Head of Sports Legal Services, Disciplinary and Governance

The Head of Sports Legal Services, Disciplinary and Governance (Head of Unit) provides legal expertise in disciplinary, governance and regulatory matters, and manages the team of lawyers, paralegals and other persons assigned to the Sports Legal Services, Disciplinary and Governance unit (the Unit).

Organizational Relationships

The Head of Unit reports to the the General Counsel & Director of Legal Affairs (the Director) and, as appropriate, the chairpersons and members of the AFC's judicial bodies.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Head of Unit's responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Disciplinary and integrity matters

Manage the AFC's disciplinary and integrity function, including carrying out the following duties: (i) managing the secretariat function in support of the AFC's judicial bodies; (ii) initiating and managing case procedures in accordance with the relevant procedural rules; (iii) carrying out disciplinary and integrity investigations; (iv) preparing charge notices, case summaries and other documents; (v) managing meetings and decision-making (at a venue, via correspondence, via teleconference, etc.); (vi) drafting decisions; (vii) communicating decisions to concerned parties (defendants, relevant AFC departments, etc.); and (viii) attending and/or coordinating disciplinary matters at AFC competitions.

• Court of Arbitration for Sport

Manage and provide legal expertise in relation to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) matters in line with the instructions of the Director.

• Competition-related matters

Responsible for the provision of legal advice and support in connection with the AFC's competitions and competition regulations, including carrying out the following duties: (i) liaising with the AFC's Competitions & Football Events Division (CFED) regarding match incidents and other competition-related legal matters; (ii) keeping records of all disciplinary matters for AFC competitions and keeping CFED updated in this regard; (iii) preparing competition-related disciplinary letters and notifications; (iv) providing legal advice and guidance on competition regulations; and (v) providing legal advice to CFED in connection with player status and eligibility issues.

• Governance

Responsible for assisting the Director in the development and maintenance of the AFC's corporate regulatory framework (e.g. AFC Statutes, AFC Organisation Regulations, etc.) and play an active role in supporting the Director in the preparation, delivery and management of the AFC Congress and elections.

• Regulatory matters

Responsible for the provision of legal advice and support in connection with the preparation and maintenance of the AFC's rules, codes and regulations, including carrying out the following duties: (i) reviewing and proposing amendments to regulations; (ii) monitoring compliance with regulations; and (iii) advising on the implementation and interpretation of regulations.

• Administration and Management of the Unit

Manage the Unit (including carrying out performance reviews, drafting KPls and job descriptions, managing leave and managing the appointments process for Unit staff at AFC competitions) and supervise the work of members of the Unit. The Head of Unit is also responsible for the professional development of the Unit members.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required

• At least 10 years of experience in relevant legal roles in one or more international law firms and/or organizations.
• Recent, up-to-date experience working in relevant legal roles in an international sports organization (preferably in football) will be an added advantage.
• Qualified lawyer with relevant undergraduate, postgraduate and professional qualifications in the legal field. Postgraduate qualifications in the sports law/governance field will be an asset.
• Possess a thorough understanding of football and football governance on a global level, and how legal issues affect football organizations.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Excellent judgement and analytical skills.
• Keen eye for detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with excellent high-level English language skills.
• Able to anticipate legal issues and risks, adopting a practical and solutions-oriented approach.
• Able to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Highly organized and able to multi-task.