Business Continuity Lead (OSI-ICS-2026-154-LD)

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CERN is seeking a Business Continuity Lead to strengthen the organisation’s resilience by coordinating and maturing CERN’s Business Continuity Management framework within the OSI-ICS group. You will analyse critical activities and dependencies, develop and test Business Continuity Plans and disaster recovery arrangements, integrate BCM with enterprise risk and crisis management, and design exercises that drive improvement. A Master’s degree or equivalent in BCM, risk, engineering or related fields is required, with ideally a recognised certification such as ISO 22301 or BCI/DRII. English required, French learning encouraged. Hybrid onsite Geneva, 40 hours per week, 5-year limited contract with potential extension. Apply by 13.08.2026 23:59 CEST. Tips: tailor CV to show cross-functional impact, BIA, recovery strategy, exercise facilitation and governance alignment.

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. 

Job Description

Introduction

As Business Continuity Lead, you will play a central role in strengthening CERN’s organisational resilience by leading and coordinating business continuity activities across the Organization.

Working in the Improvement, Continuity and Sustainability (OSI-ICS) Group within the Organisational Support and Improvement (OSI) Department, you will contribute to the consolidation of CERN’s approach to risk management, crisis preparedness and business continuity within an integrated governance framework.

Functions

• Develop, implement and maintain CERN’s Business Continuity Management (BCM) framework, in alignment with CERN policies, international standards and good practice.
• Facilitate and coordinate the identification and analysis of critical activities, dependencies, vulnerabilities and recovery requirements together with process and service owners.
• Coordinate and support the development of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and disaster recovery arrangements across departments and functions.
• Contribute to the integration of business continuity management with CERN's enterprise risk management and crisis management activities.
• Design, organise and lead continuity exercises, simulations and stress tests; analyse outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide expert advice to management and stakeholders on continuity strategies, disruption preparedness, recovery capabilities and resilience measures.
• Develop guidance, methodologies, tools and training to build business continuity awareness, culture and capabilities across CERN.
• Monitor, review and report on the effectiveness of business continuity arrangements and maturity.
• Contribute to organisational resilience initiatives and continuous improvement activities within OSI-ICS.
• Such other tasks as required for fulfilment of the Business Continuity Lead function.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Business continuity management, Risk management, Engineering, Legal, Organisational resilience, Information systems or a related field.

While not mandatory, a recognised professional certification in business continuity or resilience management (e.g. ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management training, BCI/DRII certification) would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in business continuity management, organisational resilience or risk management in a complex organisation.
• Experience in conducting business impact analyses and developing continuity and recovery strategies.
• Proven ability to work transversally across organisational boundaries and engage with diverse stakeholders to lead positive change outcomes.
• Experience in designing and facilitating exercises, workshops or training activities is desirable.
• Experience in an international, technical or research environment would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Continuity and availability management, including continuity standards, methodologies and best practices.
• Process analysis, definition and improvement.
• Change management.
• Project management.
• Risk and crisis management.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: proposing ways to improve or streamline existing procedures, processes and methodologies.
• Communicating Effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions.

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 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 13.08.2026 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 Flexibility: Hybrid

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: OSI-ICS-2026-154-LD

Field of work: Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)

Benchmark Job Title: Business Process Analyst

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), 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.

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