Geneva, Switzerland What you'll do
Are you a rigorous and dynamic graduate, who thrives in fast-paced international environments?
Ready to turn your passion for International Relations into action at the world’s leading particle-physics laboratory?
Are you eager to contribute to Protocol activities and to navigate diplomacy, logistics, and high-level stakeholders all at once?
Come and join the Protocol Office in the Stakeholder Relations sector at CERN!
The CERN Protocol Office (SR-SE-PRT) is a small team of three professionals responsible for ensuring compliance with protocol and etiquette standards at official events organised at CERN, hosted by the Director-General or members of the CERN Management. These engagements include technical visits, institutional meetings and exchanges with CERN scientists.
The Protocol Office plays a key role in the preparation and coordination of these visits, working closely with high-level governmental and international scientific leaders. In 2025, the Protocol Office organised 132 official visits, including those of 4 Heads of State and 35 Ministers.
The upcoming Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) of the CERN accelerators will begin in mid-2026 to enable the major upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), paving the way for the High-Luminosity LHC to come into operation in 2030. Based on experience from previous Long Shutdown periods, LS3 is expected to significantly increase the level of institutional interest in CERN. As a result, the number of Protocol visits is anticipated to rise by almost 50%, along with an increase in the seniority and ranking of visiting delegations.
With the European Strategy for Particle Physics expected to be approved shortly, the FCC project, CERN’s flagship initiative, will play a central role in the Laboratory’s institutional relations with its Host States, Switzerland and France. The successful candidate will therefore also be closely involved in the organisation and management of FCC-related protocol visits at the local level.
As a Junior Protocol Officer, you will gain hands-on experience in a highly visible, international and multicultural environment at the interface between science, diplomacy and international relations.
Your responsibilities
- Contribute to the organisation and coordination of protocol visits linked to the FCC project, both on Swiss territory (Canton of Geneva) and in France (department of Haute-Savoie).
- Participate in the preparation and delivery of high-level international visits organised by the Protocol Office for the CERN Directorate.
- Prepare detailed visit programmes and ensure the complete logistical coordination of official visits.
- Liaise with and coordinate the participation of the relevant CERN services and stakeholders.
- Monitor the operational follow-up of visit programmes and ensure their smooth execution.
- Accompany delegations when required by protocol rank and, in this context, supervise technical aspects, ensure compliance with schedules and manage unforeseen or evolving situations.
- Contribute to the administrative, logistical and project-related activities of the Protocol Service.
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Your profile
- Previous experience in protocol-related activities, institutional relations or high-level event organisation would be an advantage.
- A strong connection to the local region and good knowledge of institutional stakeholders in the Canton of Geneva and Haute-Savoie would be an asset.
- Your studies focused on International Relations or related field.
Your skills
- Strong organisational and coordination skills.
- Ability to work methodically while remaining flexible and responsive in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion, tact and professionalism.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels in a multicultural and multidisciplinary setting.
- Sound judgement, reactivity and capacity to work under time constraints.
- Spoken and written both English and French.
Employment conditions
- Interventions in underground installations.
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Global Benefits at CERN
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
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?
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All good?
Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions
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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.
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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.