Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

We believe creative events are a powerful medium to engage and excite the general public in the wonders of science and its impact on society. If you share this passion and have the ambition to programme and curate events in a fast-paced, multicultural organisation, then this opportunity may be for you.

You will join the International Relations sector (IR), Education, Communications and Outreach group (ECO) that is responsible for generating public engagement with CERN’s activities and with fundamental research, fostering community-building and raising awareness of CERN’s societal impact. The group is composed of professionals covering all its activities: writers, media officers, graphic and web designers, social media specialists, education specialists, exhibition developers, photographers and video editors.

Reporting to the Head of Education, Communications and Outreach, you will be responsible for the CERN Public Events programme, a core component of the lab’s education and outreach portfolio.

Delivered at the recently-opened CERN Science Gateway and the Globe of Science and Innovation, via the intersection of science, art and culture, the programme aims to engage people of all background and interests in making sense of the science that shapes their lives, and establish CERN as a forum for open dialogue around societal challenges.

Functions

As head of Public Events Programming you will:

• Ensure the realisation of an annual season of events for the general public, aligned with the goals of the programme and the CERN Communications Strategy, based on a theme for each season, aligned with the Organization’s strategic objectives
• Propose, programme and curate events under the thematic strand, ensuring diversity and accessibility across all events
• Serve as the main entry point for requests for public events taking place at CERN
• Convene and facilitate the CERN Public Events Committee, whose mandate is to assess proposals for public events at CERN
• Design and implement a communications plan for the overall programme as well as for individual events
• Liaise with relevant teams across CERN for communication and technical/operational aspects
• Identify and establish collaborations with relevant cultural and scientific partners, in particular across CERN Member and Associate Member States, and with internal stakeholders (e.g. CERN departments, projects and collaborations)
• With CERN’s fundraising team, ensure a steady stream of support from external donors
• Ensure regular evaluation and monitoring of the public events programme

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Public Relations, Communications/Science Communication, or a related field.

Experience:

Essential:

• Proven/extensive experience in event programming and curation across different disciplines, including speaker coaching.
• Demonstrated experience in coordination of event production using different media.
• Well-established links with international scientific and cultural organisations.
• Demonstrated experience in working with different teams in a dynamic environment.

Desirable:

• Experience of communication and/or outreach in a research organisation.
• Proven experience in managing relations with non-profit and corporate individuals/organisations.

Technical competencies:

• Science communications
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Strategic communications planning
• Fundraising
• Event organisation and management

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating Accountability: declaring own intentions clearly in dealings with others; using influence constructively
• Managing Self: remaining objective, focussed and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind
• Building Relationships: showing appreciation for the ideas and contributions of others and encourages others to express their views, even if controversial
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements being able to deal with ambiguous or unpredictable situations

Language skills:

Exceptional written and spoken English; ability to understand and speak French or a willingness to acquire such skills quickly.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 08.01.2024 midday.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IR-ECO-APC-2023-152-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional