External Professional Expert for the CERN Pension Fund Investment Committee

Job Posting Organization:
The CERN Pension Fund is the pension fund of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), established to provide pension and benefits to CERN and ESO employees, former employees, and their families. CERN's mission is to facilitate international collaboration in high-energy particle physics research, while ESO aims to enable significant scientific discoveries through the construction and operation of advanced observational facilities. The CERN Pension Fund operates as a capitalized defined benefit scheme, managing assets of approximately CHF 5 billion, serving around 3,300 beneficiaries and over 4,400 members. The Fund operates with a degree of autonomy, overseen by the Pension Fund Governing Board (PFGB) and supported by various committees, including the Actuarial and Technical Committee (ATC) and the Investment Committee (IC).

Job Overview:
The role of the External Professional Expert on the Investment Committee (IC) involves significant responsibilities related to the oversight of the CERN Pension Fund's investment strategies and performance. The IC is tasked with making proposals to the PFGB regarding the Fund's Statement of Investment Principles, reviewing investment performance, and monitoring risk tolerance. The IC consists of at least four members, including two members from the Governing Board and two external experts. Members are appointed for a maximum of three years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional three-year term. The IC meets four times a year, with additional meetings as necessary, and members are expected to attend all meetings and act in the best interests of the Fund, adhering to CERN's Code of Conduct.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the External Professional Expert include:

• Participating in the Investment Committee meetings, which are held four times a year, and potentially more if required.
• Reviewing and making recommendations on the Fund's Statement of Investment Principles.
• Analyzing and monitoring the Fund's investment performance across various asset classes.
• Assessing the Fund's risk tolerance and ensuring that investment strategies align with this tolerance.
• Collaborating with other committee members to ensure effective governance and oversight of the Fund's investments.
• Providing expert advice on portfolio construction, investment risk management, and asset allocation strategies.
• Engaging in discussions regarding long-term asset studies and the management of various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and alternative investments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess deep and extensive experience in overseeing asset management processes for large pension funds or similar long-term institutional investors. This includes experience with endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds. Candidates should also have academic and/or professional qualifications in relevant fields, demonstrating expertise in investment management and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis. Specific knowledge in areas such as portfolio construction, investment risk management, and various asset classes is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates are expected to have a strong educational background, ideally with advanced degrees in finance, economics, business administration, or related fields. Professional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or equivalent qualifications are highly desirable, reflecting a commitment to the investment profession and a deep understanding of financial markets.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience in investment management, particularly in roles that involve oversight of large-scale asset management processes. This experience should ideally include direct involvement with pension funds or similar institutional investors, showcasing a proven track record of effective investment decision-making and risk management.

Languages:
While the primary working language is English, proficiency in additional languages, particularly French, is advantageous given the location of CERN in Geneva and the international nature of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a part-time role with a contract duration of up to three years, renewable once. The role is open to external candidates who are not currently employed by CERN or ESO, and a market-competitive fee will be offered to successful applicants. Interviews for selected candidates will be conducted via Zoom videoconference.