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
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.
The European Space Agency is an international organisation and the European gateway to space. Together with its Member States, the Agency pushes the boundaries of discovery and exploration and provides space applications for the benefit of citizens on Earth. ESA’s Legal Services Department provides a broad range of legal services and advice to support the implementation of ESA’s activities and programmes.
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;
- providing legal advice on the formulation and application of the Agency’s legal framework, as well as on its interpretation, especially on privileges and immunities;
- 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 immunities
Understanding of space law
Familiarity with ESA’s institutional structure, policies and programmes
Proven experience and ability to adapt quickly across various legal fields
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
For 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.
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
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
Important Information and Disclaimer
In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.
During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.
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
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.
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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