Associate Researcher (Conventional Arms and Ammunition)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. The vision of UNIDIR is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. The role of UNIDIR is to support Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. UNIDIR is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.  

UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme (CAAP) examines and promotes ideas and action to prevent or mitigate the negative impact of unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition and thus lay the foundations for peace, security, and sustainable development. In cooperation with partners across the United Nations system, States, regional organizations, and the international security expert community the programme undertakes action-oriented field research and convenes multi-stakeholder dialogues to deliver advisory support and practical tools to prevent, mitigate, and address the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition. CAAP’s research is contained in two pillars and an exploratory research cell, while an “on demand” advice, support, and capacity-building facility enables the sharing of practical advice and the delivery of capacity-building to effectively tackle uncontrolled conventional arms and ammunition proliferation, prevent armed conflict and armed violence:  

• Research Pillar 1. Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management  

• Research Pillar 2. Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence  

• Exploratory Research Cell (ERC): Addressing Glocal Development and Security Challenges  

• Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building (ASC) Facility  

The Programme is seeking an Associate Researcher to support research and activities for the programme’s Research Pillar on Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM). The Associate Researcher will play a leading role in the implementation, as well as further development, of specific research workstreams in the WAM Research Pillar. The Associate Researcher will also be expected to create and maintain synergies with the ERC, as well as contribute to respective activities of the ASC facility.  

For more information on the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme’s research and advice, support, and capacity-building activities, please contact mae.ballena@un.org.   

Responsibilities 

Within UNIDIR’s CAAP, the Associate Researcher will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Head: 

1. Assist in conducting policy-relevant research and analysis:  

• Conducting original research related to conventional arms and ammunition control, in particular relating to conventional arms and ammunition control instruments, WAM, and diversion prevention; 

• Supporting the Programme Head and relevant researchers with research design and methodologies to facilitate the implementation of CAAP’s research and advice, support, and capacity-building priorities, in particular relating to multilateral conventional arms and ammunition control instruments, WAM and diversion prevention;  

• Assisting in the development, management, and maintenance of CAAP databases; and 

• Assisting in the review and editing of substantive materials produced by CAAP. 

2. Assist in providing policy-relevant research findings and advisory support, as well as supporting the use of assessment tools:  

• Drafting briefs, memos, and background papers on conventional arms and ammunition control, in particular relating to conventional arms and ammunition control instruments, WAM, and diversion prevention; 

• Supporting the preparation and delivery of publications and presentations on conventional arms and ammunition control; 

• Contributing to CAAP advisory support for international processes on conventional arms and ammunition control, and the universalization and effective implementation of international and regional conventional arms and ammunition control instruments (e.g. Arms Trade Treaty, Programme of Action on Small Arms, International Tracing Instrument, Global Framework on through-life Conventional Ammunition Management, Firearms Protocol, etc.); and 

• Supporting the promotion and use of CAAP tools, in particular the WAM baseline assessment reference methodology, counter-IED self-assessment tool and capability maturity model, and counter-diversion assessment tool.   

3. Support Programme Planning and Organization, including (but not limited to): 

• Supporting the preparation and organization of meetings, seminars, and workshops for CAAP, covering the full lifecycle of activities (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, provision of travel support, as well as substantive preparations for, and facilitation during, CAAP events); 

• Ensuring sustained communication with partners from States, regional organizations, the United Nations and expert NGOs related to CAAP, and gather buy-in for CAAP activities; 

• Coordinating with the Programme Assistant on administrative tasks, including on procurement, travel, and human resources;   

• Contributing to the delivery of the Programme’s goals and objectives, as directed by Programme Head;  

• Supporting CAAP’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, including assisting in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including preparation and production of publications, donor reports and other official documents; and 

• Organize and maintain CAAP documentation and records. 

4. Undertake additional duties, as may be assigned by the Institute’s management.  

Schedule for the proposed work 

A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Associate Researcher will have regular communication with the WAM Pillar Coordinator and Programme Head in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Associate Researcher will inform the WAM Pillar Coordinator and Programme Head if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.  

Performance indicators 

The Associate Researcher will be evaluated at the end of the contract. Performance indicators include: 

1. Assignments are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the Programme Head. 

2. Engagement is professional, team oriented, and positive. 

3. Active participation in the activities of Institute. 

4. The Associate Researcher demonstrates the core values of the UN and the core competencies described below in the discharge of their duties. 

The Associate Researcher is always to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity. 

In addition, in this role, the Associate Researcher will demonstrate the following competences: 

• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Ability to take ownership and demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibilities. Ability to apply good judgment; exercise a fair degree of autonomy, and personal initiative including to work independently within established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality. Ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially. Knowledge of relevant stakeholders in the field of disarmament and arms control, international security, peace or defence economics.  

• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.  

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.  

• Teamwork:  Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.  

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.  

Qualifications and Experience 

Education  

• Required: Master’s degree in international affairs/security, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field.   

• Desired: Post-doctorate degree in international affairs/security, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field.  

Experience  

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in project administration and planning, including organizing events and conferences, drafting programme documents, and report writing, is required. 

• A proven track record of drafting written outputs, including meeting summaries, conducting original research and analysis, and producing publications is required.  

• Knowledge of current international debates and recent developments in conventional arms and ammunition control, in particular regarding multilateral processes regarding conventional arms and ammunition, is required. 

• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is required.  

• Experience in establishing and maintaining databases is desirable.  

• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and creatively and to apply problem-solving skills is desirable.   

• Experience working with the United Nations, international and/or regional organizations, governments, international and non-governmental organizations, and academia in the field of conventional arms and ammunition control is desirable.   

• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable. 

Language 

For this assignment, fluency in English and French OR Spanish (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. 

Assessment  

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview. 

Travel 

The Associate Researcher is required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the Programme. The Associate Researcher must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and provide UNIDIR with a certificate of completion. 

Copyright 

UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents and the ownership of the intellectual property resulting from all work carried out under this contract. The Associate Researcher warrants that any written work will be original works or that where s/he incorporates copyright material from another source, copyright permission for its use will be obtained. Written output(s) may be attributed to the Associate Researcher.