Overview
The Assistant Legal Advisor provides expert legal advice and technical guidance to various NATO bodies on external and internal legal and policy matters, including international law, operational law, and administrative law.
Key Responsibilities
- Supports all legal aspects of the IMS work in support of the MC, including DGIMS, CMC, DCMC and all IMS Divisions and Offices.
- Conducts research on legal issues relevant to IMS LEGAD in the areas of, but not limited to, customary international law, related to the law of armed conflict, operational and institutional law issues.
- Supports the review of operational plans, Rules of Engagement, Use of Force in NATO Missions, in line with NATO’s full Defence and Deterrence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA) Implementation.
- Supports the drafting of NATO policies with legal implications related to ongoing work-strands in line with NATO’s Strategic Concept and NATO 2030 Agenda.
- Prepares legal briefs and background papers on all topics of interest to IMS LEGAD, included but not limited to, international, operational and administrative/institutional law issues.
- Interprets and analyses existing international agreements (e.g., Ottawa Agreement, Paris Protocol, NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)), directives and regulations.
- Supports Military Committee Working Groups (MCWGs) as IMS LEGAD Representation when required.
- Assists in preparation and execution of legal support to various NATO exercises.
- Performs any other tasks necessary to the well-functioning of the Office in support of all IMS LEGAD Members, including surge administrative support when needed.
- Contributes to bettering legal coordination across the NATO Enterprise by conferring with other NATO legal offices.
- As directed by LEGAD or Deputy LEGAD, advises DGIMS on all legal aspects of his authorities and administrative responsibilities as Head of NATO Body.
- Supports the provision of legal advice pertaining to the IMS presence in the Host Nation, including: staff-generated questions, studies and proposals, and/or actions of boards and committees, contracts and purchasing issues.
- Supports the provision of legal advice pertaining to IMS civilian personnel disciplinary issues and personnel complaints at all levels, in close cooperation with the IMS Civilian Human Resources Office, as necessary.
- Supports the LEGAD and Deputy LEGAD when representing the IMS before the NATO Administrative Tribunal, as required.
Required Experience
A minimum of four years’ working experience as an assistant legal advisor for an international organization or an international law firm. Possess an in-depth understanding of international law and the Law of the Armed Conflict. Proven knowledge of research techniques, including familiarity with computerized databases (e.g. Lexis). Proven ability to draft legal memoranda to summarize issues and suggest recommendations from both a military and civilian perspective and to brief in written and verbal format. Possess an excellent knowledge of the field of security and defense as it relates to NATO. Previous work experience in a military environment. In-depth understanding of current geopolitical dynamics. In-depth understanding of Law of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement. Knowledge of Belgian (Host Nation) law.
Qualifications
Master level University Degree in Law, with a specialization in Public International Law or related discipline. Qualification to practice as a lawyer.
