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Legal Counsel
Legal Counsel Position at NATO DIANA
Key Details
Application Deadline: 08-Jul-2026, 10:59:00 PM Salary: £4,838.45 (Monthly) – Tax-Free NATO Grade: G11 - G15 Location: London (with flexible telework options and potential assignments in Estonia or Canada)
About NATO DIANA
NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is a NATO intergovernmental body dedicated to accelerating cutting-edge defence and security innovations across the Alliance. Operating in Europe and North America, it fosters deep-tech collaboration among 32 NATO nations through accelerator sites, military partnerships, and expert networks.
Prioritising diversity, innovation, and excellence, DIANA ensures a forward-thinking workplace where employees thrive in a dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
Overview of the Role
Position Title
Legal Counsel Reports to the General Counsel
Job Summary
The Legal Counsel plays a critical role in providing legal guidance and risk management across DIANA’s operations. This position ensures compliance with international, regulatory, and commercial laws, supports governance frameworks, and oversees data protection and information governance.
A reserve candidate may be considered for similar roles in Estonia or Canada, if required.
Key Responsibilities
Advice and Governance Support
- Deliver legal advice on international, public, regulatory, and commercial matters relevant to DIANA’s mission.
- Identify legal risks and propose mitigation strategies aligned with NATO frameworks and host nation regulations.
- Support the development, interpretation, and implementation of internal legal structures, policies, and governance frameworks.
Document Drafting & Review
- Draft and review legally binding documents (e.g., Memoranda of Understanding, contracts, policies) ensuring consistency with NATO and host nation compliance.
- Maintain and refine legal templates, guidance materials, and internal processes for consistent outputs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with DIANA teams, NATO stakeholders, and diplomatic partners to align legal operations with senior decision-making.
- Act as the primary legal liaison for matters concerning legal, regulatory, and commercial compliance.
Legal Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Monitor emerging legal developments (defence, tech, procurement, innovation) to assess implications.
- Oversee data protection and information governance, including documentation, compliance, and risk escalation of sensitive matters.
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Administrative & Organizational
- Perform additional relevant duties as assigned.
Role Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
The candidate must hold:
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A Bachelor’s degree in Law or a related field, verified by a nationally recognized university, with:
- 2+ years of post-graduate experience in legal matters, OR
- 6+ years of progressive non-legal experience compensating for lack of formal legal education.
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2+ years of experience in areas relevant to DIANA (e.g., public procurement, defence law, tech regulation, or international public law).
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2+ years providing autonomous legal advice under minimal supervision.
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Proven ability to draft clear, structured, legally accurate documents.
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Hands-on experience in data protection and information governance, including compliance reporting.
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Strong stakeholder engagement and storytelling (explaining legal concepts in plain language).
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Interpersonal skills aligned with multidisciplinary/international environments.
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Exceptional analytical, organisational, and time-management skills, with flexibility to prioritise tasks in fast-paced operations.
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NATO language proficiency requirements:
- Advanced (V) in one of NATO’s official languages (English/French).
- Beginner (I) in the other. Note: Most DIANA workflows are conducted in English.
Desirable Attributes
- Legal experience in innovative, tech-driven, or startup environments.
- Exposure to international/organisational commercial law (public, regulated, or cross-border contexts).
- Familiarity with the legal frameworks of United Kingdom, Canada, or Estonia (where applicable).
- Matching experience with NATO institutional policies.
Competencies
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Organisational awareness and ability to adapt to diverse working environments.
- Initiative-taking and ownership of responsibilities.
- Strong self-awareness and a learning mindset.
- Excellent customer service, prioritisation, and relationship-building skills.
Benefits & Opportunities
Compensation & Allowances (Tax-Free):
- Base monthly salary: £4,838.45
- Expatriate allowances (including housing, children’s facilities, and specific relocation benefits).
- Generous home leave for expat staff.
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Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing:
- Private health insurance scheme.
- NATO pension plan.
- 30 days annual leave (plus publicly approved holidays).
Environment & Growth:
- Smoke-free coworking spaces in London.
- Flexible work policies, supporting remote/guest assignments across NATO nations.
- Opportunities for language training, international mobility, and development.
Professional Commitment:
All personnel must uphold NATO’s Code of Conduct, adhering to core values: integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.
Contract & Security
The selected candidate will receive a definite-term contract of 3 years, renewable subject to performance.
-/Appointment is contingent on:
- Security clearance approved by the candidate’s home nation.
- NATO Medical Adviser’s medicalfile approvals.
Application & recruitment Process
Eligibility:
Applications are exclusively accepted from NATO nationals.
How to Apply:
- Submit through e-recruitment system only ([Review Application Instructions](link to be provided)).
- No email/social media submissions are considered.
Stageby-Stage Process:
- Online application.
- Pre-recorded audio interview (shortlisted candidates).
- Final assessments:
- Language proficiency test (verified via this reference).
- Written assessments.
- Panel interview.
Note: Final evaluations occur 8-10 weeks post-deadline.
Crucial Notes:
- NATO will not accept applications:
- Fully or partially created using AI chatbots/generative tools (e.g., GPT-4, ChatGPT).
- Should AI preparation be detected, applications will be immediately rejected.
Disability Access:
NATO actively fosters an inclusive work environment. Please notify DIANA during the process of any accommodation requirements, backed by medical documentation.
Diversity & Inclusion
NATO is committed to equity, parity, and accessibility:
- Promoting equal opportunities through hiring, promotion, and retention—regardless of gender, age, nationality, religion, cultural background, sexual orientation, disability, or virus conditions.
For more information on DIANA’s innovation agenda, operational insights, and culture: 🔗 Visit [DIANA’s Official Website].
© Copyright [NATO DIANA Organization Name] 2024
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