We are an international sports organisation based in Lausanne and governed under Swiss law. Since 1949, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has been the key driver of university sport around the world. FISU offers opportunities and inspiration to all university students to play sport, in perfect synchronisation with their education.

At the heart of the university sports movement lie FISU’s flagship sports events – the FISU World University Games, FISU World University Championships and the FISU University World Cups. Across these multiple events, the FISU sports programme covers more than 60 sports.

In addition to international sports competitions, FISU also stages educational events and programmes that offer students opportunities for individual development, networking, exchange of ideas and collaborative learning – such as the FISU Development and Healthy Campus programmes, FISU World Forum and FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy, among others.

We are a young, dynamic and international team that is always looking to innovate, push boundaries, harness new ideas and develop multiple links with our community, i.e. University students around the globe. The FISU team works closely together with all internal departments, as well as the 164-member National University Sports Federations, to highlight our events, activities, projects, goals and plans – of which there are many! It is a constantly buzzing, busy environment in which open-minded people who love challenges will strive.

Job responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Create, edit, review, and negotiate complex contracts and legal documents.
• Close collaboration with our Team and external Lawyers.
• Provide legal support in all legal matters.
• Ensure compliance with national and international laws and regulations.
• Advise on corporate governance matters and shareholder rights.
• Coordination with external counsels.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks related to business activities and transactions.
• Conduct thorough legal due diligence for partnerships and acquisitions.
• Work with internal teams and external partners to address legal challenges.
• Develop and maintain internal policies in line with legal requirements.
• Educate employees and stakeholders on legal best practices and risk management.

REQUIREMENTS

Languages:

• Ability to work in English and French, both in written and spoken

Academic Qualifications:

• Bar admission would be highly appreciated
• Master’s Degree in Law (required)

Skills and Professional Experience:

• Strong knowledge of corporate law, contracts, governance, and regulatory compliance with extensive knowledge of Swiss and international legal frameworks.
• Minimum of 5 years within an international organisation, preferably in the sports industry.
• Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate complex legal documents with precision and clarity.
• Experience in providing pragmatic, business-oriented legal advice to executives and teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of local and international legal frameworks, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Proficiency in managing and working with external counsels.
• Ability to assess complex legal issues and deliver practical solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Skilled at managing multiple cases and legal projects while meeting tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with clients, internal teams, and external partners.
• High affinity for sports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in international law and its application in cross-border contexts.
• Experience in handling legal matters specific to sports federations.
• Expertise in sports law.

Availability and Mobility:

• Immediate availability.
• Willingness to travel to meet organisational needs.