Head of Financial and Institutional Law

ESM - European Stability Mechanism

. Manage the Financial and Institutional Law division within the General Counsel department .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeLuxembourg • LuxembourgLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive legal expertise in Financial and Institutional Law, with a strong understanding of EU law and international financial institutions. Proven ability to manage diverse teams, provide strategic legal advice, and navigate complex regulatory environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualified Lawyer In EU Jurisdiction15 Years Relevant ExperiencePeople Management ExperienceLegal Drafting And Review SkillsUnderstanding Of EU Law

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal DraftingFinancial Operations KnowledgeRegulatory ComplianceConflict ResolutionInternational Administrative LawSovereign LendingInvestment TransactionsBond IssuancesDerivatives TransactionsGovernance Architecture

Soft Skills

Team MotivationStrategic ThinkingCommunication SkillsProblem SolvingStakeholder Management

Tools & Technologies

Artificial Intelligence Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's Degree Or EquivalentPhD

Industry Keywords

Financial MarketsEU Financial RegulatorInternational OrganisationEconomic And Monetary UnionBanking UnionFinancial Services RegulationEU Supervisory FrameworksLuxembourg-Law Special Purpose VehiclesEFSFESM

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the Financial and Institutional Law division within the General Counsel department
Provide operational support and strategic advice to the General Counsel and act as deputy General Counsel when needed
Manage four practice areas: capital markets, lending and banking, international civil service law, and institutional affairs
Develop strategies and support decision-making on funding, investment, banking and lending operations, regulatory, institutional and corporate issues, internal governance and risk management, international civil service matters, internal justice, and staff litigation
Coordinate and oversee development, review, and optimisation of the legal framework for ESM and EFSF activities
Coordinate and oversee projects involving the Financial and Institutional Law Division
Provide proactive, solution-oriented support to internal stakeholders while maintaining legal certainty and mitigating legal risk
Support management of the General Counsel department and legal aspects of EFSF and ESM activities
Manage and develop the team inclusively in line with ESM values and behaviours
Maintain team motivation and an appropriate balance of competencies and resources
Ensure staff recruitment and retention, optimise individual and collective performance, and address workplace issues
Conduct research and monitor legal matters and significant trends affecting ESM and EFSF operations
Maintain relationships with key external stakeholders
Supervise external service providers, including law firms and other third parties
Coordinate ESM outreach on legal policymaking
Represent the General Counsel department in internal meetings and the ESM at public events and other forums

Requirements

What you’ll need

Qualified lawyer in an EU jurisdiction with a master’s degree (or equivalent) or PhD
At least 15 years of relevant experience at a law firm, financial institution, bank, national and/or EU financial regulator, or international organisation working in the financial markets
Ideally, a minimum of five years in a similar role and level of responsibilities
At least five years of professional experience in a people management role, including motivating, inspiring, and developing diverse and multicultural teams
Good practical understanding of economics and finance, evidenced by relevant work experience
Ability to work with experienced finance or economics professionals
Very good legal drafting and review skills, supported by substantial experience
Strong understanding of the legal and governance architecture of treaty-based international financial institutions and Luxembourg-law special purpose vehicles
Knowledge of decision-making and approval processes and related national constitutional and parliamentary requirements
Knowledge and experience of international organisations’ financial operations, including sovereign lending, investment transactions, borrowing operations, bond issuances, and derivatives transactions
Strong understanding of EU law, particularly Economic and Monetary Union, banking union, financial services regulation, EU supervisory and resolution frameworks, and the EU budget and related funds and financial instruments
Knowledge and experience in international administrative and employment law, conflict resolution, and/or redress mechanisms involving international organisations
Good understanding of artificial intelligence and its application to legal services
Experience with, or demonstrated awareness of, effective and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools within legal teams, including legal, governance, and confidentiality considerations
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including drafting contractual provisions and technical papers
Any other language skills are considered an asset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Possibility to work remotely, usually up to two days a week, from Luxembourg and the border region (or from further away under certain conditions)
Five-year fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension
Equal opportunity irrespective of gender, nationality, age, race, culture, education, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability
Diverse and inclusive recruitment and work environment