General Counsel

The General Counsel provides legal advice and services to the BGX Director, Board of Directors, and other governance bodies within the BICES Group. This newly established position involves advising on international law, HR-related legal issues, agreements, litigation, and commercial contracting, ensuring legal compliance and supporting BGX's operational approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop, communicate and implement a vision aligned with BGX’s strategic direction and the broader mission of the BICES Group
• Apply legal expertise to identify, interpret and assess the legal implications of applicable rules, regulations, and legal frameworks
• Monitor developments in international law and relevant national and commercial laws and regulations that impact BGX’s mandate and operations
• Analyze the legal issues affecting BGX operations and mandate, including national and international law
• Represent the BGX in the preparation and negotiation of agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Memorandum of Agreement (MOAs) or other legal documents
• Supervise drafting of legal texts, internal memoranda and other legal documents relevant to BGX
• Provide legal counsel to the Director, the Board of Directors, and other senior personnel as appropriate
• Support BGX in preparing for, or conducting, legal defenses before internal or external boards or tribunals
• Maintain and strengthen relationships across NATO, including with BICES Participants, Associate Participant States, and external legal offices
• 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 that meet client and Organizational needs and priorities
• Perform any other duty as required

Requirements

• A university degree in law from a recognized institution, complemented by relevant professional legal qualifications and licenses
• 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
• Excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality legal advice
• 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
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely
• Proficiency in NATO’s official languages: minimum level V (“Advanced”) in English and level I (Beginner) in French
• Experience working within NATO organizations, national authorities, or comparable environments (desirable)
• Knowledge of Belgian law (desirable)
• Experience overseeing litigation portfolios and developing litigation strategies (desirable)
• Familiarity with strategic issues and security challenges relevant to the Alliance (desirable)

Skills

• International Law
• Human Resources Law
• Legal Advice
• Governance Legal Advice
• Administrative Law
• Multi-jurisdictional Legal Issues
• Legal Negotiation
• Legal Drafting
• Litigation Representation
• Legal Compliance
• Legal Risk Management
• Legal Research
• Legal Strategy Formulation
• Contract Law
• Legal Document Drafting
• Legal Analysis
• Legal Communication
• Litigation Portfolio Management
• Legal Workload Management

Languages

English, French