Lawyers
- Recruiter
- European Patent Office
- Location
- Munich (DE)
- Salary
- EUR 5,317.77 to 8,433.17 per month
- Posted
- 01 Mar 2017
- Closes
- 29 Mar 2017
- Job Title
- Lawyer
- Practice Area
- Employment
- Contract Type
- Contract
- Hours
- Full Time
Lawyer - multiple posts
Job group 4
Grade G7-G10
Department HR Legal Support
Principal Directorate Human Resources
EPO Munich (DE)
As the Patent Office for Europe, the European Patent Office supports innovation, competitiveness and economic growth across Europe through a commitment to high-quality and efficient services delivered under the European Patent Convention. With expert staff, motivated to set worldwide standards, the EPO plays a leading role in developing an effective global patent system. All its relationships – within the Office and with partners around the world – prosper through trust, transparency, fairness and mutual respect. Its processes empower people to use their knowledge and skills to the full.
The Principle Directorate Human Resources (PD HR), comprising some 200 staff, aims to provide staff and management with prompt, courteous, personal and professional support, and to provide the Office with well-qualified, well-trained and highly motivated staff who reflect the diversity of our member states. PD HR proactively develops and implements policies, procedures and programmes which promote a positive and productive work environment.
PD HR is seeking two lawyers focusing on international employment law for its Department HR Legal Support (Dept. 4.3.0.2):
1 Euro-contract (5 years)
1 non-renewable contract (initially for 1 year, maximum duration of 3 years)
Main duties
- Advising on implementation of the EPO's employment-related legal framework, and helping to develop that framework by drafting legal opinions, submissions and regulations
- Helping to settle internal and external disputes initiated by serving or former EPO staff, by preparing meetings, drafting legal opinions or submissions, and making oral pleadings
- Providing legal advice on new policies, reforms and reform projects
- Advising EPO management or statutory bodies on a range of strategic and operational questions whilst ensuring alignment with EPO rules and business objectives
- Conducting proceedings under EPO employment-law rules, and preparing decisions
- Providing legal support and expertise to various HR departments on:
- HR operations and allowances
- HR services to management and business areas
- Case management
- Other tasks as needed
Requirements
Job-specific skills
- Specialised knowledge in the legal fields concerned
- Experience in drafting legal opinions and legislation, and preferably in conducting litigation
- Advanced legal research, analysis and drafting skills
- Ability to present clear, concise and persuasive arguments
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to strict deadlines
- A well-organised, systematic and results-oriented approach
- Negotiating skills
- An understanding of political and legislative processes
Generic skills
- Very good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Excellent knowledge of two official languages and good knowledge of the third is desirable
- A proactive and forward-thinking approach, initiative, the ability to develop new solutions when required, and a willingness to take personal responsibility
- Very good interpersonal skills
- Very good organisation skills
- Experience in managing and delivering results
- Demonstrated change management skills
- Ability to provide a customer-focused service
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while remaining result-orientated
- Experience in an international working environment
Minimum qualifications
- Diploma of completed university studies at master's level or – in exceptional cases – equivalent professional experience
- Excellent knowledge of one official language (English, French or German) and ability to understand the other two
- Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation
Salary and benefits
The EPO offers competitive salaries, an excellent social package, and varied work in a modern international environment. The net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy ranges from around EUR 5 317.77 to 8 433.17, depending on experience. In addition, depending on their personal circumstances, EPO staff may be entitled to relocation benefits and various allowances (e.g. household, dependant's, childcare, education, expatriation, installation, rent and language allowance).
* after deduction of EPO internal tax and before deduction of staff contributions to the social-security and pension schemes.
Recruitment process
At the end of our selection process, we may place suitable candidates on a reserve list for a period of 12 months. The EPO may use the reserve list to fill a vacant post with the same profile. However, being on a reserve list does not guarantee a job offer or imply any entitlement to employment at the EPO.
Procedure and timeframe
The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications and experience, supplemented as appropriate by interviews, tests and/or a psychometric questionnaire.
Candidates are asked to indicate the type of contract desired.
It is intended to hold the interviews in calendar week 13 (2017) in Munich.
Please apply online, using the 'Apply' button, reference number MULTIPLE/3581.
Application until: 21 March 2017.
Agency or sales calls are not appreciated