Senior Legal Counsel (w/m/d)

Introduction

Do you have a distinguished track record in public international law and the legal frameworks governing intergovernmental organisations Are you ready to apply your legal and managerial expertise at the heart of one of the worlds foremost scientific intergovernmental institutions

You will join the Legal Service which provides legal support for the execution of CERNs mission.

Functions

The Legal Service is recruiting an experienced Senior Legal Adviser to assume a leadership role. You will perform your duties at CERNs headquarters outside Geneva under the direct supervision of the Legal Counsel.

Working within the Legal Service team and with colleagues across the Organisation you will have a broad legal portfolio and will inter alia :

Provide high-level legal expertise on the governance of CERN including for use by the Management and the governing bodies of the Organisation;

Advise on matters of privileges and immunities of the Organisation and its personnel;

Represent the Legal Service with a broad range of interlocutors both internally and externally including high-level authorities in CERNs Member and Associate Member States;

Oversee the drafting implementation and interpretation of internal legislation policies and regulations;

Provide strategic oversight of and contribute to the Organisations legal representation in employment and Pension Fund disputes including before the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organisation (ILOAT) and/or in commercial and contractual disputes including in adjudication and arbitration proceedings;

Supervise and mentor legal advisers ensuring quality consistency and professional development;

Contribute to the management of the Service and replace the Legal Counsel in her absence.

In addition to your core functions you may be assigned work in other legal domains.

Qualifications :

Masters degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of public international law or a related field with a strong focus on law applicable to intergovernmental organisations.

Experience:

Senior role in an intergovernmental legal setting;

Substantial experience in the practise of public international law including in respect of treaty interpretation IGO governance and privileges and immunities;

Skilled negotiation with stakeholders at varying levels;

Proven capacity in representing the employer organisation in a broad range of settings including high-level external meetings;

Proven exposure to litigation before administrative tribunals (e.g. ILOAT);

Increasing responsibilities in managing a legal team and providing strategic guidance to junior colleagues.

Technical competencies:

Knowledge of International Administrative Law (law of the International Civil Service);

Negotiation;

Knowledge of treaty law;

Knowledge of public law;

Legal drafting.

Behavioural competencies:

Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.

Communicating Effectively: utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.

Learning and Sharing Knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

Working in Teams: gaining trust and collaboration from others.

Demonstrating Accountability: presenting information accurately and objectively.

Language skills:

Spoken and written both English and French including advanced drafting proficiency.

Additional Information :

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERNs 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 07.12.2025 at 23:59 CET.

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 Flexibility: Fully Onsite

Job grade: 6-7-8

Job reference: DG-LSLD

Field of work: Support Services (Finance HR Legal Procurement)

Benchmark Job Title: Legal Adviser

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Contract