Job description

Purpose • 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 • 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.
• 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.
• Actively monitor the organization’s adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely submissions, filings, and compliance reports to relevant authorities.
• 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.
• Oversee 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 & Leadership Responsibilities • 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.
• 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.
Education & Qualifications • 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 Requirements • 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 • Native-level fluency in Arabic and English, with advanced capabilities in legal drafting, formal correspondence, and document translation.
• Expertise in governance software, board management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring efficient governance operations.
• In-depth understanding of UAE corporate and governance laws, coupled with knowledge of global governance frameworks and practices.
Internal Interfaces • Board of Directors • Executive Committee • Legal and Compliance Department • Finance and Strategy/PMO Departments • Human Resources for governance-related training and policy compliance External Interfaces • UAE government entities such as Ministries, Federal Regulatory Authorities, and Judicial Bodies • Legal advisors and governance consultants • Regional and international governance organizations and sovereign wealth fund networks Management Accountability • Ensure compliance with UAE governance laws, statutory obligations, and corporate legal requirements.
• Strengthen the organization's governance framework by embedding best practices in Board operations, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the development of governance training programs and policy updates to align with evolving regulatory standards.
• Oversee governance-related document management, ensuring secure and efficient archival processes.
• Foster a transparent and accountable governance culture within EIA, ensuring ethical leadership.
• Manage legal risks related to corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of statutory and regulatory reports to relevant authorities.
• Enhance the organization’s governance maturity by adopting innovative and technology-driven governance solutions.