International Geneva Welcome Centre
Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates. Practical guide for newcomers.
International Dual Career Network (IDCN)
IDCN Employees' Partners and Spouses
Spouses have access to IDCN, Lake Geneva region, a network aimed at facilitating their job search. Events are organized throughout the year to give members an opportunity to collect information on the regional job market, receive advice from Human Resources professionals, meet with recruiters of the IDCN corporate members and network with other recently relocated spouses.
To sign your spouse up, please follow this link: https://registration.idcn.info/user/register. Available to Staff members, Fellows, Graduates as well as Administrative, Technical and Doctoral students.
Groupement transfrontalier européen
The Groupement Transfrontalier Européen, is known as the cross borders’ association and was created to help the cross border workers living abroad, usually in France, and working in Switzerland.
GTE is a non-profit Organization created in 1963. Over the last 60 years, the association developed an expertise in cross border matters and can provide information, counsel the cross border workers and lobby in their favour. GTE has various specialized services such as the employment service that will give you advice and help you to find a job in Switzerland by giving you some useful websites, helping you to adapt your CV for Switzerland, or even by preparing an interview.
Workshops run by the University of Geneva
Welcome Center
Spouses have access to the workshops on professional transition to Switzerland organised by the Welcome Center of the University of Geneva and Carriere2.
Next workshop:
- 20th of May from 9am to 12pm : Identify your transferable skills (French-English bilingual workshop)
Please note it is free of charge for spouse/partner of CERN member of the personnel. To register to a workshop, please contact them at dualcareer@unige.ch .
Forum for CERN spouses & partners job search and integration
A place for and from the CERN community to aid spouses & partners of CERNees search for a job and integrate in the local area. Learn more about this forum here.
Employment @ CERN
CERN has no restriction with regards to dual employment or association. Spouses may apply to any of the programs available on Careers at CERN.
Entrepreneurship @ CERN
The CERN Venture Connect (CVC) Programme provides support for deep tech entrepreneurs by offering access to CERN technologies, a global network of investors, and expert resources. The Programme is open to startups at any stage and from any industry. Spouses and partners of CERN personnel who are considering launching or growing a startup can explore this opportunity if they reside or operate in a CERN Member or Associate Member State. Further details can be found here: https://ventureconnect.cern/
Obtaining a “permis Ci” work permit
Spouses of CERN members of the personnel, residing in Switzerland, can obtain a Swiss working permit through CERN for the duration of the member of the personnel’s contract with CERN. Find the procedure here: http://admin-eguide.web.cern.ch/en/procedure/swiss-cards (See: 3. Application for a "permis Ci” certificate). Available to Staff members, Fellows, Graduates as well as to associated members of the personnel under certain conditions.
Obtaining a CERN access card
Spouses may obtain a CERN access card from the Registration Service to enable them to use the on-site facilities e.g., the cafeteria. For the procedure see: http://admin-eguide.web.cern.ch/en/procedure/cern-access-card Available to all CERN members of personnel.
CERN Activity and Sports Clubs
CERN clubs offer an array of sports, leisure and cultural activities, for CERN personnel and their families. Joining a club will help you learn French, develop your personal and professional network, integrate in the region etc... Find a list at http://staff-association.web.cern.ch/clubs
CERN Welcome Club
CERN Welcome Club offers language courses, arts, crafts, sports and social activities. Further details can be found here: https://club-welcome.web.cern.ch/home
Other useful links
- L'Association Découvrir, which assists relocated women in their professional integration.
- Back to Work Leman, a foundation that assists professionals returning to work.
- Qualife, a foundation supporting unqualified young people under 25 into apprenticeships and unemployed people aged 50 and over to consider a return to the professional world.
- Jeunes@Work, a foundation that coaches young people towards their first job and supports people in the development of professional careers.