Data Privacy Specialist

What you'll do

As a Data Privacy Specialist, you will join the Office of Data Privacy (ODP) in the Office of the CIO. ODP is CERN’s independent and impartial centre of expertise in the area of data privacy. You will report to the Data Privacy Advisor, CERN’s Data Protection Officer, and will advise CERN Management as well as Data Subjects and External Entities involved in the Processing of Personal Data, on all issues related to the Organization’s data privacy protection.

Your responsibilities

Provide specialised legal and operational advice to ensure that CERN's processing of personal data complies with applicable data privacy protection requirements throughout the data lifecycle, including projects, contracts, risk assessments, data transfers, and data breach response, taking into account data protection implications of emerging technologies.
Manage or contribute to projects in the privacy and data protection field involving internal and external stakeholders (e.g. international data-sharing initiatives).
Advise on the relevant governance structures, policies, documentation, stakeholder engagement, and establish and maintain regulatory relationships necessary to support CERN's data privacy protection framework.
Ensure the effective exercise of data subject rights and the prompt handling of grievances and complaints.
Promote a strong culture of data privacy protection through communication, awareness campaigns, guidance materials, and targeted training for CERN personnel and stakeholders.
Oversee the effectiveness of CERN's data privacy protection framework, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure ongoing alignment with evolving regulatory expectations and recognised best practices.

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Your profile

You have proven data protection expertise and experience.
You have extensive practical experience in data protection acquired at national or international level, in particular practical experience in applying data protection rules (preferably EU data protection framework).
You preferably have experience working in an international environment and in dealing with EU actors and bodies or Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs).
You will act with the required independence and impartiality.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Law, Data Protection, Privacy, IT or a related field. Holding a certification in the domain of data privacy protection (e.g. International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)), or equivalent, or admission to the bar or equivalent legal qualification would be an asset.

Your skills

Knowledge of EU regulations.
Knowledge of administrative rules and procedures.
Drafting and writing of official documents.
Stakeholder relationship management, in particular data protection commissions, communities of DPOs of other IGOs.
Risks assessment for compliance and data protection purposes.
Compliance auditing.
Delivers presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusts style and content to the audience; responds calmly and confidently to questions.
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Is willing to work on different projects simultaneously.
Maintains confidentiality.
Spoken and written both English and French.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 5A0070 - Legal Adviser

Job flexibility: Hybrid

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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, 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

As CERN’s digital landscape grows increasingly complex, it is essential that the Organisation’s ICT systems continue to evolve to remain secure, integrated, efficient and aligned with its scientific mission. To support this evolution, CERN has established the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) — a strategic leadership position dedicated to strengthening CERN’s digital foundations and ensuring the Organisation remains at the forefront of technological innovation.

To support the implementation of this mandate, the Office of the Chief Information Officer has been established to provide the people and processes needed to coordinate its activities. The Office focuses on aligning and coordinating transversal computing-related initiatives across the Laboratory, while operational responsibility for service delivery remains with the departments and experiments.

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.