procedures.
• Provide appropriate technical advice related to governance policy development, including reviewing and analyzing issues and trends and preparing evaluations or studies impacting the governance program.
• Conduct regular reviews, updates, and drafting of the corporate governance frameworks that direct, control, and hold accountable the company Group, focusing on policies, procedures, operating frameworks, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with the company Group’s authority hierarchy and the roles and limits of authority holders as a second line of defense on corporate governance matters.
• Identify requirements, set standards, and ensure awareness, knowledge, and transparency on best corporate governance practices.
• Collaborate and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and relevant departments to provide guidance and advice on governance-related matters.
• Escalate identified risks and report breaches for resolution in accordance with authority delegations.
• Manage day-to-day governance-related subjects, such as documents, policy amendments, and control document governance.
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements related to corporate governance.
• Design and issue training materials for relevant stakeholders on effective corporate governance programs.
• Prepare clear and professional cover memos, letters, resolutions, amendments, and other required documentation.
• Establish upskilling training and development for specialists and support management on performance reviews.
• Assist management in day-to-day reporting of activities, tasks, and division mandates.

Communications & Working Relationships
Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver on the strategic intent of the assigned role.
Internal

• Contacts with company Legal, Governance and Compliance leadership.
• Regular contacts with legal advisors across company Group.
• Regular contacts with counterparts within the business customers across company Group.
  External
• Contacts with governmental entities and representatives of local authorities, external auditors, and regulatory authorities.
• Contacts with external law firms and advisors.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills
Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institute
• Degree Preferences: Law, Banking, Finance, Business Administration
• Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Arabic language skills (written and spoken) are an advantage
  Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills
• At least 8 years of professional experience in transactional work at a reputable international law firm and/or in-house legal department, or in Compliance or Corporate Governance.
• Knowledge of applicable best practices, codes, legislations, and regulations within the region and relevant jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of governance in PJSC, LLC, SPVs, and other company types across jurisdictions.
• Understanding of drafting principles for governance frameworks including board materials, charters, delegation matrices, and policies.
• Involvement in researching, benchmarking, and aligning corporate governance policy with applicable regulations, laws, codes, and best practices.
• Understanding of record management for entities and documentation.
• Able to collaborate in designing training materials for Boards, committees, and secretaries on governance topics.
• Experience in assisting in board-related activities, including preparation of agendas, write-ups, presentations, and documenting minutes.
  Professional Certifications
• Specialist certification and/or additional training are an advantage.