Communications Associate, Security and Technology

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. 

UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme is seeking a Communications Associate to support the planning, coordination and implementation of communications activities across the programme. As the primary liaison with the Strategic Communications Team, the role will help strengthen the visibility, reach and impact of the programme’s research, events and initiatives through compelling content, targeted campaigns, and stakeholder engagement. The position requires strong communication and storytelling skills, creativity, sound editorial judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex security and technology topics into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Communications Associate, Security and Technology, will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Strategic communications and content development

• Contribute to the development and implementation of communications strategies for the programme’s flagship events and strategic initiatives, including UNIDIR’s:
  • Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security
  • Cyber Stability Conference (taking place during Geneva Cyber Week)
  • Innovations Dialogue

• Support the development of integrated outreach plans across digital, media and stakeholder engagement channels to increase visibility and impact.

• Craft clear, compelling and audience-focused messaging that communicates complex security and technology topics in an accessible and engaging manner.

• Develop and adapt a range of communications products, including press releases, news stories, email campaigns, website content, social media posts and promotional materials.

• Proactively identify communications opportunities and propose creative content ideas, storytelling approaches and innovative formats to enhance audience engagement and support programme objectives.

2. Event and campaign communications

• Design and execute communications campaigns to promote the programme’s conferences, publications and special initiatives (e.g. Women in AI, Security and Technology Watchtower).

• Coordinate communications engagement with speakers, participants, partners, donors and media before, during and after events.

• Lead or support live event 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.

• Support the planning and production of short-form video content to increase the visibility and accessibility of programme activities and outputs.

• Monitor the effectiveness of communications activities and lead post-campaign reporting with key metrics, insights and recommendations.

3. Cross-team collaboration

• Serve as the primary focal point and liaison between UNIDIR’s Strategic Communications team and the Security and Technology Programme.

• Help ensure consistency of programme communications with UNIDIR’s brand guidelines, editorial standards and institutional messaging.

• Coordinate content requests, approvals and workflows across programme and communications teams.

• Support adherence to editorial calendars, communication timelines and programme priorities.

• Perform any other related responsibilities as assigned.

Competencies

The Communications Associate, Security and Technology, 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.

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.

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.

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

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communications, public relations, marketing, international relations or relevant field.

• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

Required

• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, digital communications, public relations or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience developing and managing content across multiple platforms, including websites, email campaigns and social media channels, with strong drafting, editing and proofreading skills.

• Experience supporting communications campaigns, events and stakeholder engagement initiatives, including the coordination and delivery of outreach activities.

• Proficiency in digital communications, including content management systems (preferably WordPress), social media management and analytics platforms (Hootsuite), project management tools (Trello) and design applications such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop or equivalent.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs with close attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience producing content for UN entities, research institutes, think-tanks or policy-oriented organizations.

• Previous experience working on international security, disarmament or arms control issues.

Languages

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

• Knowledge of French and other official UN languages is desirable.

Screening questions

• Do you hold a master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, international relations or a related field?

• Do you have at least two years of professional experience in communications creating digital content for websites, email campaigns and social media platforms?

• Do you have experience supporting communications for conferences, events or outreach campaigns?

• Do you have experience working on international security, disarmament, arms control, emerging technologies or related policy issues?