As a member of the Directorate reporting to the DirectorGeneral the successful candidate will play a leadership role in shaping and implementing the international relations strategy of the Organization.
The period fromwill be pivotal for CERN combining a significant shift from operation to the delivery of major projects and the strategic planning for the long term future. The coming fiveyear period will be one of exceptional complexity and significance for CERN encompassing the shift from the operation of major facilities to the delivery of key upgrade projects and strategic planning for the longterm future. Achieving these objectives simultaneously will be highly challenging.
In this context the Director will be expected to secure the highest level of support from governments and funding agencies of MemberStates and other countries while reinforcing strategic partnerships and deepening engagement with key stakeholders.
Functions
The successful candidates main tasks will include:
- Strategic Leadership & Policy Engagement
- Exercising collegial responsibility with the rest of the Directorate for the general management of the Organization under the overall executive authority of the DirectorGeneral.
- Developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement strategy to strengthen CERNs position as a leading global research institution.
- Acting as one of CERNs senior representatives in highlevel negotiations and discussions with Member States Associate Member States and international bodies.
- Advancing the Next Flagship Project
- Leading CERNs external engagement efforts to support the conceptualization funding and international collaboration for its next major accelerator project.
- Engaging with policymakers funding agencies and industry leaders to build momentum and consensus around CERNs longterm scientific roadmap.
- Establishing new international partnerships and strengthening existing collaborations to ensure global participation in the project.
- Strengthening Relations with CERN Member States & International Partners
- Developing tailored engagement strategies to reinforce CERNs relationships with its Member States and Associate Member States ensuring continued political and financial backing.
- Overseeing CERNs interactions with key international organizations including the European Commission United Nations agencies and other global research institutions.
- Managing diplomatic and governmental relations to facilitate CERNs role in shaping science policy at the international level.
- Stakeholder Communications & Outreach
- Acting as CERNs lead spokesperson for stakeholder relations ensuring clear and effective communication of CERNs vision and scientific achievements to policymakers funding agencies and institutional partners.
- Leading CERNs overarching communication strategy including public outreach and engagement with both the broader scientific community and the general public.
- Overseeing highlevel outreach initiatives including international summits strategic advisory boards and ministerial engagements.
- Enhancing CERNs role in international science diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
Qualifications :
Experience:
- Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement international relations and policy development at a senior level within an international organization research institution government body or multinational entity.
- Proven experience in securing highlevel political and financial support for largescale scientific or infrastructure projects.
- A track record of successful negotiations with governments funding agencies and international organizations.
Technical competencies:
- Development of vision and strategy.
- Stakeholder influence and negotiation.
- Development and implementation of communication strategies to support highlevel representation and external engagement.
Behavioural competencies:
- Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: building comprehensive road maps to translate the organisational vision to an operational level; defining and sets direction accordingly; creating shared interests and promoting contact and collaboration with CERNs Member States and key external partners.
- Optimising Resources: realistically assessing human and financial resource needs evaluating risks and plans accordingly; demonstrating awareness of financial issues affecting the Organization; analysing financial implications before taking decisions.
- Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
- Setting Direction: setting clear challenging and attainable objectives; defining and communicating performance indicators.
- Leading with Strength and Credibility: demonstrating authority and being accountable for actions decisions and effective functioning of the team.
Language skills:
Excellent spoken and written English with a commitment to learning French; proficiency in French would be an asset.
Additional Information :
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERNs mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.
Applications should be submitted no later than 20 April 2025 at 11:59 PM CEST.
Candidates who successfully pass the initial stages will be invited to an online assessment around midMay followed by onsite final interviews during the week commencing 19 May 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed).
Employment Conditions
Contract type: Limited duration contract 5 years).
Target start date: January 2026
Candidates for this post meeting the above requirements are invited to submit:
- a curriculum vitae;
- a motivation statement.
Job grade: 10
Benchmark Job Title: Principal Communications/Public Relations/External Relations Professional
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Contract