Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Affiliations
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic
Aura E. Yanes

Aura E. Yanes

Dubai,United Arab Emirates

Summary

With over 18 years of legal experience, I have developed a solid and well-rounded career across both the UAE and Colombia, working with high-profile government and private sector organizations such as the Colombian Supreme Court, ENOC Processing Company, CB&I (a McDermott affiliate) and InterOil Group.

My expertise spans legal advisory, corporate and commercial law, EPC contract negotiation and management, contract-related fraud investigation, risk allocation, and compliance. I have hands-on experience with FIDIC contracts and tendering procedures and am proficient in document control systems including ASSAI and ORACLE.

I maintain strong communication with senior management to ensure alignment with legal and business goals.

I am a self-driven professional with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous personal and professional growth. From my early beginnings as a Legal Assistant, I have consistently demonstrated dedication, adaptability, and a passion for excellence in the legal field.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Contract Manager

InterOil International DMCC
Dubai, UAE
02.2025 - Current

• Negotiate, analyze, prepare and revise client and sub-supplier contracts on behalf of IOI.
• Communicate and present information to the CEO and senior management on all contract-related matters.
• Monitor contracts and proceed with close-out, extension, or renewal as per IOI's policies.
• Craft, evaluate, negotiate, and close contracts with clients and sub-suppliers.
• Troubleshoot contract issues, including breaches, and ensure proper resolution.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory standards and stay updated on regulatory changes.
• Assess risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate inputs from relevant departments.
• Lead or attend contract clarification and negotiation meetings.
• Follow and support IOI's tender processes.

  • Mitigated potential legal disputes through meticulous contract review processes.
  • Revised outdated contracts, resulting in more favourable terms for the organisation.
  • Established standardised templates for recurring contracts, simplifying the drafting process.

Managing director

ON SPOT CLEANING SERVICES
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
07.2024 - Current
  • Spearheaded company leadership, driving organizational success through strategic long- and short-term initiatives and effective decision-making.
  • Delivered high-quality services by maintaining customer focus at all times.
  • Built a harmonious work environment with strong leadership skills.

Senior Attorney

CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON COMPANY (CB&I)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Provided expert advice, review, and negotiation for MOU, Prebid Agreements, Consortium, Joint Venture, and Partnership in projects over USD100 million.
  • Ensured project contracts align with CB&I's strategic goals, contracting standards, and policies while mitigating liabilities.
  • Collaborated effectively and comprehend governing laws, applying specialized legal guidance within various jurisdictions.

Senior Legal & Contracts Advisor

Bogota
03.2021 - 10.2022
  • Conducted thorough reviews of T&C and new contracts during the tendering stage, identifying and mitigating clauses detrimental to the company in millionaire projects.
  • Advised on contract, tax, insurance, and guarantee issues.
  • Supported communication of company position to clients.
  • Summarized key issues for senior management insights.
  • Collaborated effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Provided guidance on risk management to safeguard clients' investments.

Contracts Manager UAE Pavilion EXPO 2020 (USD40M)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
11.2019 - 07.2020
  • Ensured contract and claim management methodologies were followed according to procedures for assigned projects.
  • Executed contract strategies boosting success and risk management.
  • Led cross-functional teams in contract compliance and strategies.
  • Successful negotiation strategies enhancing company projects.
  • Ensured all parties met obligations for timely project closeout.

Contracts & Procurement Administrator

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
11.2016 - 07.2019
  • Administered activities related to Project Contracts sourcing and post-award management.
  • Drafted and reviewed contractual correspondence, providing interpretations and advice to the Project Team.
  • Assisted Supply Chain Management with procurement contracts, including drafting bidding packages, evaluation, and awarding.
  • Participated in ITT review and EPC contractor bidding processes.
  • Developed internal procedures for structured workflow management, addressing variations, claims, and project closeout.
  • Continuously monitored EPC Contractor activities for contract compliance and performance.
  • Maintained archives and tracked all project-related contracts, including third parties and licensors.
  • Updated registers for invoices, payments, POs, and service/change orders.
  • Ensured timely resolution of EPC Contract Variations and maintained up-to-date registers for variations and payments.
  • Verified contractor progress documentation and fulfilled additional duties with equivalent skill and responsibility as required.
  • Coordinated with different departments to understand procurement needs.

Contracts & Tenders Administrator

NATIONAL REGISTRY OFFICE FOR CIVIL STATUS
Bogota
08.2012 - 11.2012
  • Drafted, signed, and certified key legal documents for judicial review, ensuring compliance and attention to detail.
  • Analyzed tender documents and provided timely and accurate responses to each tender.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to obtain competitive quotations aligned with tender specifications.
  • Ensured timely submission of tenders within specified deadlines.
  • Worked closely with the Finance department to arrange Tender Bonds or Performance Bonds according to tender requirements.
  • Identified and assessed legal risks in contracts effectively.
  • Demonstrated a strong ability to understand the law and its implications on contracts and tenders.
  • Prepared, reviewed, and edited supplier contracts to meet company standards and needs.
  • Negotiated with suppliers to secure quotations at competitive prices.
  • Maintained an organized filing system for all operations, ensuring ease of access and transparency.
  • Performed additional duties requiring the same level of skill and responsibility as requested.

Contracts Advisor - Refinery Expansion (USD 1 billion)

EMIRATES
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
10.2010 - 05.2012
  • Authored the company's inaugural employee manual, encompassing training and development initiatives; coordinated with vendors to manage office supply inventories.
  • Minimized overhead costs by assuming increased responsibility for creative and administrative projects.
  • Managed all legal and administrative functions, including handling commercial and labor contracts, applying and updating UAE Court Rules and Regulations (Labor, Commercial, Rent, etc.), and overseeing policies and HR matters such as recruitment, leave management, attendance, training, and personnel supervision.
  • Drafted, negotiated, and administered all employee and service contracts for the company.
  • Executed additional high-skill duties as required, maintaining the same level of skill and responsibility.

Contracts & Tenders Admin / Investigator Attorney for Disciplinary Processes

GENERAL AUDIT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA
Bogota
11.2006 - 06.2010
  • Maintained confidentiality throughout investigation process, respecting client privacy.
  • Managed evidence collection for successful case resolution.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to exchange vital information about cases.
  • Supported donor reports and tender bids to increase case funding.
  • Coordinated timely responses to RFIs and RFPs, boosted customer engagement rates.
  • Led efforts in maintaining a comprehensive repository of past tenders and contracts.
  • Coordinated post-tender feedback sessions with internal stakeholders-enhanced future bid strategy.
  • Prepared comprehensive tender documents, increased potential for success.
  • Managed tender submission process to secure new contracts.
  • Reviewed contract terms to mitigate potential risks.

Legal Assistant to Magistrate / Clerk Legal

SUPREME COURT OF COLOMBIA
Bogota
11.2005 - 10.2006
  • Assisted in preparation of legal briefs, aiding winning litigation strategies.
  • Achieved efficient case management by meticulously organising legal documents.
  • Conducted comprehensive research to support compelling legal arguments.
  • Filed vital legal documentation within strict deadlines .

Education

LL.B - Law & Politics Sciences

SINU UNIVERSITY
Colombia
02.1998 - 11.2002

Skills

  • Drafting, reviewing & negotiating contracts (commercial, EPC, FIDIC, etc)
  • Contract lifecycle management (CLM)
  • Risk identification & mitigation
  • Change order & claims management
  • Contract compliance & governance
  • Contract enforcement, closeout & audit readiness
  • Legal research & interpretation (contractual terms, governing law, force majeure, etc)
  • Stakeholder alignment & commercial negotiations
  • Knowledge of international procurement laws (eg, UCC, FAR, or civil codes depending on jurisdiction)
  • Supplier & subcontractor management
  • Familiarity with INCOTERMS, NDAs, MoUs, LOIs

Languages

Spanish
Native
English
Fluent
French
Beginner

Affiliations

  • Animal Rescue Volunteering • Learning New Languages • Psychology • Traveling • Cooking • Reading • Writing • Concerts • Cinema • Hiking

Certification

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) – Currently attending coursework (2025), National Contract Management Association (NCMA), USA

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Contract Manager

InterOil International DMCC
02.2025 - Current

Managing director

ON SPOT CLEANING SERVICES
07.2024 - Current

Senior Attorney

CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON COMPANY (CB&I)
08.2023 - 06.2024

Senior Legal & Contracts Advisor

03.2021 - 10.2022

Contracts Manager UAE Pavilion EXPO 2020 (USD40M)

11.2019 - 07.2020

Contracts & Procurement Administrator

11.2016 - 07.2019

Contracts & Tenders Administrator

NATIONAL REGISTRY OFFICE FOR CIVIL STATUS
08.2012 - 11.2012

Contracts Advisor - Refinery Expansion (USD 1 billion)

EMIRATES
10.2010 - 05.2012

Contracts & Tenders Admin / Investigator Attorney for Disciplinary Processes

GENERAL AUDIT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA
11.2006 - 06.2010

Legal Assistant to Magistrate / Clerk Legal

SUPREME COURT OF COLOMBIA
11.2005 - 10.2006

LL.B - Law & Politics Sciences

SINU UNIVERSITY
02.1998 - 11.2002
Aura E. Yanes