Counsel

Geneva Com; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Hybrid working

Global work environment

Job summary

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel invites applications for a Counsel in its Legal Service – Deputy General Counsel. Located in Basel, this 3-year fixed-term role focuses on providing comprehensive legal guidance across the Bank’s activities, ensuring compliance with international law and the Bank’s unique status.

Ideal candidates will hold a Master’s in Law with at least five years as an attorney, preferably within central banking or international financial institutions.

Qualifications

• Master’s level law qualification or equivalent.
• At least 5 years’ experience as an attorney, preferably with a central bank and/or international financial institution in the public or private sector.
• International experience in legal issues relevant to the operations of central banks and/or international institutions
• Ability to work independently on technically complex files
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent English drafting skills; knowledge of German/and or French would constitute an advantage

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice and guidance at all levels of the Bank in matters concerning the legal structure and texts governing the Bank, its staff, and its operations, with due regard for its status as an international organization.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to prevent and, when necessary, defend and settle disputes and litigation involving the Bank; retains and directs outside counsel as needed
• Establishes and maintains contact with public authorities and international institutions in Switzerland and other countries regarding the Bank’s status and legal matters
• Participates in committees and working groups and conducts legal research in areas of interest to the Bank and the central banking community

Skills

English drafting

Independent work

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Law

Job description

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Apply by: 17 Nov 2026

Human Rights, Law, Migration, Conflicts, Justice

Counsel - Basel, Switzerland

Geographical location: Basel, Switzerland

Location: BIS Headquarters Basel

Department: Legal Service - Deputy General Counsel

Date posted: 27 Oct 2026

Application deadline: 17 Nov 2026

Contract duration: 3 years

Counsel

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is hiring a Counsel within the Legal Services unit.

Application deadline: Please note that the deadline for applications is Tuesday, 17th November at 23:59 CET.

This role is offered as a 3-year fixed term contract.

The role is based in Basel, Switzerland; however, thanks to our status as an international organization, we can hire globally and welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities and located anywhere in the world. Relocation support is available for the successful candidate and their dependent family members.

Purpose of the job:

Under the authority of the General Counsel, and in cooperation with other members of the Legal Service team, to provide appropriate advice on all legal matters relating to the Bank’s activities to the Board, Management, departments and services of the Bank, with a view to ensuring that the Bank acts with due respect for the rule of law at all times. Also, to develop appropriate legal structures to support the Bank’s operations; to assure the provision, from time to time and on an ad hoc basis, of legal research and assistance to the central banking community on issues of interest to the Bank and to central banks with a view to fostering international legal cooperation and to promoting financial stability.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Provides legal advice and guidance at all levels of the Bank in all matters concerning the legal structure and texts governing the Bank, its staff, and the conduct of its operations, with due regard for the Bank’s special status as an international organization.
• Provides legal advice and assistance to prevent and, when necessary, defend and settle disputes and litigation involving the Bank and, where appropriate, retains and directs outside counsel in this connection
• Establishes and/or maintains appropriate contact with public authorities and international institutions in Switzerland and in other countries regarding the status of the Bank and all legal matters relating to its activities
• Participates in the activities of committees and working groups and conducts legal research in areas of interest to the Bank and to the central banking community

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• Master’s level law qualification or equivalent.
• At least 5 years’ experience as an attorney, preferably with a central bank and/or international financial institution in the public or private sector.
• International experience in legal issues relevant to the operations of central banks and/or international institutions
• Ability to work independently on technically complex files
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent English drafting skills; knowledge of German/and or French would constitute an advantage

Please note that the BIS's corporate language is English, which is used for all internal and external communication.

Who we are:

Internationalism is at the core of our identity and the best representation of this is our workforce. With employees from over 66 countries and offices in nine locations, the BIS is a global organisation with a truly international workforce. By joining us, you will work in a unique, highly rewarding, and international work environment. We are committed to equal opportunities at the BIS and aim to build a workforce that reflects our global membership. We strive to attract the best talent and foster an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those with a breadth of professional experience. You can discover more about our inclusive working environment here.

What the BIS offers:

We want your time at BIS to be a rewarding and career-enriching experience. We offer an agile and flexible working environment with hybrid working opportunities including home office and working from abroad days. To support our international applicants, we offer relocation support that extends to your dependent family members. In addition, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including support for working families including childcare and education allowances (where applicable). Finally, we offer a genuinely unique international working environment, which will give you exposure to the global financial system and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate experts from all over the world.