Listed on Orbital Diplomat 25 Sept 2026
ESA's Legal Services Department provides a broad range of legal services and advice across the Agency's activities and programmes, with expertise spanning public international law, European law, the national laws of ESA Member States, civil service law, litigation and arbitration, intellectual property, and export control. The Institutional Law Division, within the Directorate of Strategy, Legal and External Matters, handles the foundational legal architecture underpinning ESA's operations as an international organisation. This Legal Officer position is embedded within the Institutional Law Division under the direct authority of its Head, working alongside a team of skilled lawyers in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment. Responsibilities include providing legal advice on public international law and relevant national laws — including on security matters — drafting and negotiating legal instruments and working documents, advising on ESA's regulations and their implementation, and providing legal support to internal Agency committees and boards. For space law practitioners with backgrounds in public international law or the law of international organisations, this is one of the most substantive entry-level legal positions available at a major European space institution. The initial appointment is 4 years, extendable to a maximum of 8 years. ESA Member State nationality required; the post may be filled at A1 if the selected candidate has fewer than four years of relevant post-master's experience.
Master's degree in law, public international law, or administrative law At least 2 years of relevant legal experience, preferably in an international organisation, public administration, or private practice in an international context Knowledge of public international law, EU law, and/or relevant national laws Ability to draft and review legal submissions on complex issues and conduct thorough legal research independently Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment Good knowledge of English or French (ESA working languages); additional Member State language an asset Nationality of an ESA Member State required Qualification for admission to the Bar in a national jurisdiction an asset