Head of FCC Territorial Implementation and Host State Relations

What you'll do

CERN is preparing the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project for a potential decision by the CERN Council on a 2028 timescale. Given its scale, complexity and territorial footprint, the FCC requires strong, credible and continuous engagement with the Host States of France and Switzerland at all institutional levels.

To support the territorial implementation of the FCC project, CERN is seeking a senior professional with proven experience in the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably in France and/or Switzerland, including regulatory authorisations, environmental procedures, land-related matters, and coordination with national and regional authorities.

The position is embedded within the CERN Stakeholder Relations Sector and the FCC Project Office. It ensures that territorial engagement and all regulatory and administrative processes with Host States are anticipated, structured and aligned with the overall project schedule and risk management.

The position reports directly to the CERN Director-General for interactions with the Host States and operates in close coordination with the Director of the Stakeholder Relations Sector and the FCC Project Leader. Administrative reporting is through the Stakeholder Relations Sector.

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Your responsibilities

Act as CERN's single-entry point with Host State authorities in France and Switzerland for all FCC territorial matters, interfacing with national, regional and local authorities, including Prefectures, Cantonal authorities and relevant administrative bodies.
Provide overall strategic leadership for FCC Host State engagement, ensuring consistency, continuity and credibility in CERN's positions vis-à-vis Host State authorities.
Define and steer the strategy for regulatory approvals, authorisation processes and administrative pathways required for the FCC.
Support the preparation and progression of environmental impact assessments, public inquiries and associated procedures.
Ensure alignment of territorial and regulatory processes with the FCC project schedule, risk management, and technical development, in permanent collaboration with the FCC Project Office.
Support and coordinate land-related processes, territorial constraints and site-related administrative matters.
Identify territorial and regulatory risks, advising the FCC Project Leader and CERN senior management on mitigation measures and sequencing.
Represent CERN in high-level meetings with Host State authorities on FCC territorial implementation topics.
Ensure that CERN senior management receives timely strategic insight on territorial risks, constraints and opportunities.
Ensure that public dialogue and consultation processes are conducted credibly, transparently and effectively.
This role ensures that institutional engagement, regulatory processes and project implementation progress in a coordinated and mutually reinforcing manner.

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Your profile

Senior-level experience with direct responsibility for the territorial, administrative and regulatory implementation of at least one large-scale infrastructure project of comparable scope and complexity, preferably in France and/or Switzerland.
Proven successful experience working with national and regional authorities, regulatory bodies, and complex multi-stakeholder environments.
Demonstrated involvement in public dialogue or consultation processes for projects with significant environmental or societal impact.
Strong understanding of French and/or Swiss administrative and regulatory frameworks.
Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Law, Political Science, Environmental Governance, Territorial Planning or a related field.

Your skills

Project management.
Stakeholder relationship management.
Risk management.
Implementation of vision and strategic agility.
Strategic communications planning, and utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.
Uses strategic judgement in complex institutional environments.
Develops effective relationships with senior public officials by demonstrating credibility and authority.
Ability to anticipate constraints and structure robust solutions.
Has strong coordination and integration skills.
Excellent communication, representation and negotiation abilities.
Spoken and written both English and French.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 8

Benchmark job: 5A0020 - Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Employment conditions

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

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, 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. 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.
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 SR sector implements CERN’s international relations strategy, fostering global support and partnerships to advance CERN’s scientific and societal missions.

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.