Graduate Professional (Conventional Weapons)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related  international security issues. UNIDIR’s vision is a stable and more secure world where States and communities are protected from threats of arms-related violence. The Institute supports UN Member States, the United Nations system, and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that promote  sustainable peace and security. UNIDIR is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

The Conventional Weapons Programme works to prevent and  mitigate the negative impact of unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition. By doing so, the programme contributes to peace, security, and sustainable development. In collaboration  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. The programme’s work is organised  into two core pillars and an exploratory research cell. An “on-demand” facility provides tailored advice, support, and capacity-building to help partners combat the proliferation and misuse of  conventional arms, and to, prevent armed conflict and armed violence. Thus, the programme structure is:

1. Research pillar 1: Strengthening weapons and ammunition management
2. Research pillar 2: Preventing armed conflict and armed violence
3. Exploratory research cell: Addressing glocal development and security challenges
4. Advice, support and capacity-building facility

More information on the programme’s research and activities can be found at: https://unidir.org/cw.

UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme is looking for a Graduate Professional to support the exploratory research cell. The position is remote.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, the Graduate Professional shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Head and Research Pillar Coordinator:

• Background research and analysis;
• Providing administrative support to the programme, including assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, conferences, field missions and in record-keeping and monitoring); and
• Performing other tasks as required.

Key skills and interests

1. Research and presentation skills;
2. Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
3. Organization and coordination of multiple tasks;
4. Proficiency with standard software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, InDesign);
5. Interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills (written and oral);
6. Knowledge of, and experience in, conventional arms control and topics relevant to Research Pillar 2 or the Exploratory Research Cell will be considered an asset;
7. Experience in data collection and analysis, and knowledge of relevant software and tools will be considered an asset;
8. Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable; and
9. Should be interested in international peace and security, disarmament and conventional arms control, and/or the work of the United Nations.

Competencies

The Graduate Professionals are to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Graduate Professionals 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 organization: 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 innovative ideas and ways of doing things, and 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 UNIDIR Graduate and Professional Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have graduated with a university degree (first or second university degree or equivalent) and, if selected, must commence the Graduate and Professional Programme within a one-year period of graduation; or
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). Please note that this role is intended to be a full-time position, and applicants will be responsible for managing their academic and graduate professional commitments.
• At UNIDIR, preference will be given to applicants with qualifications in fields relevant to the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme’s specific current needs, such as politics, international affairs, peace studies, conflict studies, security studies, or international law.

Work experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, while demonstrated experience and/or interest in conventional arms control will be considered an asset.

Languages

• For the positions advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is desirable (knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset).

Stipend

Graduate professionals will receive a modest monthly stipend of 750 USD as a contribution to the living expenses.

Screening questions 

• GPP candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the GPP programme 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 and/or experience in conducting research.
• Explain your skills in standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office tools and InDesign. 
• Explain your ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks.