Orbital Diplomat · NGO/IGO · Law
Legal Officer (VN 26/22)
EUMETSAT
| Location | Darmstadt, Germany |
| Contract | Full-time |
| Salary | EUR 7,553/month minimum net basic salary (grade A2/A4), negotiable |
| Deadline | 2026-05-13 |
EUMETSAT is Europe's meteorological satellite agency, operating as an intergovernmental organisation with 30 Member States. It establishes and operates satellites for continuous weather and climate monitoring and manages several Copernicus missions on behalf of the European Union, supplying data to national meteorological and hydrological services and global users around the clock.
This Legal Officer position sits within the Legal Affairs Division of the Administration Department, whose mandate is to provide legal advice and services to the Organisation and to EUMETSAT's Delegate Bodies — the intergovernmental governance structures composed of Member State representatives. The postholder reports directly to the Head of Division and works across a broad portfolio of institutional and civil service law matters.
Key responsibilities include advising on international civil service law and human resources matters, managing complaints and appeals proceedings before the EUMETSAT Appeals Board and other judicial institutions, drafting and negotiating agreements with international partners, advising on data protection in the HR context, and representing EUMETSAT at relevant intergovernmental committees including meetings of the Coordinated Organisations. The role offers sustained engagement with the legal architecture underpinning a major European space and meteorological institution. The initial contract is four years, with subsequent five-year renewals possible up to retirement age.
Requirements
Advanced university degree in law, preferably with specialisation in labour law, European law, or public international law
At least 5 years of experience in a legal function within an international organisation
Proven expertise in international civil service law, data protection, and the law of international organisations
Excellent legal drafting skills including legal opinions and institutional documentation
Fluency in English with strong drafting ability (mandatory); fluency in French a strong asset
Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, diplomacy, and ability to manage a heavy and varied workload
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Posted on Orbital Diplomat — Careers for professionals of space law, policy, diplomacy and governance.