Legal Executive Officer

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is a strategic military headquarters. Its role is to prepare, plan, conduct and execute NATO military operations, missions and tasks in order to achieve the strategic objectives of the Alliance. As such, it contributes to the deterrence of aggression and the preservation of peace, security, and the territorial integrity of Alliance. SHAPE supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic- Council.

Within SHAPE, the Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) is responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to SACEUR, SHAPE staff, and the Legal Advisors of subordinated HQs in all relevant matters.

The Legal Executive Officer (LEXO)'s duties are:

• Executes the everyday management of the legal division and coordinates the work programme of the Division on behalf of the ACO Legal Advisor, issuing directions in this respect. Takes action, as required, on tasking and other assignments, coordinating with the OLA branch heads and other elements of OLA as appropriate.
• Manages the day-to-day operations and optimizes administrative processes of OLA. Ensures all deliverables are accurate and submitted consistently with deadlines, contributing to informed decision-making and strategic planning.
• Provides comprehensive support to the ACO Legal Advisor. Prepares briefing materials, conducts research, and drafts documents needed for meetings.
• Facilitates effective communication and coordination between the legal office and the Command Group and with other departments and commands within NATO. Facilitates the flow of direction and guidance from the ACO Legal Advisor to the OLA team and other legal offices. Attends and contributes to meetings, ensuring that legal office considerations are appropriately represented and addressed. Represents the ACO Legal Advisor in Boards, Meetings, or Committees.
• Assists the ACO Legal Advisor in executing Command Group orders, directives, and security regulations, guiding the team and ensuring enforcement and compliance across OLA members as necessary.
• Reviews all outgoing correspondence for quality and compliance with applicable directives and policies.
• Serves as or supervises the Divisional Security Officer and Fund Manager.Manages the computer and information systems and records management contractors to ensure effective performance, compliance, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Ensures the proper archiving, classification, secure storage, and retrieval of all records in compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and document retention standards. Enables the use of the ACO Central Repository for International Agreements and other legal reference materials by SHAPE staff and ACO HQs.
• As tasked by the Director OLA, assists in handling legal matters within the office, supporting the Director OLA and the branch heads by investigating and examining relevant facts and legal questions, and providing recommendations for resolution.
• Drafts legal correspondence, directives, standard operating procedures, terms of reference, briefings, and other matters.
• Leads and optimizes ongoing projects, aligning stakeholder priorities, managing budgets, and driving innovation through effective implementation.

Supervisory Duties:

• Supervises the OLA civilian and military personnel responsible for supporting the above functions.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional Experience

• Previous experience in a coordination office/front office of an executive or general/flag officer official.
• Previous managerial experience in a military headquarters or international organization.

b. Education/Training

University Degree in law or related discipline (e.g. business administration) or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

NATO Grade 15

Basic Monthly Salary (12 x per year): 6,713.06 €, tax free

The deadline to apply is on Wednesday 07 October 2026.