Senior Legal Counsel

We are currently recruiting a Senior Legal Counsel – Nuclear Energy to be based in Abu Dhabi. This person will provide legal support to the company in all matters related to nuclear energy law. The role involves advising on regulatory compliance, safety standards, international treaties, licensing, liability, environmental protection, export controls, and other legal aspects of nuclear operations. You will be in the range of 8-12 yrs PQE, holding a law degree (Juris Doctorate or equivalent) from a major law school and admitted as an attorney in the UK, Australia, New Zealand or similar jurisdiction.

Duties include:

• Advise on legal requirements for the safe operation of nuclear facilities, including compliance with national and international safety regulations.
• Advise on licensing processes for nuclear installations and operators.
• Liaise with nuclear regulatory authorities to address compliance issues and obtain necessary approvals.
• Advise on compliance with laws related to the protection of nuclear materials and facilities from sabotage, theft, and unauthorized access.
• Advise adherence to international treaties and agreements such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and IAEA Safeguards Agreements and FANR Regulations.
• Draft and review agreements covering civil nuclear liability, including compliance with conventions such as the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.
• Advise on insurance requirements to ensure financial protection against nuclear incidents.
• Advise on compliance with export control regulations related to nuclear materials, technology, and dual-use goods.
• Ensure proper licensing and documentation for import/export transactions involving nuclear materials.
• Provide legal counsel on radiological protection laws to safeguard the environment and public health.
• Oversee legal compliance in radioactive waste management and spent fuel disposal.
• Support decommissioning projects, ensuring environmental restoration and regulatory compliance.
• Assist in the development of legal frameworks for nuclear accident preparedness and emergency response.
• Advise on laws governing the commercial aspects of nuclear energy production and distribution.
• Advise on compliance with workplace radiation protection laws and standards.
• Advise on penalties, sanctions, or legal remedies for non-compliance.
• Train, develop and manage team members to support provision of legal advisory services.
• Manage external counsels to support resolution of specific legal matters.

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Energy Law, Nuclear Law, or International Law.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in legal roles, with a focus on nuclear energy law, energy policy, or regulatory compliance.
• Strong familiarity with international nuclear law frameworks, including IAEA regulations and nuclear related treaties.

Ideally have:

• 12+ years of legal experience in a leading Local or international law firm and/or working in a regulatory body or nuclear energy company.

The package will be highly competitive (they are a highly coveted employer in the region); benefits include relocation, annual bonus, education allowance for up to four children under 18 years, car loan instalment for five years, interest-free, end-of-service gratuity payment, equivalent to one month of basic salary for each full year of service.