Director of Legal Affairs - uni

• 25 September 2026
• 100%
• Indefinite duration
• Rue du Général-DUFOUR 24, 1204 Genève
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Join the Université de Genève as Director of Legal Affairs. Work in a stimulating and dynamic environment.

Tasks ##

• Lead the legal department and guarantee legal compliance.
• Advise the rectorate on sensitive and strategic matters.
• Represent the university before authorities and commissions.

Skills ##

• Master's degree in law, bar exam, and 7-10 years of experience.
• Excellent negotiation and mediation skills.
• Strategic vision and understanding of decision-making processes.

Organizational Entity

Rectorat de l'Université de Genève

Function

Directeur/trice des affaires juridiques - uni

Function Code

305335

Maximum Class

27

Body

Administrative and technical personnel

Activity Rate

100%

Workplace

Université de Genève and courts

Registration Deadline

25-10-2026

Reference

7038

Job Description ##

The Université de Genève (UNIGE), founded in 1559, is one of the leading European universities. A leading public institution, it brings together nearly 18'300 students, more than 6'500 employees, as well as 9 faculties and 13 inter-faculty centers and institutes. It develops its activities around three fundamental missions: higher education, scientific research, and service to the community.

The Legal Affairs Service advises the Rectorate, administrative services, the University's bodies, as well as all its employees on legal questions. Its lawyers support the institution in the negotiation and drafting of contracts, conventions, and collaboration agreements. They also contribute to the development and revision of laws, regulations, directives, and study regulations that frame the functioning of the University. The service issues legal opinions and ensures the legal compliance of institutional projects and decisions. Furthermore, it represents the University in judicial proceedings and supervises disciplinary proceedings as well as administrative procedures. Through its expertise, it guarantees legal certainty 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 matters and represents the interests of the institution to its partners and competent authorities and is in charge of the following missions:

a) Strategic orientation in the legal field on various general and specific themes;
b) Management of the legal affairs service according to the institutional strategic plan;
c) Official referent for the entire legal field and quality control of its service;
d) Legal advice to the rector/rectorate, risk assessment for the institution;
e) Representation of UNIGE in different commissions and working groups as well as before judicial authorities;
f) Management of the legal team;
g) Management of legislative and regulatory developments;
h) Maintenance of the coherence and updating of the normative framework.

Required Title and Skills ##

Education and experience:

• University Master's degree in law and bar exam
• Training in management of projects, organization, and 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 the university 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 the institutional decision-making process
• Strategic vision and political intelligence of the institution

Languages:

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

Start Date ##

1st March 2027 or to be agreed

Contact ##

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

Additional Information ##

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

Paper files are not accepted.

This is a permanent contract (CDI) on DIP.

The Université de Genève offers motivating employment conditions in a stimulating work environment. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as your personality and contribute actively to the influence of an Institution founded in 1559.

In a perspective of parity, the University encourages applications from the under-represented gender.