General Counsel
- Employer
- NATO Communications and Information Agency
- Location
- London
- Salary
- Competitive
- Posted
- Mar 31, 2023
- Closes
- Apr 03, 2023
- Practice
- Litigation
- Position
- Counsel
- Contract Type
- Permanent
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
VACANY NOTICE / AVIS DE VACANCE DE POSTE
General Counsel (230218)
Primary Location: London NATO Body: Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Schedule: Full–time Application Deadline: 26–Mar–2023 Salary (Pay Basis): 9,226.20Pound Sterling (GBP) Monthly Grade NATO Grade G22 Clearance Level NS
1. SUMMARY
The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is NATO's newest
body, comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and a management team – the
DIANA Executive (DX). From across the Alliance, DIANA will bring together
innovators and operational end users to foster a transatlantic ecosystem supporting
dual–use ground–breaking innovation in deep technologies.
Allied Heads of State and Government took the decision to create DIANA at the
NATO Summit 2021 to help the Alliance maintain its technological edge. DIANA is
now in the process of standing up, with the aim to reach initial operational capability
in 2023 and full operational capability in 2025. Once established, DIANA will
leverage a network of dozens of Allied Test Centres and Accelerator Sites to fulfil its
mission.
DIANA is an independent NATO body comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and
a management team – the DIANA Executive (DX). Operating out of regional offices in
Europe and in North America, the DX will carry out DIANA's mission: accelerating
deep tech, dual–use solutions to critical transatlantic challenges in defence and
security. The DX will use Challenge Programs in line with a strategic direction as the
primary vehicle to accomplish this mission.
The Legal Office of the DX, to be established and led by the General Counsel, is
responsible for the provision of advice and other legal services to the Managing
Director of DIANA, the DX, the Board of Directors, and, as appropriate, other NATO
bodies or Allied Nations.
The Legal Office will advise its clients on all legal matters – domestic and
international – impacting the responsibilities, functions, and other activities of DIANA.
The work covers a broad spectrum including matters of international law and the
privileges and immunities of DIANA, legal agreements with partner organizations,
potential litigation, and fast–paced commercial contracting with participating
innovators and sponsors of development and procurement programs.
The General Counsel will direct the Legal Office and the DX's legal personnel,
exercising initiative and creativity in her/his approach as a manager. She/he will act
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
as an advisor and counsellor for the Managing Director as part of their leadership
team.
The incumbent must ensure that the Legal Office is providing timely and effective
advice and legal services to support DIANA's flexible and agile approach to meeting
the needs of the Allied innovation ecosystem and future operational challenges. At
all times, s/he must ensure that the mandate and principles of the DIANA Charter are
upheld and reflected in DIANA's operational activities.
The General Counsel must be able to work independently to a wide and demanding
portfolio. S/he will also ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration with other
legal offices of NATO bodies.
Key challenges facing the successful candidate for this post during the next 2–3
years will include:
1. Standing up the Legal Office;
2. Support the Managing Director in the standing up of DIANA and its operational
framework to reach Full Operating Capability in 2025, including:
o Lead in the development of policies and procedures including, among others:
intellectual property rights (IPR), technology transfer, export controls, procurement
and financial regulations for DIANA's joint funded innovation activities;
o Negotiate and conclude legal agreements with DIANA affiliated accelerator sites
and test centers, enabling the smooth implementation of DIANA Challenge
Programmes. Support the DX staff in developing an agile model contract for
participating innovators;
3. Provide advice and legal services to accommodate the innovation, technical and
commercial elements necessary to make DIANA's challenge programs a success.
As part of the application process, candidates are expected to submit a Word or PDF
document no longer than two pages summarising their views on the key (and
possible other) challenges and how they would address them if selected for the
position.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
• possess a university degree in law from a recognised establishment and
professional legal qualifications and licenses as appropriate;
• have at least 8 years' legal experience;
• have at least 5 years of management experience, including extensive people
management and the capacity to lead, motivate and engage diverse and
multidisciplinary teams;
• have extensive experience working on international and commercial legal
matters, including within a technology/innovation ecosystem;
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
• possess excellent analytical skills and demonstrate the ability to produce high
quality legal advice on matters relating to technology/innovation;
• have a track record in: providing advice on governance, administrative, and
international law matters; dealing with multi–jurisdictional issues; negotiating and
drafting legal instruments; litigating before courts or tribunals; and helping run a legal
team.
• demonstrate resilience in managing a significant workload and the capacity to
remain calm under pressure;
• demonstrate excellent communication skills both orally and in writing and the
capacity to present complex issues in a concise and clear manner;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages
(English/French): V ("Advanced") in one; and I (Beginner) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
• experience working with an International Organisation, national authority or
similar context;
• knowledge of the laws of one or more of the Host Nations (the United Kingdom,
Canada, and Estonia);
• experience directly or indirectly overseeing a litigation workload and adopting a
litigation strategy;
• experience advising start–ups, accelerators, and/or systems integrators;
• familiarity with the strategic issues and security challenges facing the Alliance
and the Allied innovation ecosystem;
• a higher level of the second official language;
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Vision and Direction
Develop, communicate and implement a vision for the future development of the
Legal Office in conjunction with the Managing Director's vision and direction for the
DX and DIANA. Ensure common objectives for the short, mid–, and long–term are set
for the Legal Office team, ensuring that the vision guides its programme of work. Act
as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote flexibility, innovation, and
entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.
Expertise Development
Apply knowledge and experience to identify the legal implications/interpretation of
applicable rules and regulations as required. Follow major activities in the field of
international law and relevant national and commercial laws and regulations that
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
have a direct impact on assigned tasks, especially in the field of activities related to
those of the DX
Knowledge Management
Analyse the legal questions affecting the DIANA operation and mandate, including
applicable national and international law. Represent the LODX and DX, as required,
in the preparation and discussion of agreements, Memorandums of Understanding
(MOUs) or other legal documents to be concluded by DIANA. Supervise drafting of
legal texts, internal memorandums and other legal documents relevant to DX.
Stakeholder Management
Provide advice to the Managing Director, the BoD, and as appropriate, other senior
personnel on relevant legal issues. Assist, as required, in preparation for, or conduct,
the defence of the Organization before any internal or external Board/Tribunal.
Maintain and develop contacts NATO–wide, including with NATO member States, as
well as with external legal offices.
Representation of the Organization
Represent the Legal Office or, if appropriate, DIANA in meetings of relevant
Committees, Task Forces, Boards, Panels and Working Groups, as we ll as at
external seminars, conferences or gatherings. Represent DIANA as required in legal
cases or any other legal issues within the Organization, as well as vis–à–vis member
. click apply for full job details
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
VACANY NOTICE / AVIS DE VACANCE DE POSTE
General Counsel (230218)
Primary Location: London NATO Body: Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Schedule: Full–time Application Deadline: 26–Mar–2023 Salary (Pay Basis): 9,226.20Pound Sterling (GBP) Monthly Grade NATO Grade G22 Clearance Level NS
1. SUMMARY
The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is NATO's newest
body, comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and a management team – the
DIANA Executive (DX). From across the Alliance, DIANA will bring together
innovators and operational end users to foster a transatlantic ecosystem supporting
dual–use ground–breaking innovation in deep technologies.
Allied Heads of State and Government took the decision to create DIANA at the
NATO Summit 2021 to help the Alliance maintain its technological edge. DIANA is
now in the process of standing up, with the aim to reach initial operational capability
in 2023 and full operational capability in 2025. Once established, DIANA will
leverage a network of dozens of Allied Test Centres and Accelerator Sites to fulfil its
mission.
DIANA is an independent NATO body comprised of an Allied Board of Directors and
a management team – the DIANA Executive (DX). Operating out of regional offices in
Europe and in North America, the DX will carry out DIANA's mission: accelerating
deep tech, dual–use solutions to critical transatlantic challenges in defence and
security. The DX will use Challenge Programs in line with a strategic direction as the
primary vehicle to accomplish this mission.
The Legal Office of the DX, to be established and led by the General Counsel, is
responsible for the provision of advice and other legal services to the Managing
Director of DIANA, the DX, the Board of Directors, and, as appropriate, other NATO
bodies or Allied Nations.
The Legal Office will advise its clients on all legal matters – domestic and
international – impacting the responsibilities, functions, and other activities of DIANA.
The work covers a broad spectrum including matters of international law and the
privileges and immunities of DIANA, legal agreements with partner organizations,
potential litigation, and fast–paced commercial contracting with participating
innovators and sponsors of development and procurement programs.
The General Counsel will direct the Legal Office and the DX's legal personnel,
exercising initiative and creativity in her/his approach as a manager. She/he will act
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
as an advisor and counsellor for the Managing Director as part of their leadership
team.
The incumbent must ensure that the Legal Office is providing timely and effective
advice and legal services to support DIANA's flexible and agile approach to meeting
the needs of the Allied innovation ecosystem and future operational challenges. At
all times, s/he must ensure that the mandate and principles of the DIANA Charter are
upheld and reflected in DIANA's operational activities.
The General Counsel must be able to work independently to a wide and demanding
portfolio. S/he will also ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration with other
legal offices of NATO bodies.
Key challenges facing the successful candidate for this post during the next 2–3
years will include:
1. Standing up the Legal Office;
2. Support the Managing Director in the standing up of DIANA and its operational
framework to reach Full Operating Capability in 2025, including:
o Lead in the development of policies and procedures including, among others:
intellectual property rights (IPR), technology transfer, export controls, procurement
and financial regulations for DIANA's joint funded innovation activities;
o Negotiate and conclude legal agreements with DIANA affiliated accelerator sites
and test centers, enabling the smooth implementation of DIANA Challenge
Programmes. Support the DX staff in developing an agile model contract for
participating innovators;
3. Provide advice and legal services to accommodate the innovation, technical and
commercial elements necessary to make DIANA's challenge programs a success.
As part of the application process, candidates are expected to submit a Word or PDF
document no longer than two pages summarising their views on the key (and
possible other) challenges and how they would address them if selected for the
position.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
• possess a university degree in law from a recognised establishment and
professional legal qualifications and licenses as appropriate;
• have at least 8 years' legal experience;
• have at least 5 years of management experience, including extensive people
management and the capacity to lead, motivate and engage diverse and
multidisciplinary teams;
• have extensive experience working on international and commercial legal
matters, including within a technology/innovation ecosystem;
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
• possess excellent analytical skills and demonstrate the ability to produce high
quality legal advice on matters relating to technology/innovation;
• have a track record in: providing advice on governance, administrative, and
international law matters; dealing with multi–jurisdictional issues; negotiating and
drafting legal instruments; litigating before courts or tribunals; and helping run a legal
team.
• demonstrate resilience in managing a significant workload and the capacity to
remain calm under pressure;
• demonstrate excellent communication skills both orally and in writing and the
capacity to present complex issues in a concise and clear manner;
• possess the following minimum levels of NATO's official languages
(English/French): V ("Advanced") in one; and I (Beginner) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
• experience working with an International Organisation, national authority or
similar context;
• knowledge of the laws of one or more of the Host Nations (the United Kingdom,
Canada, and Estonia);
• experience directly or indirectly overseeing a litigation workload and adopting a
litigation strategy;
• experience advising start–ups, accelerators, and/or systems integrators;
• familiarity with the strategic issues and security challenges facing the Alliance
and the Allied innovation ecosystem;
• a higher level of the second official language;
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Vision and Direction
Develop, communicate and implement a vision for the future development of the
Legal Office in conjunction with the Managing Director's vision and direction for the
DX and DIANA. Ensure common objectives for the short, mid–, and long–term are set
for the Legal Office team, ensuring that the vision guides its programme of work. Act
as a role model of inclusive leadership and promote flexibility, innovation, and
entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.
Expertise Development
Apply knowledge and experience to identify the legal implications/interpretation of
applicable rules and regulations as required. Follow major activities in the field of
international law and relevant national and commercial laws and regulations that
NATO Headquarters Brussels – Belgium
Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
have a direct impact on assigned tasks, especially in the field of activities related to
those of the DX
Knowledge Management
Analyse the legal questions affecting the DIANA operation and mandate, including
applicable national and international law. Represent the LODX and DX, as required,
in the preparation and discussion of agreements, Memorandums of Understanding
(MOUs) or other legal documents to be concluded by DIANA. Supervise drafting of
legal texts, internal memorandums and other legal documents relevant to DX.
Stakeholder Management
Provide advice to the Managing Director, the BoD, and as appropriate, other senior
personnel on relevant legal issues. Assist, as required, in preparation for, or conduct,
the defence of the Organization before any internal or external Board/Tribunal.
Maintain and develop contacts NATO–wide, including with NATO member States, as
well as with external legal offices.
Representation of the Organization
Represent the Legal Office or, if appropriate, DIANA in meetings of relevant
Committees, Task Forces, Boards, Panels and Working Groups, as we ll as at
external seminars, conferences or gatherings. Represent DIANA as required in legal
cases or any other legal issues within the Organization, as well as vis–à–vis member
. click apply for full job details