General Counsel

The BICES Group Executive (BGX) a NATO entity is the executive body of the BICES Group (BG). The BG exists to enable the sharing and exchange of Intelligence and Information between and amongst the NATO nations with NATO and with other non-NATO nations and Organizations.

Under the leadership of the Director BGX is comprised of four key pillars:

• Intelligence and Enterprise Services (IES) Division;
• Programmes Engineering and Maintenance (PEM) Division;
• Operations and Security Services (OSS) Division;
• Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Cell.

The General Counsel reports directly to the BGX Director and provides legal advice and services to the Director Board of Directors and as appropriate other BGX governance bodies NATO entities and Allied Nations. This is a newly established position within the organization approved by the Board of Directors during the 54th Meeting of the BOD in Stockholm 28-30 October 2025. As such the incumbent will be required to develop/establish the inaugural Terms of Reference for the post in coordination with the Director.

The General Counsel advises on all legal matters domestic and international that affect the responsibilities functions and activities of BGX and the BICES Group. This includes:

• International law;
• Personnel and HR-related legal issues;
• Agreements with nations and partner organizations;
• Litigation (including staff-related matters);
• Commercial contracting in support of procurement programs.

As the lead legal advisor the General Counsel demonstrates initiative strategic thinking and creativity. They ensure timely effective legal counsel that supports BGXs agile and forward-looking operational approach and provide guidance to BGX staff as needed.

The General Counsel must uphold the principles of the BGX Charter and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ensuring they are reflected in all operational activities policies and procedures. They are expected to work independently across a broad and demanding portfolio while coordinating closely with legal offices across NATO.

The General Counsel will serve as the primary lead on all legal matters demonstrating initiative strategic thinking and creativity. She/he will act as an advisor and counsellor for the BGX Director ensuring the provision of timely effective legal counsel that supports BGXs agile and forward-looking operational approach. The incumbent will also advise BGX staff as appropriate.

The General Counsel is expected to provide timely and effective advice and legal services to support BGXs ability to meeting the needs of the future operational challenges. At all times s/he must ensure that the mandate and principles of the BGX Charter and MOU are upheld and reflected in BGXs operational activities policies and procedures.

The General Counsel must be able to work independently on a wide and demanding portfolio. S/he will also ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration with other legal offices of NATO bodies.

AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

The incumbent must possess:

• A university degree in law from a recognized institution complemented by relevant professional legal qualifications and licenses;
• A minimum of 8 years of legal experience;
• At least 5 years of experience working in an international environment supporting a diverse workforce and multidisciplinary organization;
• Extensive expertise in international law with additional experience in human resources-related legal matters;
• Excellent analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality legal advice;
• Proven ability to advise on governance administrative and international legal matters; skill in navigating multi-jurisdictional issues negotiating and drafting legal instruments and representing clients in litigation before courts or tribunals;
• Demonstrated resilience in managing demanding workloads and maintaining composure under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and concisely;
• Proficiency in NATOs official languages: minimum level V (Advanced) in English and level I (Beginner) in French.

Desirable:

The following would be considered an advantage:

• Experience working within NATO organizations national authorities or comparable environments;
• Knowledge of Belgian law;
• Experience overseeing litigation portfolios and developing litigation strategies;
• Familiarity with strategic issues and security challenges relevant to the Alliance.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Vision and Direction:
Develop communicate and implement a vision aligned with BGXs strategic direction and the broader mission of the BICES Group. Ensure common objectives for the short mid- and long-term are established and integrated into BGXs programme of work.

Expertise Development:
Apply legal expertise to identify interpret and assess the legal implications of applicable rules regulations and legal frameworks. Monitor developments in international law and relevant national and commercial laws and regulations that impact BGXs mandate and operations.

Knowledge Management:
Analyze the legal issues affecting BGX operations and mandate including national and international law. Represent the BGX in the preparation and negotiation of agreements Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) Memorandum of Agreement (MOAs) or other legal documents. Supervise drafting of legal texts internal memoranda and other legal documents relevant to BGX.

Stakeholder Management:
Provide legal counsel to the Director the Board of Directors and other senior personnel as appropriate. Support BGX in preparing for or conducting legal defenses before internal or external boards or tribunals. Maintain and strengthen relationships across NATO including with BICES Participants Associate Participant States and external legal offices.

Representation of the Organization:
Represent BGX in meetings of relevant Committees Task Forces Boards Panels and Working Groups as well as at external seminars conferences or gatherings. Represent BGX in legal cases and other legal issues within BGX as well in interactions with member nations.

Policy Development:
Develop policies to support BGXs objectives and anticipate the legal implications of policy decisions.

Project Management :
Prepare and contribute to project work. Assume accountability and drive projects and initiatives to completion. Find timely and creative solutions to problems that meet client and Organizational needs and priorities.

Perform any other duty as required.

Reports directly to the Director. Collaborates closely with NATO legal offices including the NATO Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) and NATO Office of Security. Represents BGX externally to member nations and stakeholders.

Direct Reports: none
Indirect Reports: none.

The incumbent will demonstrate:

• Analytical Thinking: breaks down problems sees multiple relationships; makes complex plans or analyses.
• Clarity and Accuracy: shows general concern for order and clarity; monitors others work for clarity.
• Customer Service Orientation: Mmakes things better for the customer addressing underlying customer needs.
• Flexibility: has the ability to adopt and to work effectively with a variety of situations adapting ones approach as the requirements of a situation change and initiating organizational changes. Acts with flexibility adapts to unforeseen situations and adapts own strategy.
• Impact and Influence: has the ability to persuade or convince others to get their support. Takes multiple actions to persuade; uses indirect influence; uses complex influence strategies.
• Initiative: takes action to address a current or future problem obstacle or opportunity.
• Leadership: assumes the role of leader. Keeps people informed; promotes team effectiveness; communicates clearly and effectively.
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking: has passion purpose and an attitude that actively seeks change embraces critical thinking and questioning innovation and continuous improvement.

6. CONTRACT