Head of FCC Territorial Implementation and Host State Relations (SR-SE-2026-125-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization 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

CERN is preparing the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project for a potential decision by the CERN Council on a 2028 timescale. Given its scale, complexity and territorial footprint, the FCC requires strong, credible and continuous engagement with the Host States of France and Switzerland at all institutional levels.

To support the territorial implementation of the FCC project, CERN is seeking a senior professional with proven experience in the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably in France and/or Switzerland, including regulatory authorisations, environmental procedures, land-related matters, and coordination with national and regional authorities.

The position is embedded within the CERN Stakeholder Relations Sector and the FCC Project Office. It ensures that territorial engagement and all regulatory and administrative processes with Host States are anticipated, structured and aligned with the overall project schedule and risk management.

The position reports directly to the CERN Director-General for interactions with the Host States and operates in close coordination with the Director of the Stakeholder Relations Sector and the FCC Project Leader. Administrative reporting is through the Stakeholder Relations Sector.

Functions

As Head of FCC Territorial Implementation and Host State Relations, you will:

• Act as CERN's single-entry point with Host State authorities in France and Switzerland for all FCC territorial matters, interfacing with national, regional and local authorities, including Prefectures, Cantonal authorities and relevant administrative bodies.
• Provide overall strategic leadership for FCC Host State engagement, ensuring consistency, continuity and credibility in CERN's positions vis-à-vis Host State authorities.
• Define and steer the strategy for regulatory approvals, authorisation processes and administrative pathways required for the FCC.
• Support the preparation and progression of environmental impact assessments, public inquiries and associated procedures.
• Ensure alignment of territorial and regulatory processes with the FCC project schedule, risk management, and technical development, in permanent collaboration with the FCC Project Office.
• Support and coordinate land-related processes, territorial constraints and site-related administrative matters.
• Identify territorial and regulatory risks, advising the FCC Project Leader and CERN senior management on mitigation measures and sequencing.
• Represent CERN in high-level meetings with Host State authorities on FCC territorial implementation topics.
• Ensure that CERN senior management receives timely strategic insight on territorial risks, constraints and opportunities.
• Ensure that public dialogue and consultation processes are conducted credibly, transparently and effectively.
• This role ensures that institutional engagement, regulatory processes and project implementation progress in a coordinated and mutually reinforcing manner.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Law, Political Science, Environmental Governance, Territorial Planning or a related field.

Experience:

• Senior-level experience with direct responsibility for the territorial, administrative and regulatory implementation of at least one large-scale infrastructure project of comparable scope and complexity, preferably in France and/or Switzerland.
• Proven successful experience working with national and regional authorities, regulatory bodies, and complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated involvement in public dialogue or consultation processes for projects with significant environmental or societal impact.
• Strong understanding of French and/or Swiss administrative and regulatory frameworks.

Technical competencies:

• Project management.
• Stakeholder relationship management.
• Risk management.
• Implementation of vision and strategic agility.
• Strategic communications planning, and utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.

Behavioural competencies:

• Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: strategic judgement in complex institutional environments.
• Building Relationships: credibility and authority when interacting with senior public officials.
• Solving problems: ability to anticipate constraints and structure robust solutions.
• Leading with Strength and Credibility: strong coordination and integration skills.
• Communicating Effectively: excellent communication, representation and negotiation abilities.

Language skills:

Spoken and written both English and French.

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 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 08.07.2026 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 Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 8

Job reference: SR-SE-2026-125-LD

Field of work: International Relations

Benchmark Job Title: Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (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.

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!

More information about us, here: careers.cern