Director of Legal Affairs - uni

Director of Legal Affairs - uni

Job description

The University of Geneva (UNIGE), founded in 1559, is one of the leading European universities. A public reference institution, it brings together nearly 18,300 students, more than 6,500 collaborators, as well as 9 faculties and 13 interfaculty centres and institutes. It develops its activities around three fundamental missions: higher education, scientific research and service to society.
The Legal Affairs Service advises the Rectorate, administrative services, University bodies and all its collaborators on legal matters. Its lawyers support the institution in negotiating and drafting contracts, agreements and collaboration accords. They also contribute to the development and revision of laws, regulations, directives and study regulations that govern the functioning of the University. The service issues legal opinions and ensures the legal compliance of institutional projects and decisions. It also represents the University in judicial proceedings and supervises disciplinary procedures as well as grievance processes. Through its expertise, it guarantees legal security and supports the governance of the institution.

The Director of the Legal Affairs Service ensures the strategic and operational management of the service, while guaranteeing the quality and legal security of the University’s activities. He or she advises the Rectorate on sensitive files and represents the institution’s interests with its partners and competent authorities and is responsible for the following tasks:

a) Strategic orientation in the legal field on various general and specific topics;
b) Management of the Legal Affairs Service according to the institutional strategic plan;
c) Official legal reference and quality control of the service;
d) Legal advice to the Rector and Rectorate, risk assessment for the institution;
e) Representation of UNIGE in various commissions and working groups as well as before judicial bodies;
f) Management of the legal team;
g) Steering legislative and regulatory developments;
h) Maintaining coherence and updating of the normative framework.

Required title and skills

Education and experience:

- University Master’s degree in law and bar admission
- Training in project management, organisational management, training
- 7 to 10 years of experience in a role with equivalent responsibilities
- Proven experience in managerial management implementation
- Knowledge of the public sector and academic environment is an asset

Key skills:

- High-level legal and strategic advice
- Negotiation, mediation and crisis management
- Legal expertise and mastery of the legal framework
- Understanding of governance and institutional decision-making process
- Strategic vision and political intelligence of the institution

Languages:

- French (C2)
- English (C1-2)
- German (B2)

Start date

1 March 2027 or to be agreed

Contact

Further information can be obtained from Mr Beukelaers: geoffrey.beukelaers@unige.ch

Additional information

In order to respect the environment and optimise the processing time of your application, your file (curriculum vitae, cover letter, copies of diplomas and work certificates, list of publications) must be submitted exclusively online by clicking on the button below "Apply now".

Paper applications are not accepted.

This is a permanent contract under DIP.

The University of Geneva offers motivating employment conditions in a stimulating working environment. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills and personality and actively contribute to the reputation of an institution founded in 1559.

From a parity perspective, the University encourages applications from the underrepresented sex.