Overview
The General Counsel provides legal advice and services to the Director, Board of Directors, and other BGX governance bodies, NATO entities, and Allied Nations. This role advises on all domestic and international legal matters affecting BGX and the BICES Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop/establish the inaugural Terms of Reference for the post.
- Advise on international law, personnel and HR-related legal issues, agreements with nations and partner organizations, litigation, and commercial contracting.
- Uphold the principles of the BGX Charter and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
- Coordinate closely with legal offices across NATO.
- Develop, communicate and implement a vision aligned with BGX’s strategic direction.
- Apply legal expertise to identify, interpret and assess legal implications of rules, regulations, and legal frameworks.
- Monitor developments in international law and relevant national and commercial laws and regulations.
- Analyze legal issues affecting BGX operations and mandate.
- Represent the BGX in the preparation and negotiation of agreements, MOUs, MOAs or other legal documents.
- Supervise drafting of legal texts, internal memoranda and other legal documents.
- Provide legal counsel to the Director, the Board of Directors, and other senior personnel.
- Support BGX in preparing for, or conducting, legal defenses before internal or external boards or tribunals.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships across NATO.
- Represent BGX in meetings of relevant Committees, Task Forces, Boards, Panels and Working Groups, as well as at external seminars, conferences or gatherings.
- Represent BGX in legal cases and other legal issues within BGX, as well in interactions with member nations.
- Develop policies to support BGX’s objectives and anticipate the legal implications of policy decisions.
- Prepare and contribute to project work.
- Assume accountability and drive projects and initiatives to completion.
- Find timely and creative solutions to problems.
- Perform any other duty as required.
Required Experience
A minimum of 8 years of legal experience; At least 5 years of experience working in an international environment, supporting a diverse workforce and multidisciplinary organization; Extensive expertise in international law, with additional experience in human resources-related legal matters; Proven ability to advise on governance, administrative, and international legal matters; skill in navigating multi-jurisdictional issues, negotiating and drafting legal instruments, and representing clients in litigation before courts or tribunals; Demonstrated resilience in managing demanding workloads and maintaining composure under pressure; Experience working within NATO organizations, national authorities, or comparable environments (desirable); Experience overseeing litigation portfolios and developing litigation strategies (desirable); Familiarity with strategic issues and security challenges relevant to the Alliance (desirable).
Qualifications
A university degree in law from a recognized institution, complemented by relevant professional legal qualifications and licenses.
