Working for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad like?

• Interested in regulations, law, and systems abroad? Then the legal and administrative sector might be just the thing for you!
• Not everyone dreams of working on the beach. Some people are actually enthusiastic about policy, legislation, governance, and all the complex systems in an international context.
• Working at legal, administrative, and administrative organizations abroad means you'll be involved in the world of regulations, decision-making, and structures, but across national borders.
• You'll work for governments, international institutions, NGOs, insurance companies, law firms, or multinationals and will encounter diverse interests, cultures, and legal systems.
• Responsibilities: there's so much to do. From support to research to implementation. Some common tasks include:
  • Contributing to policy, regulations, or legal issues.
  • Researching, analyzing, and summarizing complex information.
  • Preparing and reviewing reports, files, and recommendations.
  • Coordinating with colleagues, administrators, lawyers, and external parties.
  • Monitoring procedures, deadlines, and decision-making. You often work behind the scenes, but your work does have a visible impact.
• Working conditions: Salary varies greatly by sector, country, and organization. International institutions and commercial parties generally pay better, while NGOs and public organizations often pay more modestly.
• Housing is sometimes included with international institutions, provided through expat or project housing, or you must arrange it yourself (especially with longer contracts).
• Contracts are often temporary or project-based, lasting from a few months to several years.

What are the reasons for working for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad?

• To develop organizational awareness and oversight: you learn how international organizations really work: who decides, who influences, and how policy is developed.
• To elevate professionalism: working accurately, maintaining confidentiality, and taking responsibility are not secondary but core to your role.
• To deepen analytical thinking and judgment: you learn to deal with complex dossiers, conflicting interests, and gray areas, precisely where policy and law become interesting. 
• To strengthen situational awareness: legislation, culture, and politics are inextricably linked. Working abroad suddenly makes this very tangible.
• To build self-confidence and independence: working in an environment with high expectations, clear frameworks, and little room for error, quickly strengthens you.

What skills and motivations do you need to work for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad?

• Integrity and reliability: you work with sensitive information.
• Communication skills: clear, thorough, and often intercultural.
• Planning and organizing: multiple files, deadlines, and procedures.
• Collaboration: with lawyers, policymakers, administrators, and partners.
• Resilience: pressure, responsibility, and political sensitivities are all part of the job.

What are the best countries and locations to work for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad?

• Working for international organizations: Belgium (Brussels), Switzerland (Geneva), France, United States.
• Countries with many international companies and governance roles: Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Singapore.
• Countries with substantive policy and project roles: South Africa, India, Kenya, Indonesia, Brazil.

What are the risks of working for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working for legal organizations and in administrative work abroad?
  • It often happens that…
  • … you can be held liable for errors or advice.
  • … there is an unsafe work environment: infrastructure, health risks, political instability.
  • … an unexpected return is necessary due to illness or safety.
• Are you insured while working for legal organizations and in administrative positions abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.