Legal Counsel; French Speaking

We are exclusively partnering with a well‑established international group in Muscat, Oman, to recruit a French‑speaking Legal Counsel to provide dedicated legal support to its fast‑growing automotive leasing and financing operations across Francophone Africa.

This is a full‑time, on‑site position based in Muscat, with regular coordination with operational teams and counter parties in West and Central Africa. The role offers genuine ownership and high visibility within a dynamic, commercially driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary in‑house legal point of contact for the African automotive leasing business.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of French and English‑language contracts including installment‑sale agreements, leasing contracts, pledge and security documents, distribution agreements and ancillary contracts.
• Support vehicle repossession processes (amicable and judicial), including liaison with notaries, bailiffs and local courts in French‑speaking African jurisdictions.
• Conduct and supervise legal due diligence on African counter parties (verification of corporate status, signatory powers, litigation checks, licences, etc.).
• Coordinate with local external counsel and corporate service providers across multiple African jurisdictions.
• Provide practical, commercial legal opinions and internal memos on OHADA law, local civil and commercial legislation, security registration and enforcement procedures.
• Draft powers of attorney, board resolutions, policies and routine corporate documentation.
• Support employment, compliance and regulatory matters linked to the African operations.
• Work closely with the group’s Head of Legal and business teams in Muscat and Abidjan.

Requirements:

• Law degree (LLB, Master 1 or 2 in Law) from a recognised university; qualification in French law, OHADA law or common‑law jurisdiction.
• 4‑8 years of relevant legal experience gained in‑house (leasing/financial services preferred) or with a reputable law firm active in Francophone Africa.
• Native or fully fluent French (mandatory) with strong legal drafting skills in French.
• Professional working proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
• Solid understanding of secured lending, leasing contracts, vehicle repossession procedures and corporate law in at least two Francophone African countries.
• Hands‑on experience with OHADA Uniform Acts (particularly securities, companies and debt recovery) is highly desirable.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills.
• Proactive, well‑organised and able to manage a varied workload autonomously.
• Previous exposure to the automotive or equipment leasing sector is strong advantage.