Project Management Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Project Management Assistant
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 27th February 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With a mission to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments. CERN is committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce is essential for its success.

Job Overview:
The Project Management Assistant will play a crucial role in the HL-LHC (HiLumi) Project, which is a significant upgrade to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) aimed at increasing its luminosity by a factor of ten over the first decade of collisions. This position is situated within the Monitoring & Control Office in the Planning section of the HL-LHC, where the successful candidate will act as a liaison for various HiLumi work-packages. The role involves structuring activities in Earned Value Management (EVM), managing cost change processes, and monitoring the project’s schedule and collaboration efforts. The candidate will also be responsible for preparing reports and metrics for Project Steering Meetings, contributing to the annual Cost & Schedule review, and ensuring effective communication within the project team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to learn and implement project management tools and processes in a dynamic international environment, contributing to one of the largest accelerator technology projects globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the link-person to several HiLumi work-packages, ensuring effective communication and coordination among teams.
• Structure activities in Earned Value Management (EVM) to track project performance.
• Manage cost change processes and reprofile expenses as necessary.
• Monitor and compare project real costs against planned costs to ensure budget adherence.
• Oversee the work package schedule, collaboration efforts, and purchasing plans.
• Assess risks related to cost, performance, and schedule, and implement necessary changes.
• Prepare detailed reports, minutes, and EVM metrics for Project Steering Meetings.
• Contribute to the annual Cost & Schedule review by providing relevant data and insights.
• Take and propagate minutes for relevant Project Steering Meetings to ensure all stakeholders are informed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a technical-scientific background with a Master's degree in engineering, physics-chemistry, or life sciences. A positive experience in project management, particularly in budget and schedule management, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate rigor, precision, and a strong desire to learn and innovate. Excellent self-management and organizational skills, along with a keen sense of responsibility, are required. Strong interpersonal skills and proficient written and oral communication in English are mandatory.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, science, or a related field. Candidates without a university degree are not eligible, and those with a PhD are also not eligible for this position.

Experience:
Applicants should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience can be gained through academic projects or initial work experience in relevant fields such as engineering, physics, or chemistry. Candidates should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as strong written and oral communication skills are essential for this role. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not required.

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

• The job reference for this position is ATS-DO-2025-12-GRAE. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5196 to 5716 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and there are opportunities for on-the-job training and formal training at CERN, including in-house language courses.