The international status of the members of CERN’s personnel involves some privileges but also some specific obligations, including the obligation to obtain authorisation before engaging in political, professional or commercial activities outside the Organisation.
These obligations are specified in chapter I, section 3, “Conduct”, of the Staff Rules and Regulations:
“Members of the personnel shall refrain from any act or activity:
a) that is incompatible with their functions, or
b) that would be morally or materially prejudicial to the Organization.
The Director-General shall decide whether or not an act or activity is thus incompatible or prejudicial.” (SRR S I 3.05)
“Employed members of the personnel wishing to engage in a professional activity or an activity of a commercial nature outside the Organization shall first obtain the written authorisation of the Director-General, who shall take a decision pursuant to Article S I 3.05.” (R I 3.02)
“Employed members of the personnel wishing to engage in a political activity shall first notify the Director-General in writing, who shall take a decision pursuant to Article S I 3.05”. (R I 3.03)
The Guidelines concerning External Activities aim to clarify the framework applicable to employed members of the personnel (MPEs) who wish to engage in a political, professional or commercial activity outside the Organization.
The procedure for requesting authorisation including the request form is available in the Admin e-guide.