Introduction

Are you keen to work in the Legal Service of one of the world’s leading scientific Intergovernmental Organizations? Come and join a unique environment whose core value is excellence, and whose defining characteristic is teamwork. CERN, take part!

You will join the Legal Service, which, reporting to the Director-General, provides legal support for the execution of CERN's mission within the applicable legal framework.

Functions

Working with the Legal Service team and with scientists, engineers and other colleagues across the Organization, you will in particular:

• Draft, review, negotiate and follow up consortium agreements, partnership agreements and similar instruments related to CERN’s participation in EU R&D framework programmes, liaising with colleagues in the Organization’s EU Projects Office, technical departments and the Knowledge Transfer Group. You will also represent the Organization in discussions with legal experts at the EU Commission, consortium members and other external stakeholders;
• Draft, review and follow up scientific collaboration agreements and memoranda of understanding, including non-disclosure agreements, with government agencies, institutes and universities contributing to CERN’s scientific programme;
• Provide legal advice on questions related to media and communications and other outreach media, including on the use of CERN's name and logo and other IP issues;
• Make presentations to and train non-legal members of the CERN personnel and external stakeholders on matters relating to the above;
• Represent the CERN Legal Service in internal working groups;
• Advice and follow up on other legal matters within the mandate of the Operational Law Matters section.

Where these tasks include elements relating to CERN’s particular legal status as an Intergovernmental Organization, you will liaise with your colleagues in the Institutional Law Matters Section.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of law or a related field.

Complementary training in, or substantial knowledge of international institutional law, European funded projects and/or IP law would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in contract work, preferably acquired in an international environment.
• Experience in any of the following would be an advantage:
• Preparation of EU grant and consortium agreements;
• The establishment of other collaborative structures;
• The application of privileges and immunities in an international context.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of contract law.
• Legal drafting.
• Contract negotiation.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point; demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively.
• Working in teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.

Language skills:

• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Working knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. 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 12:00 CET 18.04.2022.

Employment Conditions

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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: DG-LS-OL-2022-31-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Legal Adviser