Internal Investigations Officer (DG-IA-2025-184-LD)

Company Description

At CERN , the European Organisation 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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you an experienced investigator with a strong background in administrative investigations, ethics, or misconducts? Are you looking to apply your skills in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and multicultural environment, where integrity and transparency guide decision-making? CERN, take part!

CERN’s newly created Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is looking for a proactive, highly professional Investigator to support its mandate to ensure accountability and integrity across the Organization. Join us and contribute to CERN’s mission by conducting impartial investigations into alleged misconduct, including harassment and fraud, promoting a culture of ethics, and helping strengthen internal systems of accountability.

Functions

You will:

• Conduct preliminary reviews and formal administrative investigations into alleged misconduct, including fraud, harassment, abuse of authority, conflicts of interest, or breach of CERN’s Code of Conduct or violation of Staff Rules;
• Collect, examine and analyse relevant evidence, including documentary, testimonial, and digital material, and maintain proper chain of custody and confidentiality protocols;
• Prepare comprehensive investigation plans, reports, and case files in accordance with international investigation standards;
• Interview witnesses and subjects, ensuring procedural fairness and objectivity throughout the process;
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g HR, Legal) as well as external bodies while ensuring confidentiality and independence;
• Contribute to the promotion of a culture of ethics, integrity, and compliance within CERN through training on misconduct prevention and reporting;
• Participate in the ongoing enhancement of internal procedures and best practices in investigative methodology.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of law, business administration, auditing, or a related field.

A professional certification in investigations (e.g. CFE) is highly desirable. Training in ethics, compliance, or administrative law would be an asset.

Experience:

• Proven experience in administrative or misconduct investigations, preferably within an international organisation, public institution, or enforcement agency.
• Strong knowledge of investigative techniques, rules of evidence, due process, and applicable standards.
• Familiarity with whistleblower protection and ethics frameworks would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Fraud investigation or other misconduct investigations: applying procedural fairness and legal principles.
• Process analysis, definition and improvement.
• Risk identification and assessment related to misconduct, policy breaches, and ethics concerns.
• Ability to conduct administrative investigations in complex, multicultural environments, including the use of effective interview techniques and digital evidence handling.
• Report writing and documentation management.

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises maintaining confidentiality.
• Solving Problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgements based on all the facts available; assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Working in Teams: gaining trust and collaboration from others; building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented; expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Working in the Interest of the Organisation: behaving consistently with CERN's values and goals; accepting and complying with strategy and directions from hierarchy.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 Organisation. 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 05.10.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: DG-IA-2025-184-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Internal Auditor