General Counsel

Role Description The General Counsel will provide strategic and operational legal support to the Incubator and its portfolio startups, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and institutional policies. This part-time, hybrid role is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with flexibility for some work-from-home arrangements. Day-to-day responsibilities include reviewing and drafting contracts, advising on regulatory and corporate governance matters, and assessing legal risks related to incubation, acceleration, and startup activities. The General Counsel will guide the Centre and its startups on labor and employment issues, data privacy requirements, and intellectual property considerations, and will help establish standard legal frameworks and policies. The role also involves collaborating with leadership, mentors, and startup founders to resolve legal issues efficiently and to build a legally robust startup ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in Legal Issues and ability to provide practical Legal Advice across diverse startup and institutional contexts.
• Expertise in Labor and Employment Law, including drafting and reviewing employment contracts, policies, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience with Data Privacy and related regulatory compliance affecting digital, technology, and education-focused ventures.
• Knowledge of Corporate Governance, including board structures, policies, and governance models relevant to startups and educational institutions.
• Law degree (LLB or equivalent) from an accredited institution; admission to practice law in a relevant jurisdiction is preferred.
• Experience working with startups, incubators, accelerators, or innovation-focused organizations is highly beneficial.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders and to provide pragmatic, solution-oriented guidance.
• High professional integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple matters part-time in a hybrid work environment.