Legal Executive Officer (LEXO)

Job Posting Organization:
The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is a strategic military headquarters established to prepare, plan, conduct, and execute NATO military operations, missions, and tasks. Its mission is to achieve the strategic objectives of the NATO Alliance, contributing to the deterrence of aggression and the preservation of peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and territorial integrity. SHAPE supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe in fulfilling his terms of reference as directed by the North Atlantic Council. The organization operates in multiple countries as part of NATO's collective defense strategy, with a focus on international cooperation and security.

Job Overview:
The Legal Executive Officer (LEXO) plays a crucial role in the management and coordination of the legal division within SHAPE. This position involves overseeing the daily operations of the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), ensuring that all legal advice and guidance provided to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and SHAPE staff is accurate and timely. The LEXO is responsible for preparing briefing materials, conducting legal research, and drafting essential documents for meetings. The role requires effective communication and coordination between the legal office and various departments within NATO, ensuring that legal considerations are represented in decision-making processes. The LEXO also assists in executing Command Group orders and directives, ensuring compliance with security regulations and organizational policies. This position demands a high level of professionalism and the ability to manage complex projects while maintaining a focus on strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Executive Officer include: executing the everyday management of the legal division, coordinating the work program of the division, managing day-to-day operations, providing comprehensive support to the ACO Legal Advisor, facilitating communication between the legal office and other departments, assisting in executing Command Group orders, reviewing outgoing correspondence for compliance, supervising the Divisional Security Officer and Fund Manager, managing information systems and records management, ensuring proper archiving and retrieval of records, assisting in handling legal matters, drafting legal correspondence and directives, leading ongoing projects, and supervising OLA personnel. The LEXO may also be required to perform similar duties elsewhere within the organization and undertake temporary duty assignments as needed.

Required Qualifications:
The essential qualifications for the Legal Executive Officer position include previous experience in a coordination office of an executive or general/flag officer, managerial experience in a military headquarters or international organization, and a university degree in law or a related discipline. Candidates should also have completed advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification with at least four years of related experience. Additionally, candidates must possess a strong command of the English language, with proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a university degree in law or a related discipline, such as business administration. Alternatively, candidates with higher secondary education and advanced vocational training in law leading to a professional qualification will also be considered, provided they have the requisite experience. An advanced degree in law and a professional license to practice law are desirable qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have previous experience in a coordination office or front office of an executive or general/flag officer, as well as managerial experience in a military headquarters or international organization. Additional years of experience in relevant areas are considered advantageous, particularly knowledge of NATO and ACO structures and missions.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, with a proficiency level of SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing). Knowledge of French at SLP 2222 is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a bilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for newly recruited staff is typically three years, followed by an indefinite duration contract. The salary will be based on the NATO Grade of the post, with potential allowances based on eligibility. NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all member nations. The organization emphasizes integrity, transparency, and accountability, expecting selected candidates to uphold these values. Applicants who meet the criteria but are not selected may be considered for similar positions that become available. The application process requires submission through the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform, and candidates must obtain a NATO Secret security clearance and a medical certificate prior to appointment.