Senior Legal Counsel, Gulf / Levant & Saudi Arabia

Job Description

411_3472995

Job Description

As the primary legal advisor for the Gulf-Levant and Saudi Arabia Affiliates within AbbVie’s Middle East, Africa, and Russia (MEAR) Region, you will play a critical leadership role in safeguarding and advancing the business’s legal interests. This highly visible position partners directly with affiliate management teams, providing strategic and pragmatic legal counsel across a diverse set of commercial, operational, and compliance matters. Success requires expert business and legal judgment, advanced multitasking, and the ability to thrive independently within a fast‑paced, multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a core member of Affiliates’ management and Intercontinental Legal teams, contributing legal insight to business strategy and operational execution.
• Advise on all legal aspects regarding AbbVie’s on‑market and pipeline products, with particular focus on anti‑kickback, antitrust, regulatory matters, advertising/promotional compliance, local manufacturing, new business models, distributor management, and commercial negotiations.
• Provide substantive legal guidance to Marketing, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Regulatory Affairs, ensuring risk mitigation and compliant growth.
• Develop, review, and negotiate complex agreements, including third‑party vendor, distributor, pharmacy, consulting, and service contracts, optimizing for business outcomes and legal protection.
• Provide clear advice to business clients and senior legal management on local laws focusing on areas of promotion, patient support, payer access, go‑to‑market strategies, and scientific exchange.
• Support in‑country establishment transformations and work to unlock new business opportunities.
• Proactively identify, assess, and address legal risks; anticipate issues and create actionable, forward‑thinking solutions for Affiliates’ management.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally, facilitating compliance with law, corporate policies, and AbbVie’s Code of Conduct.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels, translating legal requirements into practical business advice.
• Monitor and interpret changes in legislative and regulatory environments, keeping business partners informed and prepared.
• Drive legal strategy and support in cross functional meetings including MLOR meetings (Medical/Legal/OEC/Regulatory) and ACIF meetings (Affiliate Compliance Insight Forum).
• Design, deliver, and oversee legal training programs tailored for affiliate teams.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsels to ensure cost‑effective, high‑quality support.
• Resolve legal issues through skilled negotiation and project management; keep legal leadership informed of progress and developments.
• Promote AbbVie’s values and a strong culture of ethics, compliance, and diversity.

Additional Responsibilities

• Advise on digital health, technology, and real‑world evidence initiatives, navigating novel regulatory frameworks.
• Lead Affiliates’ crisis management and incident response from a legal standpoint.
• Act as primary legal contact for cross‑border matters affecting both Affiliates, ensuring harmonized guidance and execution.
• Identify emerging legal trends and develop innovative strategies to support business growth and compliance.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Law degree from a reputable university; international legal qualifications are advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, ideally in pharmaceuticals or a highly regulated sector.
• Extensive legal experience in the UAE or Saudi Arabia is required.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership, with a proven ability to advise and influence senior management in complex scenarios.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple matters independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; adept at working within multicultural and cross‑functional teams.
• Sound commercial judgment and creative problem‑solving capabilities.
• Commitment to equal opportunity and fostering diversity (Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled).

Additional Information

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

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2026-04-12 07:13:39