Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's mission is to advance knowledge in the field of particle physics and to provide insights into the fundamental laws of nature. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its diverse workforce, which is integral to its success.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Assistant at CERN is designed for individuals with proven administrative support skills who thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The role involves providing personal assistance and administrative support to senior lawyers within the Director-General Unit's Legal Service. The Legal Service is responsible for protecting CERN's interests in legal matters and ensuring compliance with applicable legal frameworks. The Legal Assistant will work closely with colleagues in the Legal Service secretariat, handling a variety of confidential matters with accuracy and discretion. The position requires a service-oriented professional who can manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards of communication and documentation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Legal Assistant, your primary duties will include: providing personal assistance and administrative support to senior lawyers; answering and directing queries while handling sensitive information appropriately; ensuring that written communications from the Legal Service meet high standards; preparing, compiling, and performing final formatting and editing on files, documents, and litigation briefs; optimizing the efficiency of the Legal Service processes; maintaining accurate records for the Legal Service; following up on CERN’s scientific agreements and managing the applicable database; and providing ad hoc administrative support as required for various internal CERN bodies. This role demands a proactive approach to managing tasks and a commitment to delivering high-quality work on time.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher administrative diploma or equivalent relevant experience in administration or a related field. Paralegal training is considered an advantage. The ideal candidate will have 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, is also advantageous. Technical competencies required for this position include proficiency in secretarial work, text editing and proofreading, and the use of office software packages, particularly experience with electronic document management systems. Candidates should be adept at preparing and finalizing a variety of documents, including litigation files.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a higher administrative diploma or equivalent experience in administration or a related field. Additional qualifications such as paralegal training would be beneficial and enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in administrative roles, particularly as an administrative or editorial assistant in an international or multilingual setting. Experience in legal assistance or paralegal work, as well as providing translations, is highly desirable. The role requires familiarity with the legal environment and the ability to manage confidential information effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the other language being essential. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the diverse environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility for holders of limited-duration contracts to apply for an indefinite position, subject to certain conditions. The working hours for this role are set at 40 hours per week, and the job grade is classified as 3-

• The job reference for this position is DG-LS-2025-158-LDB, and it is benchmarked as a Personal/Team Assistant role. CERN emphasizes diversity and welcomes applications from all Member States and Associate Member States, reflecting its commitment to a diverse workforce.