About VicinityAt Vicinity, we pursue a clear and committed mission: to develop and manage affordable, sustainable, and high-quality rental housing. Through innovative residential projects, we place energy performance, digitalization, and tenant-focused services at the core of our approach, with the aim of simplifying daily life and improving quality of living.We believe that social impact goes hand in hand with economic performance, and we fully integrate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into our corporate culture. These values are essential drivers to achieve our ambitions and create a stimulating and fulfilling work environment.Vicinity complies with high ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) standards, officially recognized through its B CORP certification.Our investment strategy is based on three fundamental pillars:AffordabilityEnergy efficiencyMobilitySupported by a committed and experienced team, Vicinity ensures rigorous management of its fund and real estate assets, generating strong and sustainable results for its investors.Today, Vicinity manages a portfolio of approximately 1,000 residential units, including 350 already operational units and 650 under development, mainly located in Antwerp, Brussels, and Liège. To strengthen our team and support our growth, we are looking for a Chief Legal Officer.LocationWatermael-Boitsfort, 1170 BrusselsContract typeIndependent contractor status — full-time or 80%Start dateAs soon as possibleWorking modelVicinity operates a hybrid working model, including 1 to 2 days of remote work per week, depending on the needs of both the employee and the company.Your missionAs Chief Legal Officer, you are a member of the Executive Committee and report directly to the CEO and the Board. You bear full legal responsibility for the fund and the company. You operate both at a strategic and operational level, playing a central role in all key structuring projects, including acquisitions, fund structuring, and partnerships.Your responsibilitiesTransactions & acquisitions (M&A / Real Estate)You lead all acquisitions of real estate assets and companies (asset deals and share deals). You structure, draft, and negotiate key transaction documents such as letters of intent, share or asset purchase agreements, shareholders' agreements, leases, and sale commitments. You coordinate legal due diligence processes, including title, zoning, environmental, and tax aspects, and oversee closings as well as post-acquisition management.Fund structure & governanceYou maintain and develop legal structures such as SPVs, holdings, and co-investment vehicles. You are responsible for the corporate secretarial function of the fund and group entities, including boards of directors and general meetings. You manage relationships with shareholders, board members, and institutional investors, and you draft and update shareholders' agreements, articles of association, and resolutions.Regulation & complianceYou ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks such as CSA, FIIS Law and Royal Decree, AIFMD, SFDR, GDPR, and AMLD. You monitor legal and regulatory developments in the real estate and financial sectors, manage relationships with regulators and administrative authorities, and oversee insurance coverage and legal risk management.Advisory & partnershipsYou advise the CEO, CFO, Executive Committee, and Board on all legal matters. You manage the network of external law firms, including selection, briefing, and budget follow-up. You negotiate and supervise strategic partnerships and framework agreements, support internal teams on legal matters related to real estate activities, and contribute to fundraising and capital operations (equity and debt).Your profileEducation & experienceMaster's degree in Law, with a specialization in corporate, real estate, or financial law.Minimum of 10 years of experience.Strong experience in M&A and/or complex real estate transactions is essential.Experience in a law firm (M&A / Real Estate) and/or an investment fund.Strong understanding of fund structures.Experience in team management and coordination of external advisors.Technical & professional skillsAbility to combine strategic vision with operational execution.Excellent negotiation skills.Strong business acumen.Rigorous, autonomous, well-organized, and solution-oriented.Sensitivity to ESG and impact investing.Personal skillsLeadership and ability to operate within an executive committee.Excellent communication and influencing skills.Ability to work in a demanding and fast-growing entrepreneurial environment.LanguagesFrench: fluentDutch: fluentEnglish: very goodWhy join Vicinity?A strategic role within an impact-driven fund with a strong social mission.Direct participation in the Executive Committee with exposure to the CEO and Board.A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and fast-growing environment.The opportunity to build and structure a legal function from scratch.An attractive compensation package.How to apply?Send your CV and cover letter to elise.vanderclausen@vicinity.be and job@vicinity.be.Please mention "Chief Legal Officer – [First Name Last Name]" in the subject line of your email.All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.Our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity & InclusionAt Vicinity, we strongly believe that diversity is a strength. We encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, disability, religion, or belief. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, respectful, and inclusive, so that everyone can thrive in our working environment. If you require any specific adjustments to take part in the selection process, please let us know.