CERN is looking for a Senior Legal Adviser (French-speaking)

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description

Introduction

Do you have a distinguished track record in public international law and the legal frameworks governing intergovernmental organisations? Are you ready to apply your legal and managerial expertise at the heart of one of the world’s foremost scientific intergovernmental institutions?

You will join the Legal Service, which provides legal support for the execution of CERN’s mission.

Functions

The Legal Service is recruiting an experienced Senior Legal Adviser to assume a leadership role. You will perform your duties at CERN’s headquarters outside Geneva, under the direct supervision of the Legal Counsel.

Working within the Legal Service team and with colleagues across the Organization, you will have a broad legal portfolio and will, inter alia:

• Provide high-level legal expertise on the governance of CERN, including for use by the Management and the governing bodies of the Organization;
• Advise on matters of privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel;
• Represent the Legal Service with a broad range of interlocutors, both internally and externally, including high-level authorities in CERN’s Member and Associate Member States;
• Oversee the drafting, implementation, and interpretation of internal legislation, policies, and regulations;
• Provide strategic oversight of and contribute to the Organization’s legal representation in employment and Pension Fund disputes, including before the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation (ILOAT) and/or in commercial and contractual disputes, including in adjudication and arbitration proceedings;
• Supervise and mentor legal advisers, ensuring quality, consistency, and professional development;
• Contribute to the management of the Service and replace the Legal Counsel in her absence.

In addition to your core functions, you may be assigned work in other legal domains.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of public international law or a related field, with a strong focus on law applicable to intergovernmental organisations.

Experience:

• Senior role in an intergovernmental legal setting;
• Substantial experience in the practise of public international law including in respect of treaty interpretation, IGO governance, and privileges and immunities;
• Skilled negotiation with stakeholders at varying levels;
• Proven capacity in representing the employer organisation in a broad range of settings including high-level external meetings;
• Proven exposure to litigation before administrative tribunals (e.g., ILOAT);
• Increasing responsibilities in managing a legal team and providing strategic guidance to junior colleagues.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of International Administrative Law (law of the International Civil Service);
• Negotiation;
• Knowledge of treaty law;
• Knowledge of public law;
• Legal drafting.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Communicating effectively: utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
• Working in teams: gaining trust and collaboration from others.
• Demonstrating accountability: presenting information accurately and objectively.

Language skills:

Spoken and written both English and French, including advanced drafting proficiency.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. Nationals of CERN's Member States and Associate Member States are eligible to apply.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 07.12.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

• Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week
• Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite
• Job grade: 6-7-8
• Job reference: DG-LS-2025-235-LD
• Field of work: Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)
• Benchmark Job Title: Legal Adviser

While we do our best in sharing high quality job postings, Jobs in Geneva can't guarantee or be made responsible for the content in the postings (e.g. specified deadlines or links).