Associate - Corporate, Governance and Legal

Job Description

Company Description

Soutien Group is a boutique advisory and consulting firm specializing on market entries, business localization, expansion, relocation, business development and stakeholder management strategies across Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman.

Our clients are corporate, private and international with an interest in exploring new markets.

We create and develop, initiate, mediate and represent, coordinate, organize and supervise for and on behalf of our clients from around the world.

We support entrepreneurs, fast growing businesses, small and medium enterprises as well as multi-national corporations from preparation, formation and expansion to transition across a wide range of sectors.

Role Description

• time role for an Associate
• Corporate, Governance and Legal.

• Corporate, Governance and Legal will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients on corporate law matters, drafting and reviewing contracts, managing regulatory compliance, and representing clients.

The role also includes ensuring adherence to local laws and regulations, overseeing legal risks, and maintaining proper documentation to safeguard the interests of clients and the organization.

1. Corporate Secretarial & Governance

• Draft, review, and maintain corporate documentation, including shareholder/director resolutions, registers, minutes, memoranda and articles of association, and statutory filings
• Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable regulations across relevant jurisdictions (e.g. QFC, QFZ, AIFC, UAE free zones, and mainland regimes)
• Maintain and update statutory registers (shareholders, directors, officers, UBOs) and corporate records
• Support corporate governance frameworks, including documentation of decision-making processes and internal policies

1. Regulatory Filings & Corporate Actions

• Prepare, submit, and follow up on applications with regulators for incorporations, amendments, license renewals, liquidations, and other corporate actions
• Liaise with authorities such as Qatar Financial Centre Authority, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Astana International Financial Center and relevant UAE free zone authorities
• Monitor deadlines (e.g. annual returns, AFS filings, renewals) and ensure timely submissions

1. Legal Drafting & Documentation

• Draft and review a broad range of legal and commercial documents, including service agreements, shareholder agreements, powers of attorney, and engagement letters
• Support structuring and documentation of transactions (e.g. share transfers, restructuring, governance changes)
• Ensure consistency and quality of legal documentation across client engagements

1. Client & Transaction Support

• Act as a point of contact for clients on corporate secretarial and legal documentation matters
• Support onboarding processes, including KYC/AML documentation and coordination with internal compliance teams
• Assist in managing multi-jurisdictional projects and coordinating with external counsel, auditors, and advisors

1. Compliance & Risk Management

• Support internal compliance processes, including AML/CFT procedures applicable to DNFBPs
• Assist in identifying legal and regulatory risks and ensuring appropriate documentation and mitigation measures
• Maintain proper audit trails and documentation standards for all client engagements

1. Knowledge & Content Development

• Contribute to thought leadership, including drafting articles, client alerts, newsletters, and short presentations
• Support the development of internal templates, precedents, and best practices
• Monitor regulatory developments in key markets (Qatar, UAE, KSA, Oman, Kazakhstan) and provide internal updates

• Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) or a related field (LLM is an advantage)
• Additional qualifications in corporate governance or company secretarial practice (e.g. ICSA/CGI) are a plus

Relevant Experience

2–6 years of experience in:

• a corporate services provider, law firm, or professional services firm, or
• an in-house legal / corporate secretarial function with exposure to multi-jurisdictional structures
• Hands-on experience with company incorporation, corporate maintenance, and regulatory filings
• Familiarity with jurisdictions such as QFC, QFZ, AIFC, UAE free zones (e.g. DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, IFZA) is highly desirable

• Strong legal drafting skills across corporate and commercial documentation
• Solid understanding of corporate governance and compliance frameworks
• Working knowledge of AML/KYC requirements and regulatory environments in the GCC
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines across jurisdictions

• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with a professional, client-facing approach
• Ability to work independently while coordinating within a small, high-performing team
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance legal precision with practical solutions

• Fluent in English (mandatory)
• Kazakh and/or Chinese is an advantage

• Dubai
• Kazakhstan