Procurement Assistant

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

• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and operates in multiple countries across Europe. CERN is renowned for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and technology, employing over 2,500 staff members and hosting thousands of scientists and engineers from around the world. The organization is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals.

Job Overview:
The Procurement Assistant will join the Procurement and Industrial Services Group (PI) at CERN, which is responsible for procuring all supplies and services for the organization. The role involves ensuring compliance with CERN's Procurement Rules while meeting specified technical, delivery, and performance requirements at the lowest possible cost. The Procurement Assistant will be expected to process and follow up on purchase orders, request quotations from suppliers, conduct comparative analyses of offers, negotiate commercial terms, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders. This position is crucial for supporting efficient procurement operations and ensuring that all procurement activities align with CERN's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Procurement Assistant will be responsible for processing, placing, and following up on purchase orders up to 3,000 CHF, ensuring compliance with CERN's Procurement Rules. Key duties include requesting quotations from suppliers, conducting comparative analyses of offers received, and supporting sound purchasing decisions. The role also involves negotiating commercial terms such as payment terms, delivery schedules, and transport conditions. The Procurement Assistant will liaise with suppliers to resolve delivery delays, non-conformities, and invoicing issues, as well as with technical officers to address discrepancies and operational issues. Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders is essential for ensuring efficient procurement operations. Additionally, the Procurement Assistant will provide direct support to suppliers throughout the registration process in CERN's supplier database and eProcurement system, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of supplier records.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. By the application deadline, applicants should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in fields such as Engineering, Purchasing, or Economics. The highest educational qualification required is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree. It is important to note that applicants without a university degree or those with a PhD are not eligible for this position. Prior exposure to procurement, purchasing, or contract administration through studies, internships, or initial work experience is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Procurement Assistant position includes a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Purchasing, Economics, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of procurement processes and ensuring compliance with CERN's Procurement Rules.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience can be gained through internships, studies, or initial work experience in procurement, purchasing, or contract administration. Prior exposure to an international and multicultural working environment is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, as this will be beneficial in the multicultural environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for the position is January 1, 202

• The job reference is IPT-PI-SU-2026-220-GRAE. Compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 5,266 to 5,793 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree. Additional benefits include 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, including language classes.