BACKGROUND

NATO offers you more than a job. It gives you a mission: building peace and security for one billion people in Europe and North America.

We are a unique multinational flying force with operational capability located at the NATO Airbase Geilenkirchen. With its 14 E-3A aircraft, our organization plays a critical role in NATO and our mission is to deliver ready, responsive Airborne Early Warning, Battle Management, and Command and Control capability to operational commanders in support of NAC-approved tasks.

NAEW&C Force (NAEW&CF) HQ is responsible for all HQ staff functions from Wing-level through national HQ Air Force-level for the NAEW&CF. The Office of the Commander is led by the NAEW&CF HQ Chief of Staff (COS) who directly supervises the operation and output of the NAEW&CF HQ under the direction of the Force Commander.

The Legal Advisor (LEGAD) advises the Force Commander on all legal matters pertaining to the HQ NAEW&C Force HQ and is responsible for managing the Legal Advisor Office (FHL), providing legal advice, representing the HQ NAEW&CF GK in litigation and conducting legal negotiations within the statement of function of FHL.

THE ROLE

The incumbent`s duties are:

• Providing legal advice to the Force Commander (FCC) on all subjects and matters with legal implications that affect the responsibilities, functions, operations, administration, and activities of the HQ NAEW&CF GK, including status of forces and Host Nation support issues, matters at the Main Operating Base (MOB), Forward Operating Bases/Forward Operating Location (FOBs / FOL) and Deployed Operating Bases (DOBs);
• On behalf of the Force Commander, representing and/or defending the HQ NAEW&CF GK in litigation (including the NATO Administrative Tribunal, national courts of justice, arbitration panels);
• On behalf of the Force Commander, conducting legal negotiations with military and civilian authorities;
• Advising the organizations of the HQ NAEW&CF GK (including COM E-3A Component) to ensure thorough coordination and legal adequacy of all activities, which have legal implications;
• Drafting of contracts;
• Managing third party damage claims against HQ NAEW&CF GK and claims of HQ NAEW&CF GK against third parties, and investigating related facts;
• Liaising with the ACO Legal Advisor and Legal Advisors of other NATO bodies to ensure a consolidated approach towards legal issues of common interest;
• Liaising with authorities of the Host Nations to promote uniform application of international agreements and national laws applying to the activities of the HQ NAEW&CF GK;
• Participating in committees, boards, or working groups established at HQ NAEW&CF GK, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A minimum of ten years of experience (after qualification to practice law) in applied legal affairs including in-depth experience in international law;
• Good knowledge of German law;
• University Degree in law or related discipline and 10 years related experience;
• Adequate level of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) systems is essential;
• The work, both oral and written, in this post and in this Headquarters as a whole is conducted mainly in English. Consequently, adequate level of English proficiency is required;
• Additionally, knowledge of the Host Nation language (German) is essential.

THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE CONSIDERED AS AN ADVANTAGE

• Previous NATO assignment;
• Experience working in an international / military environment;
• Knowledge of public international law, law of international organizations, status of forces, air law, international humanitarian law;
• Good knowledge of German labor law;
• Knowledge of German tax and customs law;
• Experience in drafting contracts;
• Master’s degree or equivalent and formal qualification to practice law (as an attorney or judge) in a NATO Member State.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please attach any documentation (proof of highest education, diplomas, certificates, testimonials etc.) that you consider to be particularly relevant to the qualification requirements specified in this advertisement.

CONTRACT

Serving civilian members of NATO will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

Newly recruited staff will be initially offered a definite duration contract of three years. Thereafter, an indefinite duration contract might be offered.

SALARY

Salary value indicated in this vacancy notice is based on NATO`s Single Salary Spine scale.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

• Excellent tax-free salary, including (where eligible) expatriation, family and children’s allowances and additional privileges for expatriate staff;
• Education allowance for children (where applicable) and an excellent private health insurance scheme;
• Generous annual leave and home leave (if eligible);
• Retirement Pension Plan.

TEST/INTERVIEW

Our recruitment team will provide further guidance for invited candidates.

IMPORTANT REMARK

Please note that due to the large volume of applications, the screening process may take up to 2 months after closing date. We appreciate your patience.