Legal Counsel International

As Legal Counsel International you will advice on all legal matters for Besix NV’s international business unit, its affiliates and branches; Besix’ international business unit currently manages projects in Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Egypt, Gabon, Georgia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

As such, the Legal Counsel will support and advice Besix project teams throughout the contracting cycle, from tender review to hand-over and, as the case may be, ensuing disputes. This includes:

• reviewing tender documentation and legal framework;
• drafting legal analysis and recommendations on the same; contribute to the internal review processes ahead of bidding;
• reviewing and drafting all required contractual documentation in the bidding and negotiation phase, vis-à-vis the client, partners, sub-contractors etc.;
• ensure a seamless hand-over, upon contract award, to the project execution teams and contract managers;
• liaise with the same throughout the execution/construction phase as well as at hand-over, and provide assistance where appropriate;
• follow up on any claims, in close cooperation with the relevant contract manager; advice on per-litigation tactics if necessary;
• conduct litigation (judiciary and arbitral proceedings);
• select and manage external counsel on these matters;

Requirements

• University degree in law, with a strong academic track record; any additional degree is a plus;
• Minimum 8 years of relevant and demonstrated experience in international construction and/or project development (and ensuing disputes), either in a major law firm or with a construction company;
• Knowledge of and/or interest in project finance and public private partnerships;
• Fluent in English; any other language (esp. Dutch and French) is a plus;
• Able and willing to combine a “sustainable business enabler” role with an outspoken intellectual independence, with a view to promote a sound and sustainable legal framework for Besix’ operations;
• Strong analytical skills; rigorous, methodical, attention to detail;
• Outstanding drafting and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Team player; driven by collective results rather than individual achievements;
• Self starter; capable of multi-tasking in a demanding and deadlines-driven environment;
• Eager and able to work in very different cultural environments, including in far-off locations;
• Impeccable personal and work ethics;

You are willing to work from our HQ based in Brussels, but flexible and willing to travel frequently (including on short notice). In case of interest, expatriation on a project could also be an option on the longer term.