Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead (CIO-2026-108-LD)

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.

Introduction:

Within the Office of the CIO (https://cio.web.cern.ch/), you will advise senior management and governance bodies on data governance, architecture, cybersecurity, ICT risk and compliance, establishing the frameworks, principles and accountabilities that enable coherent and sustainable use of data and technology across CERN’s federated environment. You will oversee related technology risk, compliance, audit and vendor governance, working with cybersecurity and other specialist functions.

Functions:

• Lead and coordinate Governance, Risk, and Compliance activities across the Office of the CIO (OCIO).
• Drive alignment across departments, experiments and technical stakeholders while respecting distributed responsibilities.
• Oversee technology risk, compliance, audit and vendor governance, coordinating with cybersecurity and other specialist functions.

Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Information Technology or a related field.

Experience:

• Ability to define and lead enterprise policy and governance frameworks across data governance, enterprise architecture and technology risk.
• Extensive experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-Organisation collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to operate strategically in a federated environment with distributed responsibilities.
• Strong experience in enterprise risk, compliance and assurance frameworks.
• Broad understanding of cybersecurity and related risk frameworks, with the ability to work effectively with specialist functions.

Technical competencies:

• Architecture and design of ICT systems.
• Process analysis, definition and improvement.
• Implementation of vision and strategic agility.
• Knowledge of best practices for implementing ICT security standards and policies.
• Risk management.

Behavioural competencies:

• Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: ensuring alignment to overall strategy when revising unit goals and priorities in the event of changing circumstances.
• Building Relationships: understanding how individual differences bring added value to the Organization; promoting complementarities.
• Communicating Effectively: listening actively to others and letting others speak.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations.

Language skills:

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

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 04.10.2026 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

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 8

Job reference: CIO-2026-108-LD

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer

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