Legal Officer

Legal Officer

**Job Requisition ID**:19579

**Date Posted**:28 May 2025

**Closing Date**:18 June 2025 23:59 CET/CEST

**Publication**:Internal & External

**Type of Contract**:Permanent

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

**Workplace**:Paris, FR

**Grade Band**:A2 - A4

**Location**
ESA Headquarters, Paris, France

**Description**
Under the direct authority of the Head of the Institutional 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, but not limited to, 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 international civil service law and the national labour laws of the jurisdictions in which the Agency operates;
- Drafting and preparing legal instruments and working documents necessary for the conduct of the Agency’s activities and programmes;
- 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;
- Representing the Agency’s position before the Advisory Board and the ESA Administrative Tribunal; preparing written submissions, pleadings and other necessary documents submitted to these bodies;
- Performing other related duties, as requested.

**Technical competencies**
Knowledge of the legal environment in which an international organisation operatesKnowledge of the ESA institutional framework, policies and programmesKnowledge of applicable legal principles of international civil service lawUnderstanding of the Agency's rules and regulations**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 in law is required for this post (advanced studies in public international law, administrative or employment law)Qualification for admission to the Bar in a national jurisdiction is an asset.**Additional requirements**
At least 3 years of proven experience in litigation matters, ideally within an international context
Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skillsAbility to draft legal submissions on complex issuesAbility to conduct thorough legal research independentlyExcellent organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlinesExcellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relations in a multicultural environment- **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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