The Permanent Bureau (PB) of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) is seeking a
LEGAL OFFICER (full-time)
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- A law degree (Bachelor/Licentiate or equivalent);
- Good knowledge of private international law in general, as well as familiarity with comparative law;
- At least two years of relevant full-time professional experience (e.g., in practice, government, academia, IGO or NGO);
- Excellent command, both spoken and written, of English, French or Spanish; good command of the others, knowledge of other languages is desirable; and
- Sensitivity to different legal cultures.
The successful candidate should work well in a team, in a fast-paced environment that requires a significant degree of flexibility, and respond well to time-critical requests.
The successful candidate will work in the field of international commercial, digital and financial law, under the responsibility of the Deputy Secretary General. In addition to work in relation to the operation of the HCCH Trusts Convention, the HCCH Securities Convention, and the Choice of Law Principles, duties will include general assistance in relation to the projects on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), Carbon Markets, Digital Tokens, and the Digital Economy. Depending on the work programme established by CGAP, the successful candidate may be called upon to carry out work in other areas, and will respond to requests for information, assist with comparative law research, the preparation of research papers and other documentation, the organisation and preparation of materials for publication, the preparation of, and participation in, conferences, seminars and training programmes. The successful candidate will also support the work of the office of the Deputy Secretary General, and may be called to take on such other work as may be required by the Secretary General from time to time.
Type of appointment and duration: Two-year contract upon successful completion of a six-month probation period, with the possibility for renewal.
Nationality: Candidates must bear at least one nationality of a Member State of the HCCH.
Starting date: 1 December 2025 (with flexibility).
Grade (HCCH adaptation of the Co-ordinated Organisations scale for the Netherlands): A0/1 subject to relevant experience.
Deadline for applications: 1 November 2025 (5.00 p.m. CET).
Applications: Written applications should be made by e-mail, with Curriculum Vitae, letter of motivation, application form, and contact details of at least two references, to be addressed to the Head of Human Resources, at [email protected].
The PB strives for gender balance and equitable geographical representation in its recruitment and hiring practices. The PB reserves the right not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
The Permanent Bureau (PB) of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) is seeking a
LIBRARY ASSISTANT (8 hours per week)
With more than 90 Member States representing all continents, the HCCH (www.hcch.net) is a small and dynamic intergovernmental organisation. A melting pot of different legal traditions, it develops and services multilateral legal instruments, which respond to global needs.
Preparatory and implementation work related to HCCH Conventions involves extensive scientific research conducted by lawyers of the PB. In this context, the PB maintains its own specialised library in the field of private international law. The Library Assistant plays an important role in the collection, storage and accessibility of crucial information.
Responsibilities include:
- Scanning archives and other documents;
- Indexing articles in the HCCH library catalogue;
- Performing other duties that may be required by the Information Manager of the PB.
Candidates should meet the following requirements:
- Fluency in English; good knowledge of the other official languages of the HCCH (French and Spanish) would be an asset;
- Basic knowledge of international law;
- Basic knowledge of library services would be an asset;
- Ability to work independently.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration: hourly rate to be determined based on experience.
Deadline for applications: 30 October 2025 (12.00 a.m. CET)
Anticipated starting date: November 2025
Applications: written applications should be sent by e-mail, with Curriculum Vitae, letter of motivation and contact information for one reference, to be addressed to [email protected].
The Permanent Bureau (PB) of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) is seeking a skilled and motivated
FINANCE / HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT
for a full-time maternity leave replacement
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- At least three years of relevant administrative experience in the fields of Finance and Human Resources, preferably within an international working environment;
- Excellent command of English; knowledge of French, Spanish or Dutch would be an asset;
- Familiarity with Exact Online software and Microsoft Office 365 (in particular Excel);
- Sensitivity to different cultures;
- Ability to work well in a team, in a fast-paced environment that requires a significant degree of flexibility, and to respond well to time-critical requests.
Candidates must be a national of a Member State of the HCCH.
The selected candidate will:
- Report to the Head of Administration (for Human Resources matters) and the external consulting Accountant (for Financial matters), and be part of the Finance and Human Resources Units at the PB;
- In the area of Finance, handle accounts payable, bookkeeping, document processing, correspondence with external service providers and Member States, and assist with the preparation of reports and overviews;
- In the area of Human Resources, assist with recruitment, welcome and exit procedures (including with local authorities), and produce and maintain internal documents (i.e., leave overviews, HR documentation and decisions, etc.);
- Assist during international meetings held by the HCCH as needed;
- Provide general support as requested by the Head of Administration, the external consulting Accountant, or the Secretary General;
- Contribute to a good, cooperative working atmosphere, conducive to teamwork and efficient communications, both within the PB and in relations with representatives of States and Organisations;
- Be expected to assist with the administration of the PB and to respect the PB’s core values.
The selected candidate will be under an obligation of confidentiality. At the beginning of the appointment, they will sign a declaration to that effect.
This position is based in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Type of appointment and duration: temporary contract for six months.
Grade (Co-ordinated Organisations scale for the Netherlands): B3/1 subject to relevant experience.
Deadline for applications: 11 October 2025 (5.00 p.m. CEST).
Anticipated starting date: November 2025.
Applications: Interested candidates should apply in writing with a letter of motivation, a Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for at least two references; the application should be sent by e-mail to the Head of Human Resources, at [email protected].
Diversity & Inclusiveness: The HCCH strives to implement measures relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment of staff, including to actively seek appropriate representation across geographic regions, and from underrepresented Member States, as well as across genders.
Process: The short-listed candidates whose applications are retained will be invited to an interview with a Selection Committee which will include the Head of Administration, Head of Finance, and other team members of the PB.
Disclaimer: The PB reserves the right not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
Internships
The application period is now open for three- to six-month legal internships at the Permanent Bureau in The Hague, for the period from January to June 2026. The application period for legal internships from July 2026 will open in due course. For more information see the Internships Page.
For Communications and Outreach Internships click here for more information.
