Assistant, Legal Adviser (grade G17) / Assistant, Legal Adviser (grade G15/G17)

Job Posting Organization:
The NATO International Staff is a key component of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which was established in 194

• The organization is dedicated to ensuring the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and defense of its member countries through collective defense and cooperative security measures. The NATO International Staff is responsible for providing support to the North Atlantic Council and other NATO bodies, facilitating policy development, and ensuring legal compliance across various operations. The organization operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Brussels, Belgium, and employs a diverse workforce committed to upholding the principles of democracy and collective defense.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Legal Adviser position within the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) at NATO Headquarters involves providing legal advice on a wide range of issues, primarily focusing on public law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and international administrative law. The incumbent will be responsible for advising the Secretary General, the International Staff, and various NATO committees on legal matters, supporting policy development, negotiating and drafting agreements, and representing NATO in litigation. The role requires a proactive approach to managing a demanding workload, maintaining relationships with clients, and ensuring the smooth operation of the Office. The Assistant Legal Adviser will also engage in research, prepare legal documents, and contribute to project work, all while adhering to NATO's legal frameworks and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Legal Adviser include:

• Expertise Development: Keeping abreast of developments in international law and related fields, maintaining knowledge of legal publications and jurisprudence, and independently planning and preparing decisions on legal and policy matters.
• Knowledge Management: Providing legal advice on assigned fields, analyzing legal questions affecting NATO operations, and preparing legal texts and internal memoranda.
• Representation of the Organization: Assisting in the defense of NATO before internal and external bodies, preparing and discussing legal documents, and representing OLA in relevant meetings.
• Project Management: Contributing to project work, driving initiatives to completion, and coordinating legal issues across NATO, including consultations with various legal offices.
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Legal Adviser or Deputy Legal Adviser.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law from a recognized institution and relevant professional legal qualifications. They should have at least five years of experience providing legal advice on public international law and/or international administrative law. The ideal candidate will demonstrate resilience, the ability to manage a significant workload, and maintain composure under pressure. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, along with a practical and collegial approach to problem-solving. Proficiency in NATO's official languages (English/French) is required, with advanced proficiency in one and elementary proficiency in the other being the minimum standards.

Educational Background:
A university degree in law from an institute of recognized standing is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also possess professional legal qualifications that are appropriate for the role, ensuring they have the necessary legal foundation to provide sound advice on complex legal matters.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in providing legal advice, specifically in the areas of public international law and international administrative law. Experience in an international organization, national ministry, or similar complex environment is highly desirable, particularly if it involves providing legal advice on issues comparable to those faced by NATO.

Languages:
Proficiency in NATO's official languages is essential. Candidates must have advanced proficiency (Level V) in one language and elementary proficiency (Level II) in the other. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to NATO's operations and member states.

Additional Notes:
The successful applicant will be offered a definite duration contract of three years, with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. During this period, the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract. The maximum period of service in this post is six years. The position is open only to nationals of NATO member countries, and candidates must submit their applications through the specified e-recruitment system. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all member nations, and particularly welcomes women and candidates with disabilities. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and work-life policies, including teleworking options, subject to business requirements.