Legal Counsel

Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), a leading integrated energy conglomerate and a joint venture between Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, operates Pakistan’s most advanced refinery along with an extensive pipeline network exceeding 2,000 kilometers, strategic storage facilities, and marketing operations. With partnerships involving renowned international companies, PARCO pursues an aggressive growth strategy through expansions, acquisitions, and market penetration. The company is currently seeking an experienced and commercially savvy legal professional to enhance its Legal function by providing expert legal advisory support, managing contractual matters, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting the company’s legal and commercial interests.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the drafting, review, vetting, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy, enforceability, and protection of the company’s interests.
- Assess contractual terms and conditions to identify legal and commercial risks, recommending appropriate safeguards in line with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Oversee preparation of various legal documents including powers of attorney, commercial agreements, addendums, supplementary agreements, and undertakings.
- Provide legal advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual obligations, regulatory compliance, legal risks, and business matters.
- Coordinate with internal departments, external legal counsel, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders to resolve legal issues effectively.
- Support strategic business initiatives, special projects, and commercial transactions by delivering timely legal input, conducting due diligence, and mitigating legal risks.
- Protect the company’s intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights, and other proprietary interests.
- Monitor and interpret changes in laws, regulations, and judicial precedents, advising relevant stakeholders on their impact on business operations.
- Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements while promoting effective legal governance practices.
- Lead, supervise, and develop the Legal team to enhance professional growth, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in legal services.
- Manage litigation matters comprehensively, maintaining active communication with external legal advisors and panel law firms to expedite proceedings and obtain critical legal advice.
- Participate in and coordinate special projects and strategic assignments that add value to the company.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to minimize exposure and safeguard the company’s best interests.

Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or an equivalent legal qualification from an HEC-recognized institution.
- Up to 12 years of relevant post-qualification experience in corporate legal affairs, contract drafting and negotiation, commercial law, regulatory compliance, and legal advisory services. Experience within large corporate organizations or the energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, or industrial sectors is preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of corporate and commercial laws, contract management, and regulatory frameworks.
- Proven expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
- Sound legal judgment with the ability to identify risks and provide practical, business-oriented solutions.
- Excellent analytical, research, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, handle confidential matters, and provide effective legal support to senior management.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience in supervising and developing teams.

The position is based at PARCO’s Head Office in Karachi. PARCO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The company is committed to fostering a supportive work environment designed to attract and nurture top talent.