Job Overview

CERN is preparing the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project for a potential decision by the CERN Council on a 2028 timescale. Given its scale, complexity and territorial footprint, the FCC requires strong, credible and continuous engagement with the Host States of France and Switzerland at all institutional levels.

To support the territorial implementation of the FCC project, CERN is seeking a senior professional with proven experience in the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably in France and/or Switzerland, including regulatory authorisations, environmental procedures, land-related matters, and coordination with national and regional authorities.

The position is embedded within the CERN Stakeholder Relations Sector and the FCC Project Office. It ensures that territorial engagement and all regulatory and administrative processes with Host States are anticipated, structured and aligned with the overall project schedule and risk management.

Purpose of the Role

The Coordinator of FCC Territorial Implementation and Host State Relations serves as CERN’s senior institutional interface with the Host States for all territorial matters related to the FCC.

The role is responsible for ensuring that:

• Permitting strategies, environmental procedures, land-related processes and institutional interfaces are prepared, coordinated and advanced in line with FCC project objectives and milestones.
• Public dialogue and consultation processes are conducted credibly, transparently and effectively.
• CERN senior management receives timely strategic insight on territorial risks, constraints and opportunities.

The role works in close collaboration with the FCC Project Office and relevant CERN services, ensuring full coherence between institutional engagement and project implementation.

Key Tasks (Functions)

As Coordinator of FCC Territorial Implementation and Host State Relations, you will:

• Act as CERN’s single-entry point with Host State authorities in France and Switzerland for all FCC territorial matters, interfacing with national, regional and local authorities, including Prefectures, Cantonal authorities and relevant administrative bodies.
• Provide overall strategic leadership for FCC Host State engagement, ensuring consistency, continuity and credibility in CERN’s positions vis-à-vis Host State authorities.
• Define and steer the strategy for regulatory approvals, authorisation processes and administrative pathways required for the FCC.
• Support the preparation and progression of environmental impact assessments, public inquiries and associated procedures.
• Ensure alignment of territorial and regulatory processes with the FCC project schedule, risk management, and technical development, in permanent collaboration with the FCC Project Office.
• Support and coordinate land-related processes, territorial constraints and site-related administrative matters.
• Identify territorial and regulatory risks, advising the FCC Project Leader and CERN senior management on mitigation measures and sequencing.
• Represent CERN in high-level meetings with Host State authorities on FCC territorial implementation topics.

Interfaces and Way of Working

The coordinator works closely with FCC project office and several CERN departments and services:

• The position is part of the CERN Stakeholder Relations Sector and operates as part of the FCC Project Office, interacting with technical coordinators, system engineering, environmental and sustainability experts, civil engineering teams, and project controls.
• CERN Stakeholder Relations provides communication, public dialogue and institutional outreach support. Dedicated Stakeholder Relations staff contribute operationally to FCC Host State engagement activities.
• Close coordination is ensured with the Site and Operations Sector, the Health, Safety and Environment Department, the Legal Service, as well as with the Finance and Human Resources Sector and other CERN services contributing to territorial, environmental and socio-economic aspects.

This role ensures that institutional engagement, regulatory processes and project implementation progress in a coordinated and mutually reinforcing manner.

Reporting Line

The position reports directly to the CERN Director-General for interactions with the Host States and operates in close coordination with the Director of the Stakeholder Relations Sector and the FCC Project Leader. Administrative reporting is through the Stakeholder Relations Sector.

Candidate’s Profile

Qualifications and Experience

• Senior-level experience with direct responsibility for the territorial, administrative and regulatory implementation of at least one large-scale infrastructure project of comparable scope and complexity, preferably in France and/or Switzerland.
• Proven successful experience working with national and regional authorities, regulatory bodies, and complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated involvement in public dialogue or consultation processes for projects with significant environmental or societal impact.
• Strong understanding of French and/or Swiss administrative and regulatory frameworks.

Diploma

Type: Master’s Degree or PhD/Doctorate or equivalent

Field: Public administration, civil engineering, law, political science, environmental governance, territorial planning or a related field

Key Competencies

Technical Skills

• Project Management
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Risk management
• Implementation of vision and strategic agility
• Strategic communications planning

Behavioural Competences

• Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships - Strategic judgement in complex institutional environments.
• Building Relationships - Credibility and authority when interacting with senior public officials.
• Solving Problems - Ability to anticipate constraints and structure robust solutions.
• Leading with Strength and Credibility - Strong coordination and integration skills.
• Communicating Effectively - Excellent communication, representation and negotiation abilities.

Language Skills

• Excellent spoken and written French and English.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 07.06.2026

Target start date: 01.09.2026

Please, apply via the CERN careers portal: https://careers.cern/explore-careers/international-relations/