Head of Legal Unit - European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems (AD10, Tallinn)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Lead and manage the Legal Unit, fostering a high-performance culture based on engagement, empowerment, and accountability
• Lead Agency's legal function, ensuring alignment with its mandate, objectives and values
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks, ensuring timely escalation and informed decision-making
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior management
• Strengthen corporate governance and decision-making processes
• Provide legal advice on the interpretation and application of the Agency's legal framework
• Ensure compliance with applicable EU law, including emerging regulatory frameworks
• Represent the Agency in judicial and administrative proceedings

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: University degree in the field of law; completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is four years or more, or at least three years with appropriate professional experience of at least one year
• Experience: At least twelve (12) years of proven full-time professional experience relevant to the duties after the award of the qualification certifying the completion of studies; at least two (2) years of post-graduate management experience relevant to the position, with sound evidence of staff management, budget responsibility, and organisational impact
• Languages: one of the 24 EU official languages (C1), another EU official language (B2)
• Key skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams, Ability to shape the strategic direction and vision for the Legal Unit, Extensive experience in legal matters similar to the duties outlined, Experience in staff matters, complaints and disciplinary proceedings, procurement and contract matters, Knowledge of EU law and emerging regulatory frameworks such as the Artificial Intelligence Act
• Eligibility: National of one of the EU Member States or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland; enjoy full rights as a citizen; produce appropriate character requirements; physically fit to perform duties; fulfilled any obligations imposed by laws concerning military service; SECRET UE/EU SECRET level security clearance required

Selection process

The notice describes the following selection steps:

• Assessment against leadership abilities criteria
• Assessment against experience and knowledge criteria
• Assessment against education criteria
• Assessment against language criteria

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: Initial contract of 5 years subject to renewal.

Working arrangements: Hybrid working arrangements – Permanent relocation required; Place of Employment: Tallinn (Estonia).

Hiring unit: Legal Unit.

Position details

Reference

228

Last Verified

7 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Head of Legal Unit at eu-LISA based in Tallinn at the AD10 grade level (Temporary Agent). The vacancy reference is 228.

About the Agency

We are eu -LISA, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large -Scale IT Systems in the

Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. We help implement the European Union’s policies by designing,

developing, and operating large -scale information systems in internal security, border management, and judicial

cooperation.

Our teams develop and manage the technological architecture of the Schengen area and the EU justice domain.

By equipping law enforcement and border management operators and juridical practitioners with cutting -edge

technological infrastructure, we help ens ure security and justice for citizens.

With a workforce of more than 24 nationalities, eu -LISA embraces an international work environment and values

collaboration among colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Join us to become part of our organisational culture

that fosters inclusivity and diversi ty. Our belief is 'Together as one, we are making it happen'. We want our people

to feel respected, valued and empowered.

Please visit our website and discover more about eu -LISA’s core activities.

> 1Date of publication: 07 August 202 6

Unit Legal Unit

Contract Duration Initial contract of 5 years subject to renewal

Function Group/Grade AD10 (Temporary Staff)

Place of Employment Tallinn (Estonia)

Working model Hybrid working arrangements – Permanent relocation require d

Level of Security Clearance SECRET UE/EU SEC RET

Deadline for Application 05 October 202 61 12:59 pm Tallinn time / 11:59 am Strasbourg time

Validity of the Reserve List 31 December 2029

VACANCY NOTICE –

Head of Legal Unit (AD 10 )

Ref. eu -LISA/2 6/TA/ AD 10 /10 .1 2

> European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large -Scale > IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice > Vesilennuki 5, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

www.eulisa.europa.eu

About the unit

The Legal Unit delivers comprehensive legal counsel services and oversees all legal matters to ensure

compliance with the applicable regulatory framework , while safeguarding the Agency's interests and reputation

as a trusted and reliable partner.

In this role, the Unit provides high -quality legal expertise across a broad range of areas , including staff matters,

complaints and disciplinary proceedings, procurement and contract matters (including legal due diligence) , public

access to documents while review ing legal documents and agreements. It also advises on compliance with EU

law, including emerging frameworks such as the Artificial Intelligence Act, and the operational and regulatory

aspects of the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs information systems.

The Unit further contributes by drafting legal acts , decisions, and agreement, managing complaints and inquiries,

and representing the Agency in legal proceedings before the EU or national courts , in coordination with relevant

stakeholders . It also supports the Agency’s document management framework and monitors legal developments

and case law to mitigate legal and reputational risks.

About the job

As Head of the Legal Unit, report ing to the Deputy Executive Director and serving as a member of the

organisation’s management team , you will play a pivotal strategic and operational leadership role in ensuring that

the Agency’s activities comply with its legal obligations. You will ensure that legal services are aligned with

organisational priorities, supporting the Agency’s operational excellence and long -term transformation.

In this capacity, you will position legal services as a key enabler of the Agency’s mandate, driving efficiency,

innovation, and high -quality , while strengthening the organisation’s ability to respond effectively to stakeholder

needs.

Your tasks will include a wide range of responsibilities that extend beyond the following list:

• Lead and manage the Legal Unit , fostering a high -performance culture based on engagement,

empowerment, and accountabilit y, while ensuring effective staff development through regular feedback,

coaching, and mentoring.

• Lead Agency’s legal function , ensuring alignment with its mandate , objectives and values, and

establishing clear governance , accountability and quality standards across all legal processes .

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks , ensuring timely escalation and informed decision -making by

senior management, and promoting a proactive, risk -based approach across the organisation.

• Act as a strategic advisor to senior management , supporting sound decision -making and ensuring legally

robust interactions with institutional counterparts (e.g. EU institutions, Member States ), and external

stakeholders .

• Strengthen corporate governance and decision -making processes , including support to the Executive

Director and Management Board, ensuring compliance with applicable legal and procedural

requirements.

• Provide legal advice on the interpretation and application of the Agency’s legal framework and on its

regulatory and operational activities, including procurement, staff and administrative matters, and the

legal aspects of large -scale Justice and Home Affairs information systems, ensuring consistency and

legal robustness. 3

> European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large -Scale > IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice > Vesilennuki 5, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

www.eulisa.europa.eu

• Ensure compliance with applicable EU law, including emerging regulatory frameworks (e.g. the Artificial

Intelligence Act), and monitor legal developments, case law, and guidance from oversight bodies to

anticipate risks and advise on their impact.

• Represent the Agency in judicial and administrative proceedings , including before the Court of Justice of

the European Union, and oversee disputes, complaints, and pre -litigation procedures in coordination with

relevant stakeholders.

• Oversee transparency and accountability frameworks, including public access to documents, and

contribute to the governance of the Agency’s document management function.

• Drive the continuous improvement and digitalisation of legal services, enhancing efficiency, consistency,

and responsiveness to organisational needs.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for recruitment and selection, you need to meet the following formal criteria, which need to be

fulfilled by the deadline for application:

General conditions

1. You are national of one of the EU Member States or Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland 2 and

you enjoy full rights as a citizen 3.

2. You produce the appropriate character requirements for the duties involved .

3. You are physically fit to perform your duties 4.

4. You have fulfilled any obligations imposed on you by the laws concerning military service .

Education

5. You have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma

when the normal period of university education is four years or more,

or

You have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma

when the normal period of university education is least three years or more and appropriate

professional experience of at least one year .

Only qualifications awarded in an EU Member State or that are subject to an equivalence certificate issued by an

authority in a said EU Member State shall be taken into consideration .

> 2Appointment of a candidate from countries associated with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acq uis > and with Dublin -and Eurodac -related measures is subject to the conclusion of the arrangements defined in article 42 of the eu -LISA > regulation. > 3Prior to an appointment, the successful candidate will be asked to provide a certificate of absence of any criminal record is sued by > the competent authority. > 4Prior to an appointment, the successful candidate shall be medically examined by a selected medical service in order that the > Agency may be satisfied that they fulfil the requirement of Article 82 (3)d of the Conditions of employment of other servants of t he > European Communities. 4 > European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large -Scale > IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice > Vesilennuki 5, 10415 Tallinn, Estonia

www.eulisa.europa.eu

Professional experience

6. You have at least twelve ( 12 ) years of proven full -time professional experience relevant to the duties

after the award of the qualification certifying the completion of studies required as a condition of eligibility

as above .

Language

7. You have a thorough knowledge ( C1 level ) of one of the 24 EU official languages and a satisfactory

knowledge (B2 level ) of another EU official language for the performance of your duties.

Selection criteria

eu -LISA aims to establish a reserve list from which to source the best talent. The suitability of candidates will be

assessed during different stages of the selection procedure against the following criteria:

Leadership abilities

1. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams, fostering a positive and engaging working culture

and translating this into a clear mission , objectives and a strong organisational commitment.

2. Ability to shape the strategic direction and vision for the Legal Unit, promoting innovation, efficiency, and

forward -looking legal support and guide the unit through change and evolving priorities .

3. At least t wo (2) years of post -graduate management experience relevant to the position, with sound

evidence of staff management, budget responsibility, and organisational impact 5.

Experience and knowledge

4. Extensive experience similar to the duties outlined in the section “About the job”, preferably in an

international or EU institutional context .

Education

5. University degree in the field of law.

Language

> 5Candidates should clearly indicate for all years during wh

Salary at this grade

Basic monthly salary at AD10 runs from €11,408 (step 1) to €12,907 (top step), giving an annual range of roughly €136,896 to €154,884 before tax and allowances. Steps increase automatically every two years; the figures here are taken from the salary grid in the EU Staff Regulations.

Eligible staff posted away from their country of nationality also receive an expatriation allowance worth 16% of basic salary (around €1,825 per month at step 1 of AD10) together with household, dependent-child, and education allowances where applicable. Take-home pay is then adjusted by the country correction coefficient for Tallinn. For a worked example see our correction coefficients guide and the EU salaries overview.

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 August 2026, today.

The application deadline is 5 October 2026, 58 days from today. Late applications are not accepted, so submit through the official EU Careers portal well in advance.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 7 August 2026.

Where to learn more

For full responsibilities, requirements, and career progression at AD10 see our AD10 grade page; for headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at eu-LISA see the eu-LISA institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Tallinn see our Tallinn location page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.