About the Role

This is a high-profile, responsible position offering unique challenges in a highly stimulating environment. The UKLO team consists of the Head of Office and the Deputy role. The Office is managed by the STFC Particle Physics Department on behalf of the UK Particle Physics community, the office supports over 100 academic students and researchers annually.

This role requires a full-time, physical presence at CERN and cannot be performed remotely. Daily, in-person local service delivery is essential to maintain operations and prevent additional organisational costs.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the UK Liaison Office team:

• Oversee approximately 50 local furnished apartments. Maintain frequent contact with letting agencies, concierges, and local tradespeople to resolve emergency maintenance, furniture, and appliance issues. Attend appointments and follow up on all issues.
• Manage keys and physically meet all visitors for the two main annual student intakes and exits (September and January). Provide guidance and support to help young researchers transition smoothly to living abroad.
• Financial Administration duties include processing and paying invoices from various suppliers and letting agencies, with all data entered directly into the CERN system.
• Manage the global health insurance provisions for UKRI-funded students and UK university staff on Long-Term Attachments worldwide, liaising directly with insurance brokers and UK institutes.
• Act as a first point of contact for UK institute visitors to CERN, providing guidance and support where necessary.
• Support the Head of the office with daily activities.

Essential Criteria

• Complete fluency in both written and spoken English and French (essential for daily communication with local French/Swiss tradespeople and agencies)
• A valid driving licence is mandatory to visit rented properties across the Meyrin (Switzerland) and Pays de Gex (France) areas.
• Proven experience in an office environment, competency in Microsoft Office applications, and practical experience handling financial records or invoicing data.
• Strong attention to detail with a proven ability to balance conflicting, fast-moving tasks. Willingness to use initiative, and be proactive when solving problems.
• Outstanding communication and customer-facing skills, with a genuine desire to assist others in a supportive capacity.

Applicants are required to include a CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role.

Employee Benefits

We are offering a permanent position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Employee shopping/travel discounts.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

A Cost-of-Living Allowance is associated with the role while the individual is based at CERN.

We are committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard, we encourage applications from under-represented groups.

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee, and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.