Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer

What you'll do

Are you passionate about fundraising and partnerships?

Would you like to work at the world’s leading particle-physics laboratory and thrive?

Come and join the Fundraising and Partnerships (FP) section in the Stakeholder Engagement (SE) group in the Stakeholder Relations (SR) sector!

The Fundraising and Partnerships section coordinates and conducts philanthropic fundraising at or on behalf of CERN and the CERN & Society Foundation, as well as the dissemination of, and compliance with, CERN’s fundraising standards, including the Ethical Policy and the Policy for the Recognition of Donors. The CERN & Society Foundation, established in June 2014, is a charity through which philanthropic support for CERN & Society projects are raised from companies, trusts/foundations and individuals.

As a junior Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer, under the supervision of the Head of Fundraising and Partnerships, you will play a key role in the operations of the CERN & Society Foundation. You will manage formal obligations to authorities, support the Foundation’s governing body, and oversee financial processes in close collaboration with CERN’s Legal Service and Finance and Administrative Processes department.

In parallel, you will work alongside CERN project leaders to manage institutional and foundation donor relationships, including proposal preparation, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

This role combines operational stewardship with the management of internal and external relationships, ensuring seamless donor engagement and a sustainable flow of resources to the CERN & Society Foundation.

Learn more

Your responsibilities

Oversight of CERN & Society Foundation donation accounts, preparation and control of Foundation's annual budget
Contribution to the annual external audit of the CERN & Society Foundation and to all required financial and substantial reporting to authorities, jointly with relevant CERN departments.
Ensuring compliance with applicable policies, donor requirements, and legal obligations.
Acting as a liaison for the CERN & Society Foundation Board, handling of all formal matters related to the Board operation and organization of the Board meetings.
Preparation of philanthropic grant proposals, oversight of the project deliverables and timelines, preparation of reports.
Based on project fundraising needs, conducting prospect research within the institutional and foundation landscape, preparation of approaches, cultivation of prospects and stewardship of donors.
Financial oversight of grant funds in close exchange with other relevant sections and departments of CERN.
Maintaining accurate records of grants, donors and reporting obligations in the relevant systems.
If necessary, performance of any other unforeseen tasks as determined by the Head of the Fundraising and Partnerships section.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Managing operations within a non-profit charitable context.
Working with external stakeholders.
Understanding of grant management, budgets and reporting.
Working with a fundraising CRM would be an asset.
Your studies focused on Fundraising, International Relations etc.

Your skills

Understanding of fundraising processes, grants management, donor reporting and stewardship.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and result-oriented approach.
Proficiency in Microsoft suite, including Excel.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality outputs under time pressure.
Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and drive proposals forward.
Desire and ability to work in a team within a large international organization.
Excellent spoken and written French and English are essential.

Ideal start date: 01/06/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
By the application deadline, you have a maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a PhD.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
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)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

Department: SR

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!

Ready To apply?

Be prepared with our resources and tips

All good?

Apply now Allow 15 minutes to complete your online application

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.