EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced professional certification in governance (e.g., ICSA, IOD, or equivalent) is highly desirable and indicative of expertise.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in governance, corporate secretarial roles, or compliance management, preferably within sovereign wealth funds, listed entities, or financial institutions in the UAE.
• Demonstrated success in drafting and managing complex legal documentation and liaising effectively with government entities and regulatory authorities.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE / SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

• BILINGUAL PROFICIENCY:Native-level fluency in Arabic and English, with advanced capabilities in legal drafting, formal correspondence, and document translation.
• TECHNOLOGICAL PROFICIENCY:Expertise in governance software, board management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring efficient governance operations.
• REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE:In-depth understanding of UAE corporate and governance laws, coupled with knowledge of global governance frameworks and practices.
• STRATEGIC COMPETENCE:Exceptional ability to analyze, design, and implement governance frameworks that are pragmatic, forward-thinking, and aligned with EIA’s objectives.
• INTERPERSONAL EXCELLENCE:Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, fostering effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

EDUCATION

• Mandatory: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Preferred: Professional certifications like CPA, ACCA, or CFA.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum: 8+ years in financial reporting with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Relevant Industry: Government entities, sovereign wealth funds, or investment institutions.

TECHNICAL SKILLS, EXPERTISE, AND KNOWLEDGE

• Proficiency in ERP systems, advanced Excel, and financial reporting tools.
• Expertise in IFRS, UAE financial regulations, and sovereign wealth fund reporting frameworks.
• Ability to prepare and analyze consolidated financial statements for diversified portfolios.
• Knowledge of ESG standards and sustainable finance practices.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Corporate Secretary – Governance Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the Emirates Investment Authority’s (EIA) compliance with governance standards and legal frameworks. By ensuring the organization’s practices align with UAE regulations, international benchmarks, and best practices in governance, this position supports the strategic and operational decision-making processes at the highest level. The role also involves fostering robust relationships with government authorities, overseeing statutory obligations, and ensuring the effective functioning of Board and committee operations. In addition to being a governance advisor, the Corporate Secretary is a key advocate for organizational integrity and transparency, aligning all practices with EIA’s overarching strategic goals.

STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Governance Advisory: Serve as the principal advisor to the Executive Board Committee and senior management on corporate governance matters, providing strategic insights and recommendations to align governance practices with UAE federal laws, international standards, and the EIA’s long-term goals.
• Policy Formulation: Lead the development, implementation, and periodic review of governance policies, ensuring they reflect the operational nuances of a sovereign wealth fund while complying with legal mandates.
• Regulatory Compliance: Actively monitor the organization’s adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely submissions, filings, and compliance reports to relevant authorities.
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure governance strategies support the EIA’s investment and operational goals, fostering an environment of accountability and ethical leadership.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Board and committee meetings, ensuring seamless logistics, comprehensive agenda preparation, and timely distribution of materials.
• Accurately document minutes of meetings, capturing all discussions, decisions, and resolutions in both English and Arabic, while maintaining an unwavering commitment to confidentiality and precision.
• versee the archiving of Board proceedings and corporate documents, ensuring their secure storage and compliance with document retention policies.
• Draft, review, and translate legal and governance documents, including contracts, memorandums, policies, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, legal compliance, and cultural relevance in both Arabic and English.
• Ensure all corporate documentation submitted to government authorities meets the required standards, fostering positive and efficient communication with regulatory bodies.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Training and Capacity Building: Design and deliver targeted training sessions for Board members and staff to strengthen their understanding of governance principles, statutory requirements, and ethical practices.
• Foster an organizational culture of governance excellence through regular workshops and awareness programs, ensuring a unified approach to compliance and accountability.
• Collaboration and Mentorship: Act as a mentor to junior staff, guiding them in governance-related tasks and ensuring knowledge transfer to build a robust pipeline of governance professionals.