Graduate Professional (Communications Associate, Security and Technology)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute 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 at the Palais des Nations, 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 is looking for a Graduate Professional to support communications efforts for its flagship events and outreach initiatives. This role requires strategic communication with excellent storytelling skills, attention to detail and the ability to work on complex technical issues. The position will sit under the Strategic Communications Team, working 100% on the Security and Technology Programme.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic communications and content development

• Contribute to the implementation of communications strategies for the programme’s flagship events and strategic initiatives:
  • Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics
  • Cyber Stability Conference
  • Innovations Dialogue
  • Donor Strategy
• Assist in the development of integrated outreach plans across digital, print and media channels to increase visibility and engagement.
• Create clear, compelling and audience-tailored messaging that communicates complex issues in an accessible and impactful way.
• Support the production of a wide range of content, including press releases, news stories, briefing notes, email marketing, website and social media copy, promotional and engagement material.

2. Event and campaign communications

• Design and execute communications campaigns to promote the programme’s conferences and special initiatives (e.g. Women in AI, cybersecurity trainings)
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement with speakers, participants, partners and media before, during and after events.
• Contribute to live coverage and digital amplification during events (e.g. live tweeting, social media management, real-time updates).
• Coordinate development of visual assets in collaboration with designers and videographers.
• Help monitor the performance of communications activities, compiling post-campaign reports with key metrics and insights.

3. Cross-team collaboration

• Be the Point of Contact and primary liaison with the UNIDIR’s Strategic Communications Team for the Security and Technology Programme.
• Support consistency across all programme communications and alignment with UNIDIR’s brand, tone and institutional messaging.
• Ensure adherence to UNIDIR’s editorial calendar, communication timelines and broader strategic priorities.

Skills

• Expertise in content creation for diverse platforms (website, email, social media), including multimedia design (Canva, Photoshop).
• Solid understanding of web management, including content management systems (WordPress) and analytical tools (Google Analytics).
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Trello, using it to track tasks, deadlines and collaboration across teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with advanced skills in organizing and presenting information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities with exceptional attention to detail and organization.

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, the following competences are essential:

• 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 activities 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.

Education

To qualify for the United Nations Graduate and Professional Programme (GPP), applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the graduate professional programme within a one-year period of graduation.

Preference will be given to applicants with post-graduate degree qualifications in communication, public relations, marketing, international relations or relevant field.

Work Experience

• While professional experience is not required for participation in the GPP, prior experience in communications is an asset.
• A strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter is desirable.
• 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 French and other official UN languages is an asset.

Screening questions 

• GPP candidates must commence the role within a one-year period following graduation. Please explain how you meet this criterion. 
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position. Please explain how you meet this criterion.  
• Explain your skills in standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office, Canva, Photoshop, Trello.
• Explain your ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks.