Administrative Assistant – Engineering Department

What you'll do

Are you an experienced assistant who enjoys working on a variety of projects? Do you want to broaden your knowledge in new areas where excellence is essential? Put in place your organizational expertise and provide key support to all members of CERN’s Engineering Department!

The Engineering Department’s Resources Management and Safety (EN-RMS) is the backbone of the Engineering department, delivering administrative and Safety support as well as ensuring resource management and coordination. In this position, you will join the Group to provide centralised and secretarial services, along with specific services to the Management of the Engineering Department.

Your responsibilities

Provide administrative support and advice to all categories of members of personnel of the Department (upon arrival, departure, and throughout their appointment);
Contribute to the smooth operation of the administration;
Ensure the application of the Organization's rules and procedures;
Maintain physical and electronic documents, web pages, shared files, and archived documents;
Process requests for leaves, reimbursements, payments, and travel;
Seek, receive, provide, and process information in the form of e-mails, letters, minutes, procedures, and presentations;
Support Group's members with document drafting, editing, proofreading, follow-up, distribution, archiving, and updating by using the appropriate tools;
Support Group Leaders (managing diaries, incoming and outgoing phone calls, official duty trips, meetings);
Organise and support events (conferences, workshops, etc);
Replace other assistants during their absences.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Proven experience in a variety of administrative and support tasks for a large unit, preferably in a front-line and international environment.
Demonstrated experience in multitasking as first-line administrative support.
Demonstrated experience in proofreading of work documents.
Proven experience in using a diverse set of modern office computing tools and in maintaining and archiving data and documents.
Experience in establishing and implementing administrative processes and procedures.
Higher administrative diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Administrative Support or a related field. Official English certificate (Cambridge certificate).

Your skills

Secretarial work;
Knowledge of administrative rules and procedures;
Use of office software packages;
Customer service;
Event organisation and management;
Archiving and records management;
Is able to demonstrate flexibility whilst abiding by all applicable rules;
Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships;
Works conscientiously and reliably, delivers on promises;
Provides others with timely information;
Spoken and written both English and French.

Ideal start date: 01/05/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 3

Benchmark job: 5B0020 - Personal/Team Assistant

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 5929 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 EN department provides CERN with the engineering competences, infrastructure systems, and technical coordination required for the design, fabrication, installation, operation, maintenance, and dismantling of the accelerator complex and experimental facilities. Its mission is to deliver and sustain robust infrastructure systems, advanced engineering solutions, and technical coordination.

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.