Legal Officer

Legal Officer Job Requisition ID: 20595 Date Posted: 24 September 2026 Closing Date: 15 October 2026 23:59 CET/CEST Publication Method: Internal & External Type of Appointment (learn more): Fixed-Term Directorate: Strategy, Legal and External Matters Workplace: Paris, FR Grade Band: A2 - A4 ?This is afixed-term appointmentwith an initial duration of 4 years. Depending upon performance and organisational needs, the appointment may be extended up to a possible maximum duration of 8 years.LocationESA Headquarters, Paris, FranceDescriptionLegal Officer in the Institutional Law Division of the Legal Services Department in the Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External Matters.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 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.DutiesYour tasks and responsibilities will include:providing legal advice, conducting legal analysis and preparing notes and briefs on matters related to public international law and to relevant national laws of the jurisdictions in which the Agency operates, including on security matters;drafting and preparing the legal instruments and working documents necessary for the conduct of the Agency’s activities and programmes;drafting and negotiating legal agreements;providing legal advice on the formulation and application of the Agency’s regulations and rules, as well as on the implementation of such rules, regulations and policies in the Agency’s day-to-day actions;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 competenciesUnderstanding of the Agency's rules and regulationsProven experience and ability to adapt quickly across various legal fieldsKnowledge of the legal environment in which an international organisation operatesKnowledge of public international law, EU law and/or relevant national lawsBehavioural competenciesResult OrientationOperational EfficiencyFostering CooperationRelationship ManagementContinuous ImprovementForward ThinkingFor more information, please refer toESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebookEducation and professional experienceA master's degree in law, public international law or administrative law is required for this post together with at least 2 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in an international context within an international organisation, public administration or private practice.Qualification for admission to the Bar in a national jurisdiction is an asset.Additional requirementsStrong conflict resolution and negotiation skillsAbility to draft and review 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 environmentDiversity, Equity and InclusivenessESA 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, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.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 atcontact.human.resources@esa.int.Important Information and DisclaimerIn 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 LanguagesPlease 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, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia.According to the ESA Convention, staff shall be recruited on the basis of their qualifications, taking into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the 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. Who we recruit » Recruitment Process » What we offer » Life at ESA » FAQ » Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.