ABOUT VINUNIVERSITY

VinUniversity (VinUni: https://vinuni.edu.vn/) is the first private, not-for-profit Vietnamese university established based on international standards. The university integrates the models of excellent international universities with the unique cultural and economic characteristics of Vietnam, to make a breakthrough in Vietnamese higher education and to become a world-class university.

VinUni has strategic collaborations with the world’s leading universities, including Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. These universities have become close advisors and crucial enablers in establishing the three colleges at VinUni: College of Business and Management, College of Engineering and Computer Science, and College of Health Sciences. Every aspect of the University: its curricula, research, faculty, student body, facilities, and campus life, is being developed to meet the highest standards set by the world’s leading accrediting and ranking organizations, such as ABET, AACSB, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE).

VinUni’s founding benefactor Vingroup is one of the biggest private conglomerates in Asia with the largest market capitalization value in Vietnam. As a multisector corporation, Vingroup focuses on three main areas: Technology; Industrials; and Property Services. VinUni is proud to be a part of the Vingroup ecosystem, giving its students opportunities to connect with several high quality research institutes (such as VinAI, VinBrain, and Vin BigData), pioneering industrial enterprises (such as VinFast), and leading Vietnamese companies (such as Vinpearl, Vinmec, and Vinhomes).

In September 2024, VinUni has become the youngest and fastest university in the world to achieve QS 5 stars, earning 5 stars in 9 categories: global engagement, good governance, program strength, academic development, teaching, employability, facilities, arts, and social impact.  In October 2024, VinUniversity was appointed by UNESCO as the first and only UNESCO University Chair, focusing on Environmental Leadership, Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity.

OPPORTUNITY 

The Senior Legal Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting VinUniversity’s mission to become a world-class institution by ensuring that all university activities are aligned with Vietnamese laws and international best practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply legal expertise in a dynamic, interdisciplinary academic environment. The Senior Legal Specialist will directly contribute to strategic partnerships, innovation in education, and institutional governance by providing sound legal advice and managing legal risks in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Legal Advisory & Institutional Support

• Provide expert counsel on academic, administrative, research, and partnership matters.
• Advise leadership on legal risks, rights, and obligations under Vietnamese law and international agreements.
• Ensure compliance with laws governing higher education, labor, corporate governance, investment, construction, and intellectual property. 

1. Contract Management

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements (services, partnerships, procurement, consultancy).
• Safeguard enforceability of institutional agreements.
• Develop standard legal templates and processes to improve efficiency.

1. Regulatory Affairs & Government Relations

• Prepare and manage submissions to government agencies (MOET, DPI, etc.).
• Coordinate with authorities and external counsel on licensing, permits, and registrations.
• Monitor and advise on legal and regulatory changes.

1. Risk Management & Dispute Resolution

• Identify and mitigate legal risks in decisions and transactions.
• Lead or support dispute resolution through negotiation, mediation, litigation, or arbitration.
• Support audits, investigations, and compliance with legal protocols. 

1. Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deliver training to enhance legal awareness and contract literacy.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to embed legal considerations into projects.
• Liaise with external counsel, partners, and regulators to ensure alignment in partnerships.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (required); graduate degree from an English-speaking country preferred.
• At least 5 years of legal experience in law firms, multinational corporations, or higher education.
• Proven expertise in legal advisory, contract negotiation, and regulatory matters.
• Strong knowledge of Vietnamese Higher Education, Labor, Corporate, Investment, Construction, and IP laws.
• Excellent communication in Vietnamese and English (IELTS Academic ≥ 7.0 or equivalent).
• Proficiency in legal research tools, MS Office, and document management systems.

Personal Attributes

• Integrity, discretion, and sound professional judgment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and committed to supporting education and innovation.
• Alignment with VinUniversity values: EXCEL – Empathy, Exceptional Capability, Creativity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Leadership Mindset.

COMPENSATION

The salary benefits are internationally competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a Curriculum Vitae

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.