Senior Legal Adviser

What you'll do

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.

Your responsibilities

Working within the Legal Service team and with colleagues across the Organization, you will have a broad legal portfolio
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 Organization (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.

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Your profile

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.
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.

Your skills

Knowledge of International Administrative Law (law of the International Civil Service)
Negotiation
Knowledge of treaty and public law
Legal drafting
Delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; Presenting information accurately and objectively.
Utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved; Sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
Gaining trust and collaboration from others.
Spoken and written both English and French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 5A0070 - Legal Adviser

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9113 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The DG unit encompasses CERN's Internal Audit, Legal Service, and Translation, Minutes, and Council Support (TMC) group.

It provides essential oversight, legal protection, and multilingual support to ensure CERN's operations align with its mission and legal framework.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.