Legal counsel Maghreb

Unilever is currently hiring for a Legal Counsel – Maghreb

Function: Legal
Reports to: General Counsel – North Africa, Levant & Iraq (NALI)

Required Travel: 30%
Location: Algiers, Algeria (with frequent travel to Oran and across Maghreb)
Terms & Conditions: Full time, onsite

At Unilever, everything we do is driven by purpose. This is an opportunity to help shape a better business and a better world through the impact of your work.

We’re looking for a Legal Counsel – Maghreb to provide comprehensive legal support across all FMCG operations in the Maghreb region (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania). This role will act as a strategic business partner, ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and enabling sustainable business growth.

You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that truly matters — for people and the planet.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Business Partnering

• Provide proactive legal guidance to business teams, local leadership, and regional/global legal stakeholders
• Advise on a wide range of matters including regulatory, operational, HR, digital initiatives, audits, and investigations
• Translate business needs into practical and compliant legal solutions

Regional Legal Management

• Lead and coordinate legal support across Maghreb markets (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania) 
• Provide expert advice on corporate governance and regulatory matters
• Ensure alignment with global legal policies and standards

Contracts & Negotiation

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts and legal documents
• Define negotiation strategies and support execution of key agreements
• Contribute to contract standardization and continuous improvement initiatives

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to internal policies, processes, and local legal requirements
• Develop and update legal policies and guidelines
• Partner closely with Compliance and Business Integrity teams

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

• Manage disputes, litigation, and investigations across the region
• Represent the company before courts, governmental agencies, and tribunals
• Coordinate and manage external counsel performance

Corporate Secretariat & External Affairs

• Manage corporate secretarial responsibilities including shareholder meetings and filings
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory frameworks (including GAFI requirements)
• Support external permits, licenses, and regulatory engagements

Data Privacy & Risk Management

• Act as Data Privacy Officer ensuring compliance with data protection laws
• Identify legal risks and implement mitigation strategies

Training & Capability Building

• Deliver legal training to business stakeholders
• Build awareness of legal risks, compliance, and best practices

Commercial & Marketing Compliance

• Ensure compliance of marketing claims and product labelling
• Protect intellectual property and brand reputation

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external advisors
• Maintain network of external legal counsel and ensure effective collaboration
• Share best practices to support business growth

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in law
• Member of the Algerian Bar Association
• 7–10 years of relevant legal experience within a corporate or multinational environment
• Strong experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and litigation
• Experience in FMCG or fast-paced environments is advantageous
• Knowledge of M&A, intellectual property, and external affairs is a plus
• Strong understanding of Maghreb laws and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Strong business acumen and risk management capability
• Ability to translate business challenges into legal solutions
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Effective stakeholder management and influencing capability
• High attention to detail and strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage complexity

Why Join Unilever?

Work for one of the world’s most purpose-led and trusted brands.
Drive meaningful impact on business capability and performance.
Be part of a supportive, culture‑driven environment that values people and growth.
Enjoy opportunities for regional exposure and professional development.