Senior Legal Counsel

The Senior Legal Counsel reports directly to the Head, Legal and is responsible for supporting contract-related matters, providing legal advisory services, managing legal risks and issues, and delivering cross-functional support to various departments, while also contributing to operational efficiency and supporting legal awareness and training initiatives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Contracting

In close collaboration with the Head, Legal support with the preparation, negotiation and conclusion of high value / complex contracts such as:

1. Drilling rig contracts.
2. Projects agreements such as EPCI and leasing of water injection facilities contracts.

In close collaboration with and minimal supervision from the Head, Legal to support the procurement / supply chain management team(s) on all contracting strategies and process for exploration, development, projects and operational work programs including:

1. Approving the form of contract to be used in invitation to tender / instruction to bidder documents.
2. Interpreting and advising on Regulator requirements and processes when requested.
3. Participating in technical evaluations of bid submissions including advising and commenting on bidder exceptions to contract terms and conditions.
4. Leading vendor negotiations on contract terms and conditions.
5. Approving final contracts prior to execution.
6. Reviewing technical evaluation reports, letters of award, letters of extension, etc.
7. Ensure contractual documentation conforms to contracting policies and that the Company is adequately protected with respect to liabilities, indemnities, and insurance by vetting such documentation prior to issuance.
8. Draft and/or amend agreements as needed by the various business units.
9. Manage the filing system to ensure all legal documents, contract templates and legal records are stored appropriately.

Advisory

In close collaboration with and minimal supervision from the Head, Legal:

1. Review, identify and manage legal risks on contractual, commercial and operational business matters and provide holistic legal advice.
2. Research on applicable laws, when requested.
3. Draft executive summaries for management and the tender committee.
4. Review, advise, identify the relevant legal requirements and conclude all relevant Confidentiality Agreements for company growth related activities.
5. Provide assistance and support, when required, in preparing, negotiating and concluding a joint bidding agreement/joint operating agreement/production sharing contract of petroleum concession agreement.
6. Advising business units on contract administration matters to ensure effective execution of contracts and minimize disputes.

General Legal Support

Assist the Head, Legal by providing support on the following matters:

1. Advising Human Capital Department on employment contracts and disputes, reviewing and approving separation agreements, obtaining local law advice on employment arrangements and disputes.
2. Advising on legal aspects of communications and CSR issues arising as needed. Provide ground support and advice for any compliance issues that arise and liaise closely with Corporate on such compliance matters.
3. Working with Contracts & Procurement on supporting all procurement matters including contractor management process, drafting letters to contractors on poor performance and assist with the application of Company’s Limits of Authority.
4. Providing support to PETRONAS, Joint Venture and Internal audits.
5. Providing general legal support as necessary on any other legal aspect of the business across all business units

Dispute Resolution

Assist the Head, Legal with the following:

1. Liaising with external solicitors and facilitate meetings, discussions and exchange of documents.
2. Reviewing pleadings and other court/tribunal documents.
3. Managing status updates of disputes.
4. Providing periodic reports on status of disputes to Management.

Education

1. Assist in carrying out any awareness or education initiatives of the Legal department.
2. Review and update/improve contract templates.
3. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of legal administration systems, processes and practices.
4. Adhere to safe work practices, ensuring the safety of all individuals in the workplace.
5. Ensure HSSE Management System, policies, and legal requirements under area of responsibilities are communicated, implemented, and complied with areas of responsibility.
6. Take responsibility for personal health and safety, and the safety of others affected by the company’s activities.
7. Promote safe behaviour, report hazards and incidents, and support HSSE programs.
8. Attend HSSE training and participate in safety meetings and workplace inspections as required.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Law or equivalent from accredited universities or academic institutions in a related field.
2. Possess ten (10) to fifteen (15) years’ post-qualification experience. Experience in the oil and gas industry is not essential but will be an added advantage.
3. High proficiency in spoken and written English and Bahasa Malaysia, with strong drafting skills and the ability to interpret contractual clauses accurately and holistically; demonstrates sound, logical, and rational thinking with strong attention to detail, and is responsive, proactive, and effective in problem-solving.
4. Able to work independently and deliver accurate, high-quality outcomes; demonstrates accountability and ownership of work, is receptive to constructive feedback, and upholds high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethics, supported by strong communication and interpersonal skills and an inquiring mindset.