Mohamed Afir, General Counsel, North Africa

Mohamed Afir

General Counsel, North Africa

Unilever - Morocco

Location
Morocco - Casablanca
Education
Diploma,
Experience
16 years, 10 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :16 years, 10 Months

General Counsel, North Africa at Unilever - Morocco
  • Morocco - Casablanca
  • My current job since August 2018
Head Of Legal and Compliance, Africa region at Novartis
  • Morocco - Casablanca
  • April 2013 to July 2018

Regional role, North Africa extended to the whole Africa cluster (45) countries

Head of legal at Weatherford - Algeria
  • Algeria - Algiers
  • December 2011 to May 2013
Associate Lawyer at BENNANI & ASSOCIES LLP-International business Law Firm (top tier law firm)
  • Morocco - Casablanca
  • March 2010 to August 2011

Legal counsel in different law areas for leading international and local companies in compliance with the legislation and the local commercial practice.

Key achievements:
Drafted the Engineering Procurement Construction and Management contracts (EPCM over 7 billion dollars) for one of the world’s phosphate producer. Counseled a famous pharmaceutical group in a merger and capital raising operation. Achieved the expatriation procedures of 68 team members of a US engineering company. Drafted important marketing and communication contracts for the Moroccan Government. Drafted and assisted the negotiation of cash pooling agreements for an industrial group with 5 international banks, etc.

Associate Lawyer at LEFEVRE PELLETIER & ASSOCIES- French business law firm (top tier law firm)
  • Algeria - Algiers
  • October 2008 to March 2010

Legal compliance adviser and business strategic counsel for foreign companies investing in the Algerian market in different business sectors. Providing different legal opinions and drafted several corporate and commercial documents (agreements, bylaws, etc.).

Key achievements: Drafted a purchase and construction partnership agreement between the Algerian government and a heavy armament manufacturer. Counseled a well known French HGV manufacturer during a public call for tenders (until the contract signature). Counseled a famous Swiss engineering/construction company at the different stages of the construction of the Algiers mega mall (biggest in Africa). Drafted and negotiated the communication contract for the organization of the GNL16 Algeria, etc.

Associate Lawyer at PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS (Associated with SAMIR HAMOUDA LAW FIRM) - International business law firm
  • Algeria - Algiers
  • April 2008 to October 2008

Legal and business strategy counsel for many international companies investing and setting up a business in Algeria (for general and punctual legal issues).

Key achievements: Assisted a famous German electrical manufacturer in drafting and negotiating of an important purchase and services contract concluded with the national gas company. Assisted a international bank to open a branch office and obtain the government authorization. Achieved an audit operation for an internet provider acquisition by a Qatari Telco company. Realized a legal opinion about data protection for international computer/software manufacturer. Helped to draft the PWC guide, etc.

Internship Legal Counsel at HERMES INTERNATIONAL S.A. Luxury products distribution company
  • France
  • November 2007 to March 2008

Draft several corporate and contractual documents. Achieve the legal research. Participate in the clients and shareholders meetings. Coordinate with external lawyers. Help the IP team in the management of IP infringements.

Key achievements: Helped to set up a distribution network in the Middle East and negotiating with local partners. Managed the legal situation of employees (e.g. work contracts, layoffs). Reviewed an important master license and services agreement.

Intership-Lawyer at PELTIER-CHESNEAU-International business law firm
  • France
  • April 2006 to September 2006

Draft, review and finalize different kinds of documents especially correspondences with administrations and courts. Assist the Partner in several legal questions by doing the research in regulation and case law and drafting legal opinions in different issues.

Key achievements: Contribution to the compensation proceedings of an international transportation company in East Africa following a plane crash. Counsel of private airlines transportation operator in France in capital rising operation, Helped in the draft of a partnership and negotiations between a German car manufacturer and private partner in West Africa.

Education

Diploma,
  • at London School of Business and Finance (LSBF)
  • November 2011
Diploma,
  • at Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne: Judicial Studies Institute – Paris (France)
  • March 2008

Preparation to the Attorney’s profession

Master's degree,
  • at Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne University, School of Law
  • September 2007

Master of Laws (Master I) with Business Laws specialization

Bachelor's degree,
  • at Paris X Nanterre University, School of Law – Paris (France)
  • June 2006

Bachelor of Laws

Doctorate,
  • at Algiers Attorneys’ School/Algiers Bar (Algeria)
  • June 2003

Professional Attorney’s Certificate

Master's degree,
  • at University of Algiers, School of Law
  • June 2002

Master of Business Laws

Specialties & Skills

Punctuality
Government
Negotiation
Operation
legal agreements
legal compliance
legal advice
legal management
legal affairs
legal writing

Languages

Arabic
Expert
English
Expert
French
Expert