Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description

Introduction

Do you have proven first class administrative support skills? Are you a service-oriented professional who enjoys being part of a dynamic team? Are you experienced in working in a fast-paced environment, managing a wide variety of confidential matters with accuracy and discretion? CERN, take part!

As part of the Director-General Unit, the Legal Service protects the interests of the Organization in legal matters and ensures that its activities and decisions comply with the applicable legal framework.

Functions

As a Legal Assistant, you will perform duties under the supervision of the Head of Service.

In particular, working closely with your colleague in the Legal Service secretariat, you will:

• Provide personal assistance and administrative support to senior lawyers;
• Answer and/or direct queries and handle sensitive information appropriately;
• Ensure written communications from the Legal Service meet an appropriate standard;
• Prepare, compile, and/or perform final formatting and editing on files, documents and litigation briefs;
• Optimise the efficiency of the Legal Service processes;
• Maintain the Legal Service records;
• Follow up on CERN’s scientific agreements and manage the applicable database;
• Provide ad hoc administrative support as required for various internal CERN bodies.

Qualifications

Higher administrative diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of administration or a related field.

Paralegal training would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience as an administrative or editorial assistant in an international or multilingual environment.
• Experience as a legal assistant or paralegal, or in providing ad hoc translations, would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Secretarial work;
• Text editing and proof-reading;
• Use of office software packages: experience with electronics documents' management systems;
• Preparation and finalisation of an array of documents such as litigation files.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 31.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job grade: 3-4

Job reference: DG-LS-2025-158-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Personal/Team Assistant