Contract Administration and Legal Framework in Oil & Gas Projects

Introduction:

In the Oil & Gas sector, contracts represent not just commercial agreements, but the foundation of project success, risk management, and stakeholder alignment.

Given the industry’s scale, complexity, and exposure to geopolitical, financial, and operational risks, mastering the art of contract administration and legal governance is essential for ensuring project integrity and corporate resilience, this advanced program equips participants with the strategic, legal, and managerial insights required to manage high-value contracts with precision and confidence. Through real-world case studies and scenario analysis, participants will develop a refined understanding of how to negotiate, structure, and enforce contracts that safeguard organizational interests and enhance value creation.

Objectives:  

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Ø  Understand the full contractual lifecycle in complex Oil & Gas projects—from drafting to close-out.

Ø  Apply international legal principles and standards relevant to the energy sector (including FIDIC, EPC, and PSC frameworks).

Ø  Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and legal risks across project phases.

Ø  Develop robust contract management systems ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability.

Ø  Strengthen negotiation strategies and dispute resolution capabilities.

Ø  Integrate legal governance with corporate strategy and operational excellence.

Ø  Navigate cross-border contracts and international arbitration effectively.

Target Audience:

This elite program is designed for professionals involved in project delivery, contract strategy, and legal oversight within the energy and infrastructure sectors, including:

Ø  Project Directors and Contract Managers

Ø  Legal and Compliance Officers

Ø  Commercial and Procurement Executives

Ø  Engineering and Project Control Leaders

Ø  Senior Decision-Makers in Risk, Governance, and Business Development.

Course Outline:

Day 1 – The Strategic Role of Contracts in Oil & Gas Projects

1.     The Contract as a Strategic Business Instrument

2.     Global Contracting Models: EPC, EPCM, BOT, and PPP in Oil & Gas

3.     Legal and Regulatory Landscape in Energy Projects

4.     Integrating Contract Strategy with Corporate and Project Objectives

Day 2 – Contract Structuring and Drafting Excellence

1.     Principles of Effective Contract Design and Clarity

2.     Key Clauses: Scope, Performance, Payment, and Change Management

3.     Force Majeure, Indemnity, and Limitation of Liability

4.     Drafting Techniques to Minimize Ambiguity and Future Disputes

Day 3 – Contract Administration and Performance Management

1.     Lifecycle of Contract Administration: From Award to Close-Out

2.     Performance Monitoring and Compliance Mechanisms

3.     Claims Management and Documentation Standards

4.     Coordination Between Legal, Technical, and Financial Teams

Day 4 – Risk, Disputes, and Resolution Mechanisms

1.     Identifying and Managing Contractual Risks

2.     Dispute Avoidance and Early Intervention Strategies

3.     Arbitration and Litigation in the Oil & Gas Sector

4.     Managing Cross-Cultural and Cross-Jurisdictional Legal Challenges

Day 5 – Governance, Ethics, and the Future of Contracting

1.     Corporate Governance and Legal Accountability in Project Contracts

2.     Ethical and Compliance Dimensions in Global Procurement

3.     Digital Contracts, Blockchain, and Smart Legal Frameworks

4.     Future Trends: ESG Clauses, Sustainability, and Transparency in Contracting