Junior Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading particle-physics laboratory established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and employs over 2,500 staff members, along with thousands of scientists and engineers from around the world. CERN operates in multiple countries, collaborating with various international organizations and institutions to advance scientific knowledge and technology. The organization is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals.

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, particularly in a non-profit charitable context. The officer will manage formal obligations to authorities, support the governing body of the CERN & Society Foundation, 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. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills in fundraising operations while contributing to significant scientific projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Junior Fundraising Operations & Grants Officer include:

• Operations: Overseeing CERN & Society Foundation donation accounts, preparing and controlling the Foundation's annual budget, contributing to the annual external audit, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and legal obligations.
• Acting as a liaison for the CERN & Society Foundation Board, handling formal matters related to Board operations and organizing Board meetings.
• Grants Management and Partnerships: Preparing philanthropic grant proposals, overseeing project deliverables and timelines, conducting prospect research, and maintaining accurate records of grants and donor obligations.
• Financial oversight of grant funds in collaboration with relevant sections and departments of CERN.
• Performing any other unforeseen tasks as determined by the Head of the Fundraising and Partnerships section.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience managing operations within a non-profit charitable context and working with external stakeholders. A solid understanding of grant management, budgets, and reporting is essential. Familiarity with a fundraising CRM would be an asset. Candidates should possess excellent interpersonal communication skills, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a result-oriented approach. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, is required. The ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs under time pressure is crucial, as is the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team within a large international organization.

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. Candidates must have graduated within the last two years and should not have held a CERN fellow or graduate contract previously. Applicants without a university degree or those with a PhD are not eligible for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in a relevant field such as Fundraising or International Relations. This experience should ideally involve managing operations within a non-profit context and working with external stakeholders.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written proficiency in both French and English is essential for this role. These language skills are critical for effective communication with donors and stakeholders, as well as for preparing reports and proposals.

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

• The position may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference is SR-SE-PF-2026-72-GRAE. 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. Additionally, on-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will be provided.