The ESM is the crisis resolution mechanism for euro area countries. The ESM issues debt instruments in order to finance loans and other forms of financial assistance to euro area Member States.
The decision leading to the creation of the ESM was taken by the European Council in December 2010. The euro area Member States signed an intergovernmental treaty establishing the ESM on 2 February 2012. The ESM was inaugurated on 8 October 2012 and is based in Luxembourg.
We are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join and strengthen our Commercial Legal and Procurement (CLP) team to assist the ESM Legal function in executing its deliverables. The CLP team is part of the wider Legal and Procurement division, led by the Head of Legal and Procurement within the General Counsel department.
This position involves, among other things, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts as well as providing legal advice on the ESM Procurement Policy and its procedures, and supporting the drafting of procurement-related documents from a legal perspective. In addition, the selected person will be expected to be available as an additional legal resource, within the limits of their professional competence, to other areas where the Legal division is engaged. More information on the ESM procurement function can be found on our dedicated Procurement webpage
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts from a legal point of view with external service providers and suppliers.
- Provide legal advice on the ESM Procurement Policy, review procurement documents from a legal point of view and provide legal support in the drafting of procurement-related documents
- Provide commercial legal advice to internal business clients, regarding the interpretation of contracts and procurement documents and any other legal aspects concerning commercial contracts and procurement matters.
- Apply internal policies and procedures applicable to commercial contracts and procurement processes.
- Conduct research, prepare memos, develop institutional knowledge, and remain informed on legal and regulatory matters and important trends that impact the procurement operations of the ESM.
- Collaborate closely with Procurement Officers and other colleagues in the team and across the ESM related to the above responsibilities.
- Handle administrative tasks related to the above responsibilities.
- University degree in law
- At least three years post bar admittance experience relevant for the position, preferably including professional experience in an international law firm, company, organisation, or body
- Fluent written and spoken English, and the ability to draft the highest quality legal documents in English
- Demonstrated ability to work with experienced professionals, either as internal or external clients
- A good practical understanding of commercial business matters
- Service-oriented, proactive team player
- Flexible attitude and ability to manage a variety of tasks
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills, including ability to explain legal matters and advice clearly and concisely to non-lawyers
- Good organisational skills and ability to work under pressure, set priorities, and meet deadlines
- Ability to work quickly and accurately with attention to detail
- Ability to understand and mediate between different perspectives
- Reliable and trustworthy, with a strong sense of ethics, discretion, and diplomacy
- Deadline for application: 26 April 2024
- Employment grade: Officer/Senior Officer
- Contract duration: Four years, with possibility of extension
- Place of employment: Luxembourg
- Current working arrangements: possibility to work remotely, usually up to two days a week, from Luxembourg and the border region (or from further away under certain conditions).
The ESM aims to provide equal opportunity to all candidates irrespective of their gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or disability. To further enhance the diversity of our workforce, we particularly encourage women to apply.
Note 1: The ESM reserves the right to refrain from hiring, or to slightly modify job responsibilities, as needed.
Note 2: As a result of the selection process, please note that you may be placed on a ‘reserve list’ valid for a duration of six months during which you might be considered for a similar position with a similar level of requirements. Only those candidates who have been notified will be placed on the ‘reserve list’. After this period, you will need to apply again for our vacancies to be considered for a different selection process.
