Graduate Professional (Conventional Weapons, 2 positions)

UNIDIR - United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research; Genf; Remote; CHF 6,400 - 7,400; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Stipend provided

Job summary

UNIDIR invites two Graduate Professionals to assist with research and to support project activities within the Conventional Weapons Programme. The role emphasizes background research, administrative support, partner communications, and data handling, with a strong nod to international peace and security.

English proficiency is essential, and postgraduate qualifications are valued. These positions are remote, temporary for six months, with a stipend of USD 750 per month.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate school programme or has graduated; postgraduate degree preferred.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of another UN language desirable.
• Commitment to international peace, disarmament and UN values.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background research and analysis.
• Provide administrative support for programme activities and record-keeping.
• Communicate with project partners and stakeholders.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Skills

Project management

Research

Written communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Data collection & analysis

Arms control knowledge

Intercultural communication

English language

Education

Graduate studies in a relevant field

Postgraduate degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data collection tools

Job description

Graduate Professional (Conventional Weapons, 2 positions)

Location Remote

Contract Temporary

• Position Title: Graduate Professional
• Starting date: 11 January 2027 and 5 July 2027
• Occupational rate: 100% (Full-time)
• Duration: 6 months
• Remuneration: A stipend is offered as a contribution to living expenses (USD 750 per month)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institution within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems.

UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme develops ideas and actions to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of the unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition. Through this work, it lays the foundations for peace, security and sustainable development. The programme undertakes action-oriented field research and convenes multi-stakeholder dialogues to provide advisory support and practical tools for addressing the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition.

The programme is seeking two Graduate Professionals to assist with research and to support the implementation of project activities primarily in the field of Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme, the Graduate Professionals will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conducting background research and analysis;
• Providing administrative support to the programme, including assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, conferences, field missions) and in record-keeping and monitoring;
• Communicating with project partners; and
• Performing other tasks, as required.

Key skills and interests

• Project management and/or implementation;
• Research and presentation;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
• Organization and coordination of multiple tasks;
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral);
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Experience in data collection and analysis, and knowledge of relevant software and tools will be considered an asset;
• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in conventional arms control;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views; and
• Interest in international peace and security, disarmament and/or the work of the United Nations, and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.

The Graduate Professionals are required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, they will demonstrate the following competences:

• Communication: Identifies the information needs of target audiences and tailors communication accordingly; drafts clearly and concisely; good written and oral language skills; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
• Planning and organizing: Uses time efficiently; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary to ensure tasks are completed.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems; takes an interest in new ideas and ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to understand and reflect the clients’ points of view in their work.

Qualifications and experience

Education

To qualify for the UNIDIR Graduate and Professional Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• have graduated with a university degree (first or second university degree or equivalent) and, if selected, must commence the Graduate and Professional Programme within a one-year period of graduation.

At UNIDIR, preference will be given to applicants with postgraduate degree qualifications relevant to the Conventional Weapons Programme’s specific current needs, for instance in the fields of social or behavioural sciences (such as political sciences, international affairs, security studies, peace and conflict studies), or international law.

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, while demonstrated experience and/or interest in conventional arms control will be considered an asset.

Languages

For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is desirable.

Please note

Incomplete applications and applications generated with artificial intelligence will not be processed.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you move forward in the process, you may be contacted for further assessment.

UNIDIR is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

*Applicants for the Graduate and Professional Programme must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the GPP and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the Graduate Professional’s commencement. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the Graduate Professional or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during the Graduate and Professional Programme.

**Successful candidates who already receive a stipend from another source, such as an educational institution, will have their stipend topped up to this amount.