Senior Legal Counsel – Mediterranean and Africa Region

At Coface, we make trade happen everyday.

Our 5,200 experts representing 80+ nationalities in 58 countries are united by a shared purpose: helping companies navigate through uncertainty by empowering them to make the right decisions and trade smarter in a complex world.

With nearly 80 years of global experience, we offer companies a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring — all driven by a unique data patrimony, cutting-edge technology, innovation and a deep understanding of the global economy.

Joining Coface means being part of a close-knit international organization, where your ideas matter.  We foster a culture of learning, collaboration and inclusion where you are given responsibilities and can see the impact of your actions.

Shape the future of trade with us. Join our Happeners!

The Regional Senior Legal Counsel supports the Mediterranean and Africa Region General Counsel & Compliance Director in overseeing and coordinating legal matters across the MAR region.

The role ensures high-quality, consistent, and pragmatic legal support to business and corporate functions, in alignment with Group legal standards, local regulations, and regional priorities.

The position combines hands-on legal expertise, regional coordination, and strategic advisory responsibilities, acting as a key legal reference for complex, cross-border, and high-impact matters.

 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior legal advice on commercial, corporate, insurance‑related, and regulatory matters across the MAR region
• Support and coordinate legal activities across the MAR region, working with local legal counsels and external law firms.
• Ensure consistent application of Group legal policies, standards, and templates at regional level.
• Act as legal advisor on regional and cross‑border projects and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee significant litigation and disputes, including coordination with external counsel.
• Contribute to regional and Group legal reporting and governance activities.
• Identify legal risks and propose pragmatic, business‑oriented solutions.
• Work closely with Compliance and other corporate functions while maintaining clear role boundaries.

Key Stakeholders:

• MAR General Counsel & Compliance Director
• Group Legal DepartmentCountry CEOs, CFOs, Compliance Officers, and Business Management
• External law firms and legal advisors

Profile & Qualifications

• Law degree (Master’s level or equivalent)
• Bar admission in at least one MAR jurisdiction is an advantage (such as Italy, Greece, Portugal, South Africa, UAE, Egypt, Israel, Türkiye).

Experience

• Solid experience in legal roles within international or regulated environments, with exposure to regional or cross‑border matters
• 8–10 years of legal experience
• Background in insurance, financial services, or regulated industries preferred
• Experience in international or regional environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal judgment and analytical skills
• Ability to translate legal complexity into clear, business-oriented advice
• Proven experience in working in multicultural and multi-jurisdictional environments
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• High level of autonomy, reliability, and discretion
• Fluent in Italian and English; French is a strong asset

Seniority & Impact

This is a senior individual contributor role with regional visibility, designed as a trusted partner to the MAR General Counsel & Compliance Director and a key contributor to regional legal strategy, governance, and risk management. This role focuses on coordination and expertise, not hierarchical management of country legal teams.

Coface promotes diversity, equity and inclusion and values different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, believing they strengthen decision-making and performance.