Deadline for application: 7 September 2026. We are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to strengthen the Commercial Legal and Procurement team of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The team’s mission is to ensure the ESM has the facilities, goods, and services it needs to deliver on its mandate, in line with the institution’s procurement and outsourcing policies. This position involves, among other things, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts and providing legal advice on the ESM procurement policy and its procedures, as well as providing legal advice on the drafting of procurement-related documents.
As an international organisation, the ESM conducts procurement procedures in accordance with its policies and is committed to respecting the general principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment, and non-discrimination. More information can be found on our dedicated Procurement webpage
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial contracts from a legal point of view with external service providers and suppliers.
Provide robust legal advice on the ESM procurement policy, legally review tender documentation, and provide legal support in the drafting of other procurement-related documents.
Provide commercial legal advice to internal business clients on 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.
KEY BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in law (or equivalent).
Qualified to practise law, including through admission to the bar or equivalent professional legal qualification, in a European Union Member State, European Economic Area country, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, or another relevant jurisdiction.
At least five years of experience relevant for the position, preferably including professional experience in an international law firm, company, organisation, or body.
Strong understanding of commercial legal and business matters; experience in information technology (IT) and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) is an advantage.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders, manage complex assignments and projects largely independently, and provide clear, pragmatic, and business-oriented advice to senior management.
Fluency in English, with the ability to draft the highest quality legal documents in English.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Service-oriented and proactive team player
Flexible attitude and ability to manage a variety of tasks
Good analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent 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
Capability to work quickly and accurately with attention to detail
Strong digital literacy and IT skills, including proficiency with modern workplace technologies; experience in using AI tools to enhance productivity, efficiency and innovation is an advantage
Ability to understand and mediate between different perspectives
Reliable and trustworthy, with a strong sense of ethics, discretion, and diplomacy
APPLICATION PROCESS AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Deadline for application: 7 September 2026
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.
The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is the permanent crisis resolution mechanism for euro area countries. It provides financial assistance to Members facing financing difficulties. To date, the ESM and its predecessor organisation, the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), have launched six financial assistance programmes to five countries, provided financial support, monitored repayment capacity, and engaged with partner institutions for programme design in areas of financial interest.
The ESM is a unique place to work with around 230 individuals committed to making a difference to the future of the euro area. It recruits talented professionals of any nationality from both the private and public sectors. The ESM’s senior management is committed to preserving and enhancing a diverse, inclusive recruitment and work environment.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralised body of the European Union with headquarters in Amsterdam. Its main responsibility is the protection and promotion of public and animal health, through the evaluation and supervision of medicines for human and veterinary use.
