Contract Counsel

Based in Kuala Lumpur, the Junior Legal Counsel / Contract Manager will support Nokia’s Customer Transactions team on customer-facing commercial matters across Asia Pacific, Japan and India (APJ&I), to be confirmed based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualification and language capability.  Working under the supervision of experienced legal counsel, the role will provide practical, timely and commercially focused support on contracts, bids, approvals and related governance activities. The position offers regional exposure and a structured opportunity to develop contracting, negotiation, legal operations and stakeholder-management skills in a global technology business.
 

Responsibilities

As part of the APJ&I Customer Transactions team, you will:

• Support the review, drafting and negotiation of customer contracts and related documents, including master agreements, statements of work, amendments, non-disclosure agreements, letters of intent and memoranda of understanding.
• Assist senior counsel on bids, tenders and business opportunities by reviewing customer terms, identifying legal and contractual issues, and documenting practical mitigation actions.
• Prepare clear contract mark-ups, risk summaries, approval notes and briefing materials for legal and business stakeholders.
• Help ensure that contractual risks and applicable legal approval triggers are accurately captured in Nokia’s deal-approval processes and systems.
• Coordinate with Sales, Commercial Management, Finance, Tax, Procurement, Delivery, Product and other specialist teams to gather inputs and help progress matters efficiently.
• Support contract handover and lifecycle activities, including contract summaries, obligation tracking, amendments, renewals and maintenance of complete records in contract-management systems.
• Assist with contract interpretation, pre-litigation issues, customer claims and disputes, escalating complex or material matters to senior counsel.
• Support flow-down of relevant customer requirements into supplier and subcontractor arrangements.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of templates, playbooks, guidance, knowledge resources and standard work processes for the regional team.
• Use approved digital and AI-assisted tools for legal research, contract review, drafting and workflow management, applying appropriate judgment and confidentiality safeguards.
• Deliver legal research, process and project support for other APJ&I Customer Transactions matters as assigned.
• Act consistently with Nokia’s policies, approval requirements and standards of integrity, confidentiality and responsible business conduct.

What we offer

• Regional exposure to customer transactions across APJ&I, tailored to your profile and language skills.
• Structured supervision, practical training and access to experienced legal and commercial professionals.
• Opportunities to build expertise in technology contracting, negotiation, legal operations and responsible use of AI.
• A collaborative, inclusive and internationally connected working environment.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in accordance with Nokia policy.

Qualifications

You have:

• Qualified lawyer (or equivalent legal qualification) in Malaysia or another APJ&I jurisdiction, or a contract manager with a strong legal/commercial contracting background; eligibility to work in Malaysia.

• Approximately 2–3 years’ post-qualification experience gained in a reputable law firm and/or an in-house legal or contract management team.

• Sound grounding in commercial and contract law, with hands-on experience reviewing and drafting commercial agreements.

• Fluent, professional-level English (written and spoken), with the ability to explain legal issues clearly and concisely to non-lawyers.

• Good analytical skills and judgment, including the ability to identify material issues, distinguish legal from commercial risk and seek guidance when appropriate.

• Commercially minded, responsive and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a regional environment.

• Collaborative and confident working with stakeholders across functions, cultures and time zones.

• Well organised, attentive to detail and committed to maintaining accurate records and following governance processes.

• Curious, adaptable and motivated to learn about Nokia’s business, technology, customers and contracting models.

• Comfortable using contract-management systems and AI-assisted legal tools, or willing to develop these capabilities.

It would be nice if you also had:

• Experience in telecommunications, technology, software, cloud services, network infrastructure or another complex B2B industry.
• Exposure to customer tenders, cross-border transactions or contracts spanning multiple jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, data protection, cybersecurity, ethics and compliance, export controls or public-sector contracting issues.
• Additional APJ&I language capability.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management, legal operations, process improvement or knowledge management.
• Professional certifications relevant to contract management (e.g. equivalent to CCCM, CFCM or similar credentials). 

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. 

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Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia. 

Some of our benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes
• A minimum of 90 days of Maternity and Paternity Leave, with the option to return to work within a year following the birth or adoption of a child (based on eligibility)
• Life insurance to all employees to provide peace of mind and financial security
• Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
• Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
• Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
• Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
• A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond

Learn about additional benefits in specific countries.