Export Control Compliance Lead

Export Control Compliance Lead

Geneva, Switzerland OSI-ICS-2026-212-LD Ideal start date: 01/03/2027

Before 20/11/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time)

What you'll do

CERN’s scientific mission relies on the exchange of knowledge, technologies and equipment across borders. Ensuring that these exchanges meet export-control requirements is essential to managing risks and enabling responsible research.

To support a consistent, proportionate and risk-based approach to export-control compliance, CERN is establishing an internal compliance programme, centred on a new CERN Export Control Compliance Office.

As Export Control Compliance Lead, you will establish and lead the Export Control Compliance Office, developing the governance, policies and processes needed to embed this programme across the Organization.

Working within the Resilience team in OSI-ICS, you will conduct classifications, screenings, due diligence reviews, compliance assessments and export-control evaluations. You will provide expert advice to CERN Management on export-control and related regulatory risks, and work closely with legal, technical and operational experts to ensure effective implementation of export-control requirements.

This is an opportunity to shape a new compliance function at the intersection of science, advanced technology and international regulation.

Learn more

Your responsibilities

• Establish and lead CERN’s Export Control Compliance Office, developing and implementing the governance framework, policies, processes, guidance, tools and training needed to support a consistent, proportionate and risk-based approach to export-control compliance across the Organization.
• Act as CERN's central focal point for export-control compliance matters, advising personnel, promoting awareness, conducting classifications, screenings, end-user and end-use reviews, compliance assessments, determinations and other due diligence activities, and coordinating inputs as required.
• Support and monitor the operational implementation of export-control requirements and decisions, including the management of export authorisations and associated compliance measures; act as principal adviser and secretariat to the Export Control Compliance Committee and coordinate departmental export-control liaison officers.
• Serve as CERN's contact point on export-control matters with relevant national authorities, external advisers and peer organisations, and maintain an effective external network within the export-control compliance community, particularly in the research sector.
• Maintain authoritative records of export-control compliance assessments, determinations, authorisations, policies, procedures and supporting documentation, including registers of technologies, activities, institutions and persons subject to screening, due diligence or export-control requirements.
• Monitor the effectiveness of CERN's export-control compliance arrangements, identify emerging risks, issues and trends, support the management of incidents, and provide reporting, escalation and recommendations for their continual improvement.
• Carry out such other tasks as may be required to deliver an effective export-control compliance programme.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

• Demonstrated experience working in export controls within regulated sectors such as aerospace, defence, manufacturing, energy, research or higher education.
• Strong knowledge of export-control and dual-use regulatory frameworks; familiarity with one or more of the U.S., EU, Swiss and/or UK export-control regimes is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience establishing, implementing or maturing compliance programmes, governance arrangements and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience conducting compliance assessments, due diligence activities, export-control evaluations, export licensing or other regulatory-compliance processes.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical, administrative, legal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, drafting and documentation skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance, procedures and compliance measures.
• Sound judgement and the ability to assess complex compliance matters, weigh competing considerations and formulate clear, evidence-based recommendations and compliance determinations.
• Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of International Relations, Engineering, Law, Compliance, Economics, Business or a related field. A recognised qualification or certification in export control or compliance would be an advantage.

Your skills

• Organisational design & development.
• Knowledge management.
• Organisation, planning and control.
• Risk management.
• Archiving and records management.
• Drives work / projects along and sees them through to their conclusion.
• Remains objective, focussed and productive in a stressful environment; focuses on solutions rather than problems.
• Anticipates obstacles; assesses alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Keeps up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbs new information.
• Develops organisational strategy by anticipating future trends and taking a long term view of issues that impact CERN and its environment.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2027

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 5A0010 - Business Process Analyst

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits at CERN

• A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
• You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
• Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

• Your CV (English or French)
• Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The OSI department is a transversal service provider aiming to increase efficiency, resilience, openness and sustainability. It provides expert guidance on continuous improvement, risk and crisis management, service and process optimisation, and scientific information management, and coordinates CERN’s open science, preservation, and sustainability efforts.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

• What should I expect during my first week at CERN? Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
• How big would the team be? The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
• What is the working language at CERN? The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
• What support does CERN provide for relocation? CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
• Do I need a visa to work at CERN? Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
• What would my salary be? Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.