Senior Legal Counsel
Location: Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam
Department: Legal
At Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam (PA), we foster a culture of excellence, innovation and integrity. Our core values of Unity, Accountability and Excellence guide us in everything we do from ensuring safety and environmental stewardship to promoting collaboration and mutual respect. We believe in creating dynamic and supportive work environment where every team member's contribution is valued.
We encourage open communication and teamwork, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. Professional development is a priority, and we are committed to nurturing talent and promoting professional growth at the PA.
We offer a competitive salary package, health insurance, generous, vacation times, education and housing support and opportunities for professional growth and development. PA is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can flourish.
Company Overview
Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable development of the nation's oil and gas resources. Our mission is to provide a regulatory framework that promotes safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, innovation and a supportive work culture.
Job Summary
We seek a dedicated and experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam team. He/she is responsible to provide sound and strategic legal advice (on upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas sectors) to protect Brunei Darussalam's national interests as well as the interests of the Petroleum Authority, and make the necessary recommendations to the Authority in the discharge of its roles as regulator of the oil and gas industry, technical advisor to the Government of Brunei Darussalam and to maximize value out of the full value chain of the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam as well as the Government of Brunei Darussalam in all matters relating to the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam. He/she is also responsible to provide sound and strategic legal advice in the discharge of the Petroleum Authority's role as the facilitator for the development and growth of the oil and gas sector in Brunei Darussalam.
Key Responsibilities
To formulate and draft comprehensive strategic legal opinions and recommendations on any matters relating to the regulation and development of the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam as well as relating to the Petroleum Authority's roles as technical advisor to the Government of Brunei and maximizing value from the full value chain of the oil and gas industry.
To assist the Secretary to the Petroleum Authority's Board of Directors in her discharge of duties as the Secretary, including, but not limited to, conducting Board of Directors' meetings, drafting documentation (Surat Pesambah, Minute of Meeting, Circular Resolutions) and acting as a point of communication between the Board of Directors and the Petroleum Authority Management and other relevant stakeholders.
To draft and/or review agreements, contracts, deeds, any other legal instruments, manuals, regulations, policies, rules and directives in relation to the Petroleum Authority's business, and to provide strategic advice and recommendations relating to the same.
To assist and be responsible for all legal, regulatory and statutory compliance matters concerning the Authority.
To be the primary provider of all necessary legal interpretation and understanding on all the Authority's contracts and its legal impacts on the Authority.
To provide legal support in all operational corporate matters concerning the Authority's businesses, including where necessary, membership of various committees and project teams as may be nominated from time to time.
To continuously update and recommend appropriate actions or recourse in relation to prevailing legislations and government policies or such changes which may impact directly or indirectly the businesses of the Authority.
Providing lead legal support to the works of any formally appointed members or secretaries in high level or ad hoc committees as may be established, whether by the Board or the Management or otherwise, from time to time.
Providing legal support and assistance/advice to all departments and where required and appropriate, in all documentation, circulars, instruments and letters which are issued by or received by the Authority.
Act as the focal point dealing in all exchanges or communication with external law firms or legal counsels or such other consultants as the Legal Department may have been enstrusted to.
To provide strategic legal guidance and where appropriate, make legal recommendations, to the various departments within the Authority and in respect of governance and any other business of the Authority.
Contribute towards effective management of stakeholders including the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Oil and Gas Operators, Contractors, Consultants, other regulatory bodies, shareholders, board members, financers, auditors and any other related parties.
Representing the Authority in all its negotiations and meetings, where appropriate, and if nominated, to lead in any negotiations, as may be directed by the Head of Legal.
To provide legal advice on contracting and where necessary commercial and practical guidance, consistent with best international industry practice across all aspects of the Authority's businesses.
To formulate and draft comprehensive strategic legal opinions and recommendations on any matters relating to the regulation and development of the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam as well as relating to the Petroleum Authority's roles as technical advisor to the Government of Brunei and maximizing value from the full value chain of the oil and gas industry.
To assist the Secretary to the Petroleum Authority's Board of Directors in her discharge of duties as the Secretary, including, but not limited to, conducting Board of Directors' meetings, drafting documentation (Surat Pesambah, Minute of Meeting, Circular Resolutions) and acting as a point of communication between the Board of Directors and the Petroleum Authority Management and other relevant stakeholders.
To draft and/or review agreements, contracts, deeds, any other legal instruments, manuals, regulations, policies, rules and directives in relation to the Petroleum Authority's business, and to provide strategic advice and recommendations relating to the same.
To assist and be responsible for all legal, regulatory and statutory compliance matters concerning the Authority.
To be the primary provider of all necessary legal interpretation and understanding on all the Authority's contracts and its legal impacts on the Authority.
To provide legal support in all operational corporate matters concerning the Authority's businesses, including where necessary, membership of various committees and project teams as may be nominated from time to time.
To continuously update and recommend appropriate actions or recourse in relation to prevailing legislations and government policies or such changes which may impact directly or indirectly the businesses of the Authority.
Providing lead legal support to the works of any formally appointed members or secretaries in high level or ad hoc committees as may be established, whether by the Board or the Management or otherwise, from time to time.
Providing legal support and assistance/advice to all departments and where required and appropriate, in all documentation, circulars, instruments and letters which are issued by or received by the Authority.
Act as the focal point dealing in all exchanges or communication with external law firms or legal counsels or such other consultants as the Legal Department may have been enstrusted to.
To provide strategic legal guidance and where appropriate, make legal recommendations, to the various departments within the Authority and in respect of governance and any other business of the Authority.
Contribute towards effective management of stakeholders including the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office, Oil and Gas Operators, Contractors, Consultants, other regulatory bodies, shareholders, board members, financers, auditors and any other related parties.
Representing the Authority in all its negotiations and meetings, where appropriate, and if nominated, to lead in any negotiations, as may be directed by the Head of Legal.
To provide legal advice on contracting and where necessary commercial and practical guidance, consistent with best international industry practice across all aspects of the Authority's businesses.
Qualifications & Skills Required
Citizen of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Minimum bachelor's degree in law (LLB) from a government accredited university. Having professional qualification in Law and/or master's in law (LLM) is an added advantage.
Minimum 7 years of relevant working experience either as a practicing lawyer and/or as an in-house counsel, including working experience in project management and leading a team.
Having 3 years' experience in oil and gas related matters is an added advantage.
Proficiency in English and Malay is required, proficiency in Mandrin is an added advantage.
Have strong analytical and problem - solving skills.
Have excellent communication and report writing skills.
Citizen of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Minimum bachelor's degree in law (LLB) from a government accredited university. Having professional qualification in Law and/or master's in law (LLM) is an added advantage.
Minimum 7 years of relevant working experience either as a practicing lawyer and/or as an in-house counsel, including working experience in project management and leading a team.
Having 3 years' experience in oil and gas related matters is an added advantage.
Proficiency in English and Malay is required, proficiency in Mandrin is an added advantage.
Have strong analytical and problem - solving skills.
Have excellent communication and report writing skills.
How to Apply
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference, interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application below by Friday, 1 May 2026 @ 12pm.
We look forward to hearing from you!
We look forward to hearing from you!