Graduate and Professional (Security and Technology)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations (UN) 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 UN 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 Security and Technology Programme seeks to build knowledge and awareness on the international security implications and risks of specific technological innovations and convenes stakeholders to explore ideas and develop new thinking on ways to address them.

The programme is seeking a Graduate Professional to assist with the coordination and implementation of initiatives and activities of the Cyber resilience workstream.

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, insurance and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or any relevant sponsoring institutions. This position may be performed remotely or from our office in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland; on-site availability is preferred and may be a factor in the selection process.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme, the Graduate Professional shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the designated Reporting Officer(s):

• Assists in the development, delivery and dissemination of research outputs related to the work of the Cyber resilience workstream of the programme;
• Assists in organizing meetings, seminars and workshops;
• Drafts official documents and other materials related to the work of the programme;
• Assists in outreach and partnership activities with UNIDIR interlocutors;
• Attends conferences and meetings, and provides verbal and written briefings to colleagues;
• Contributes to day-to-day tasks, including administrative, communication and coordination matters;
• Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Key skills and interests

• Research and analytical skills;
• Writing and editing skills;
• Project management and/or delivery of activities;
• 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);
• Experience working with digital tools such as Adobe InDesign and Canva is strongly desirable;
• Should have an interest in international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the UN.

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is to demonstrate the core values of the UN: Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. In addition, in this role, the Graduate Professional 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.
• 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’s Graduate Professional Programme (GPP), applicants must have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme are given preference.

Work experience

For this position, applicants:

• Are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, while demonstrated experience/interest in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the UN will be considered an asset;
• Shall be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN 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.

*Applicants 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 UN accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the Graduate Professional or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during the GPP.