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Sustainability Reporting & Communications Project Officer

CERN • Switzerland • Added on Jun 30, 2026
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As a central figure in the Sustainability Office, you will take full ownership of the end-to-end production of the next sustainability report, while simultaneously managing internal campaigns that translate complex data into compelling narratives. This role involves balancing the technical rigor of ESG frameworks with the creative demands of organizational change, ensuring that every piece of content strengthens the institution’s transparency and public accountability.

Working at the intersection of science and society, you will play a critical role in demonstrating how the world’s largest particle physics laboratory manages its environmental and social footprint. By aligning high-level scientific research with international reporting standards like GRI and CSRD, you help bridge the gap between frontier science and global sustainability goals, making the impact of fundamental research visible to the world.

This suits someone who possesses a blend of analytical discipline and storytelling flair, ideally with a background in NGOs or international organizations and a firm grasp of the evolving European ESG regulatory landscape.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus of this role is the project management of sustainability reporting cycles. You will lead the preparation of the 2025-2026 report, coordinating data collection and writing high-quality social and governance content. This involves ensuring all disclosures meet the rigorous requirements of international standards like GRI and CSRD. Beyond reporting, you are responsible for strategic internal communications. This includes creating educational e-learning modules, managing sustainability web content, and designing outreach campaigns meant to foster a culture of sustainability across the organization's diverse workforce. Finally, you will track regulatory developments in the ESG landscape to ensure the institution remains ahead of compliance requirements. You will work closely with external consultants and internal experts to refine the sustainability strategy and its translation into actionable project workstreams.

Key learning opportunities for this job

You will gain first-hand experience in applying GRI and CSRD/ESRS frameworks within a unique, large-scale scientific infrastructure environment. This offers a rare professional perspective on how global ESG standards translate to non-corporate, intergovernmental organizations. CERN provides extensive training, including language classes in French and English and formal professional development courses. You will develop advanced project management skills by navigating the governance of a multi-workstream project with strict publication deadlines and high public visibility. Exposure to cross-functional strategy development is a key benefit. Working directly within the Sustainability Office, you will learn how to build a sustainability roadmap from the ground up, involving technical, administrative, and scientific departments in a shared mission.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD and has a proven track record of drafting ESG or sustainability reports. They should demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of reporting frameworks and have the ability to manage complex projects with multiple contributors and tight deadlines. Strong communication and editorial skills are essential. Since the organization operates in a bilingual environment, proficiency in French is highly desirable, as is the ability to turn technical data into engaging stories for both specialists and the general public. Experience in international or scientific settings is a significant advantage. The candidate needs to be a diplomat who can build trust and obtain buy-in from varied stakeholders, from world-class physicists to administrative directors.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience with specific reporting frameworks (GRI or CSRD) and provide examples of where you have balanced technical accuracy with creative communication. Focus on your ability to manage high-stakes projects with documented governance. Tailor your application to show an understanding of the unique nature of a research institution. Unlike a standard corporate role, sustainability here is tied to scientific ethics and international cooperation; demonstrating an appreciation for this mission-driven context will be highly valued. Keep in mind the bilingual requirement. If you are not already proficient in French, highlight your willingness and track record of learning new languages, as CERN places a high premium on the ability to integrate into its multicultural and multilingual community.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role acts as a pivot point for the organization’s ESG transparency and accountability. You will likely focus on gathering data for environmental impact assessments and reporting on social indicators related to the unique international workforce and governance structure. A significant portion of the focus will be on social and governance (S&G) reporting, ensuring that the organization's commitments to ethics, safety, and inclusion are accurately documented and communicated to member states and the public. You will also be instrumental in internal cultural transformation. This means focusing on how sustainability initiatives—such as decarbonization or resource efficiency—are perceived and adopted by the scientific community through targeted e-learning and awareness campaigns.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One major challenge is the complexity of data collection in a vast, decentralized scientific environment. Gathering consistent and accurate information from various technical and research departments requires persistence and strong interpersonal skills. Working within an intergovernmental framework means navigating complex governance and ensuring all communications align with the sensitivities of various member states. Balancing these diplomatic requirements with the need for transparent and bold sustainability reporting can be demanding. The strict timelines associated with the biennial reporting cycle mean you must be adept at handling peak workloads and managing the expectations of external consultants while maintaining the quality and integrity of the final publication.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a coordination meeting with the Sustainability Office team to review progress on the reporting dashboard and address any bottlenecks in data collection from technical departments. Your afternoon could be spent drafting or editing content for the next sustainability microsite or social media post. You might interface with the IT or design teams to oversee the development of infographics that visualize the organization's carbon footprint or energy consumption data. You will likely spend time consulting with internal stakeholders to gather narratives for the social impact section of the report, ensuring that the stories you tell are both factually accurate and aligned with the overarching sustainability strategy.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers an exceptional platform for career progression in ESG management, particularly within the public or intergovernmental sector. Successfully delivering a high-profile report for an organization like CERN is a significant professional milestone. There are opportunities to expand your technical expertise into emerging areas like sustainability benchmarking for research infrastructures or advanced digital disclosure strategies. The 24-month contract, potentially extendable to 36 months, allows for long-term project ownership. You will build a prestigious professional network of international experts in science and sustainability. This exposure, combined with on-the-job training, positions you well for future leadership roles in sustainability communications or ESG strategy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Sustainability Office team and the Organisational Support & Improvement division. These colleagues provide the strategic direction and administrative framework for your projects. External consultants and agencies specializing in sustainability reporting and digital design will be key partners in the production of the physical and web-based reports, requiring you to act as a primary liaison. You will also engage with a wide network of internal data providers, including scientists, engineers, and administrative heads across HR, finance, and procurement, who are essential for sourcing the metrics and stories needed for disclosure.

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