Procurement Assistant - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Process, place, and follow up on purchase orders up to 3,000 CHF, ensuring compliance with CERN's Procurement Rules
• Request quotations from suppliers and conduct comparative analysis of offers received
• Negotiate commercial terms: payment terms, delivery schedule, transport conditions, and general conditions
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve delivery delays, non-conformities, purchase order amendments and invoicing issues
• Liaise with technical officers to resolve discrepancies, inconsistencies, and operational issues arising during/post purchase order processing
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide direct support to suppliers throughout the registration process in CERN's supplier database/eProcurement

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Purchasing, Economics, or a related field
• Experience: Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation; experience or exposure to procurement, purchasing, or contract administration through studies, internships, or initial work experience
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Excellent communication, being able to resolve supplier claims, Attention to detail and the ability to deal with a large number of purchase orders, Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French
• Eligibility: National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State; maximum two years of professional experience since graduation; never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before; Bachelor's or Master's degree required; PhD holders not eligible

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working arrangements: Hybrid; 40 hours per week.

Hiring unit: Procurement and Industrial Services Group (PI).

Position details

Reference

IPT-PI-SU-2026-220-GRAE

Last Verified

17 September 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Procurement Assistant at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is IPT-PI-SU-2026-220-GRAE. The role falls under the Purchasing domain.

You will join the Procurement and Industrial Services Group (PI), the central unit responsible for procuring all supplies and services for the organisation, ensuring that the specified and contractual technical, delivery and performance requirements are met at the lowest possible overall cost whilst achieving balanced industrial returns for CERN Member States and respecting CERN Procurement Rules.

Your responsibilities:

- Process, place, and follow up on purchase orders up to 3 000 CHF, ensuring compliance with CERN's Procurement Rules. - Request quotations from suppliers and conduct comparative analysis of offers received, supporting sound and cost-effective purchasing decisions. - Negotiate commercial terms: payment terms, delivery schedule and transport conditions, and general conditions. - Liaise with suppliers to resolve delivery delays, non-conformities, purchase order amendments and invoicing issues. - Liaise with technical officers to resolve discrepancies, inconsistencies, and operational issues arising during/ post purchase order processing, ensuring timely and accurate resolution. - Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient procurement operations. - Provide direct support to suppliers throughout the registration process in CERN's supplier database / eProcurement, ensuring the accurate verification, maintenance, and completeness of supplier records.

Your profile:

- Experience or exposure to procurement, purchasing, or contract administration (through studies, internships, or initial work experience). - Prior exposure to an international and multicultural working environment.

Skills:

- Excellent communication, being able to resolve supplier claims. - Attention to detail and the ability to deal with a large number of purchase orders. - Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. - By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Engineering, Purchasing, Economics (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree. - You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. - Applicants without University degree are not eligible. - Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Job closing date: 28.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-January-2027

Job reference: IPT-PI-SU-2026-220-GRAE

Field of work: Procurement

Benchmark job: 5B0150 - Procurement Support Officer

Global Benefits

- A monthly net stipend of either 5266 or 5793 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree. - 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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. - Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months. - On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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!

More information about us, here:careers.cern

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 September 2026, 10 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 17 September 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Purchasing field browse our Purchasing domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.