Graduate Professional (Security and Technology Programme)

UNIDIR - United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research; Genf; Remote; CHF 6,900 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

UNIDIR a Geneva-based policy institute focused on disarmament and security seeks a Graduate Professional for its Science, Technology and Innovation Workstream. The role supports coordination and implementation of initiatives remotely or from the Geneva office, with a stipend to cover living expenses.

The position involves assisting in research dissemination, organizing events, drafting official materials, and coordinating with UNIDIR interlocutors. English fluency is required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate school programme or have graduated with a university degree.
• Postgraduate degree relevant to UNIDIR’s work is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in research and interest in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, international peace and security.
• Computer literate in standard software applications.
• Have a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, delivery and dissemination of research outputs related to the workstream.
• Assist in organizing meetings, seminars and workshops.
• Draft official documents and other materials related to the programme.
• Assist in outreach and partnership activities with UNIDIR interlocutors.
• Attend conferences and meetings and provide briefings to colleagues.
• Contribute to day-to-day tasks including administrative and coordination matters.
• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Skills

Research and analytical skills

Writing and editing skills

Project management

Time management

Synthesize information

Organization and coordination

Interpersonal, teamwork and written/or

Education

Graduate degree or enrolled in graduate program

Job description

Graduate Professional (Security and Technology Programme)

Location Geneva, Remote

Contract Temporary

• Position Title: Graduate Professional
• Starting date: 4 January 2027 (negotiable)
• Occupational rate: 100% (Full-time)
• Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension
• Remuneration: A stipend is offered as a contribution to living expenses (remote, USD 750 per month; in-person, USD 1,500 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 Security and Technology Programme develops innovative tools and ideas to prevent and reduce threats to international peace and security arising from digital transformation. The programme works on a range of new technologies, including cyber, artificial intelligence and lethal autonomous weapon systems, while tracking the latest developments in science and technology relevant to international security. Through engagement with diverse stakeholders, the programme works to ensure that global governance frameworks adapt effectively to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The programme is looking for a Graduate Professional for its Science, Technology and Innovation Workstream. The Graduate Professional will assist with the coordination and implementation of initiatives and activities of this workstream.

This position may be performed remotely or from UNIDIR’s office in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, insurance and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or any relevant sponsoring institutions, should the Graduate Professional be in-person in Geneva.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the designated Reporting Officer(s), the Graduate Professional will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assisting in the development, delivery and dissemination of research outputs related to the work of the Science, Technology and Innovation Workstream;
• Assisting in organizing meetings, seminars and workshops;
• Drafting official documents and other materials related to the work of the programme;
• Assisting in outreach and partnership activities with UNIDIR interlocutors;
• Attending conferences and meetings and providing verbal and written briefings to colleagues;
• Contributing to day-to-day tasks, including administrative, communication and coordination matters;
• Performing other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Key skills and interests

• Research and analytical skills;
• Writing and editing skills;
• Project management and time management skills;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written products;
• Organization and coordination;
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication (written and oral) skills;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Interest in international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the United Nations.

The Graduate Professional is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he 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 Graduate Professional Programme (GPP), 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 (second university degree, as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the Graduate Professional Programme within a one-year period of graduation.

Preference will be given to applicants with postgraduate degree qualifications relevant to UNIDIR’s work, for instance in the fields of international relations, political science, international law and/or international security.

To qualify for the Graduate Professional Programme, applicants:

• Are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, but demonstrated experience in research and interest in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the United Nations will be considered an asset;
• Are computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a 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.

Languages

• For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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 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 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.