Legal Officer

Legal Officer

**Job Requisition ID**:19752

**Date Posted**:12 August 2025

**Closing Date**:9 September 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

**Publication**:Internal & External

**Type of Contract**:Permanent

**Directorate**:Strategy, Legal and External Matters

**Workplace**:Paris, FR

**Grade Band**:A2 - A4

**Location**
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

**Description**
Under the direct authority of the Head of the Public International Law Division, you will be part of a team of highly motivated and skilled lawyers in an inspirational, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.Our expertise spans a variety of legal disciplines including public international law, European law, the national law of ESA’s Member States, the law of international civil servants, litigation and arbitration, intellectual property law and export control regulations.- **Duties**
Your tasks and responsibilities will include:
- providing legal advice, conducting legal analysis and preparing notes and briefs regarding developments in public international law, including privileges and immunities, space law, and the national laws of the jurisdictions in which the Agency operates;
- drafting and negotiating international agreements and host agreements;
- preparing, in coordination with national counsels, the Agency’s position before national jurisdictions; preparing written submissions, pleadings and other necessary documents submitted to these bodies;
- preparing legal instruments and working documents necessary for the conduct of the Agency’s activities and programmes, and providing legal assistance and advice by closely interacting with the Agency’s decision-makers;
- attending and providing legal support to internal Agency committees and boards, as relevant to the above functions;
- performing other related duties, as requested.

**Technical competencies**
Strong understanding of public international law and the legal framework governing international organisations, including privileges and immunitiesUnderstanding of space lawFamiliarity with ESA’s institutional structure, policies and programmesProven experience and ability to adapt quickly across various legal fields**Behavioural competencies**
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward ThinkingFor more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook**Education**
A master's degree in law is required for this post.
Advanced studies in public international law, administrative or space law.
Qualification for admission to the Bar in a national jurisdiction would be an asset.**Additional requirements**
- Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Ability to draft and review legal submissions on complex issues
- Ability to conduct thorough legal research independently
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural environment
- Minimum of five years of relevant legal experience, preferably in an international context within an international organisation, public administration or private practice

**Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness**Important Information and Disclaimer**- Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.
- The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

**Nationality and Languages**- The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
- Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.

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