Legal Expert

Job Posting Organization:
EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental organization established to support European aviation. It was founded in 1960 and has grown to include 41 member states. The organization aims to improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic management across Europe. With a workforce of over 1,800 employees, EUROCONTROL operates in various countries, providing essential services and expertise in air navigation and aviation law. The organization is committed to fostering collaboration among its member states to enhance the overall performance of the European air traffic management system.

Job Overview:
The Legal Expert position at EUROCONTROL is a critical role within the Legal Service, which operates under the Office of the Director General. The Legal Service is tasked with providing comprehensive legal counsel and institutional advice related to the agency's activities. The Legal Expert will be responsible for analyzing legal and institutional matters, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and supporting dispute resolution processes. This role requires a deep understanding of both internal and international law, as well as the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks. The Legal Expert will also engage with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with legal standards and provide recommendations that facilitate informed decision-making. The position demands a proactive approach to legal research and a commitment to staying updated on relevant legal developments, trends, and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Expert include:

• Providing legal advice and expertise on internal law matters, including staff, financial, and contract regulations, as well as international law issues such as agreements and air navigation charges.
• Conducting thorough legal research and analysis in areas such as administrative law, public international law, and EU law, and summarizing findings for stakeholders.
• Supporting the resolution of legal disputes, including representation in national courts and handling staff complaints before the International Labour Organisation’s Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT).
• Drafting, reviewing, and preparing legal documents to mitigate potential legal risks.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with the organization’s legal framework and providing oral and written legal advice.
• Participating in meetings to provide expert legal advice and protect the organization’s interests.
• Continuously updating legal knowledge and contributing to the organization’s knowledge base.
• Performing any other tasks aligned with the main purpose of the job.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed third-level studies in Law, meeting the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level 7, and possess a minimum of three years of relevant working experience. This experience should ideally be gained in an international organization, governmental agency, law firm, or the aviation industry. A postgraduate degree in specific fields of law such as civil servants’ law, labor law, international law, aviation law, EU law, data privacy, AI, or cybersecurity law is advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have experience in drafting legal documents in English, and proficiency in drafting in French would be an asset. Knowledge of public international law, aviation law, and European law is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Legal Expert position includes a completed law degree that aligns with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level

• This typically involves a master's degree in law or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with postgraduate degrees in specialized areas of law will have an advantage, particularly those with qualifications relevant to the aviation sector or international law.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally be in a legal capacity within an international organization, governmental agency, law firm, or the aviation industry. Candidates with experience in drafting legal documents and handling legal disputes will be particularly well-suited for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with candidates expected to demonstrate a C1 level of proficiency in both oral and written communication. Additionally, candidates should have at least a B1 level of proficiency in French, as the working languages of the agency are English and French. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as an Administrator role at levels AD6-AD9, with a total of two posts available. The appointment is for a duration of five years, with the possibility of renewal or conversion under specific conditions. The selected candidate must reside in Brussels or within a reasonable distance to fulfill their duties effectively. The working arrangement is hybrid, allowing for a combination of onsite and remote work, although full-time remote work is not permitted. Candidates must complete a nine-month probationary period before being established in the post. Applications are accepted only from nationals of EUROCONTROL Member States, and candidates will be placed on a reserve list for similar roles if not selected.