Chair and Deputy Chair for Internal Justice Boards

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to push the boundaries of science and technology. It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and operates in a collaborative environment that includes physicists, engineers, technicians, and administrative professionals. CERN has a diverse workforce and values inclusion and innovation, which are central to its mission. The organization has been a pioneer in scientific research since its inception and continues to be a hub for cutting-edge discoveries that enhance our understanding of the universe.

Job Overview:
The position of Chair and Deputy Chair for the Internal Justice Boards at CERN is a unique opportunity to contribute to the organization's internal justice system. The selected candidates will be responsible for leading and coordinating the work of the Joint Advisory Appeals Board (JAAB) and the Joint Advisory Disciplinary Board (JADB). These boards are independent advisory bodies that provide recommendations in administrative disputes and disciplinary proceedings. The Chairs and Deputy Chairs will work in panels of three, including two CERN staff members, and will be appointed for a period of three years, renewable once. This role requires a commitment to ensuring fair and timely proceedings, safeguarding procedural integrity, and promoting consistency and quality in board reports and recommendations. The Chairs and Deputy Chairs will operate independently and are expected to contribute to the credibility and effectiveness of CERN's internal justice system, fostering trust among personnel and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chairs and Deputy Chairs will execute their mandate in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the respective Boards. Their primary duties will include leading and coordinating the work of the Boards, ensuring that proceedings are conducted fairly, independently, and in a timely manner, consistent with international administrative law principles. They will safeguard procedural integrity and due process, promote consistency and quality in the Boards' reports and recommendations, and contribute to the overall credibility and effectiveness of CERN's internal justice system. The role requires the Chairs and Deputy Chairs to act independently, without seeking or receiving instructions regarding case outcomes. They will also be expected to work remotely, as CERN will not provide routine office space or computing facilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in law and hold the nationality of a Member or Associate Member State of CERN. Current and former members of CERN personnel and contractor personnel are not eligible for appointment. Additionally, Chairs and Deputy Chairs will not be eligible for future positions as members of CERN personnel. The role requires demonstrated expertise in international civil service law, and experience in internal justice matters is considered an asset. Candidates should have the ability to work autonomously, manage multiple tasks, and deliver high-quality work on time. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in spoken and written English and/or French, with proficiency in both languages being advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidates have the necessary legal knowledge and expertise to effectively lead the internal justice boards and navigate the complexities of international administrative law.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in the field of international civil service law. Experience in internal justice matters is considered an asset, as it will provide valuable insights into the workings of administrative disputes and disciplinary proceedings. The ability to work autonomously and manage multiple tasks effectively is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English and/or French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in both languages would be an advantage, as the role involves communication and documentation in both languages, ensuring that all proceedings are accessible and comprehensible to a diverse audience.

Additional Notes:
The Chairs and Deputy Chairs will be appointed on a contractual basis for a period of three years, which is renewable once. They will serve the organization as needed and will be remunerated on a per-case basis in line with competitive market conditions. Further details regarding remuneration will be provided during the selection process. Any required travel will be coordinated by CERN in accordance with its duty travel policy. The deadline for applications is set for 19 June 2026, with the intention to finalize the selection process by 26 June 2026.