Junior Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN operates with a mission to push the frontiers of science and technology, bringing together physicists and a diverse range of professionals from various fields including engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with numerous countries around the world, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. Diversity is a core value at CERN, and it remains central to its mission and continued success.

Job Overview:
The Junior Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer will be an integral part of the Fundraising and Partnerships section within the Stakeholder Engagement group at CERN. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about fundraising and partnerships, and who wish to contribute to the operations of the CERN & Society Foundation. The officer will manage formal obligations to authorities, support the Foundation's governing body, and oversee financial processes in collaboration with CERN's Legal Service and Finance and Administrative Processes department. The role requires a combination of operational stewardship and relationship management, ensuring effective donor engagement and a sustainable flow of resources to the Foundation. The officer will work closely with CERN project leaders to manage institutional and foundation donor relationships, including proposal preparation, compliance monitoring, and reporting, thereby playing a crucial role in the success of fundraising initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Head of Fundraising and Partnerships. Key responsibilities include: overseeing CERN & Society Foundation donation accounts, preparing and controlling the Foundation's annual budget, contributing to the annual external audit, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and legal obligations, acting as a liaison for the Foundation Board, preparing philanthropic grant proposals, overseeing project deliverables and timelines, conducting prospect research, maintaining accurate records of grants and donors, and performing any unforeseen tasks as determined by the Head of the section. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while delivering high-quality outputs under pressure.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Fundraising, International Relations, or a related field. A Bachelor's or Master's degree is required, and applicants must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Those without a university degree or with a PhD are not eligible for this position. The ideal candidate will have experience managing operations within a non-profit charitable context, working with external stakeholders, and understanding grant management, budgets, and reporting. Familiarity with fundraising CRM systems is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fundraising, International Relations, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of fundraising operations and partnerships, as well as the legal and ethical standards that govern such activities.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience should ideally be in roles related to fundraising, grant management, or international relations, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage donor relationships and fundraising operations.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written proficiency in both French and English is essential for this position. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for preparing reports and proposals. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The job is fully onsite, and the target start date is June 1, 202

• The position may involve work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job reference is SR-SE-PF-2026-72-GRAE, and the field of work is International Relations. The compensation includes a monthly stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs (tax-free), 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will also be provided.