Graduate Professional (Middle East WMD-Free Zone)

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, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems.

UNIDIR’s Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone Project is looking for a Geneva-based or remote Graduate Professional to assist with research and to support the implementation of project activities.

The Project aims to support the Middle East WMD-Free Zone initiative by promoting the four main future components of the Middle East WMD-Free Zone: (1) non-proliferation, (2) disarmament, (3) peaceful cooperation, and (4) verification and safeguards. 

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or their sponsoring institutions.

Responsibilities

Within the Project, the Graduate Professional shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Lead:

• Background research;
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, conferences and field missions);
• Providing administrative support to projects;
• Communicating with project partners; and
• Performing other tasks, as required by project staff.

Key skills/interests

• Research and presentation;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
• Organization and coordination of multiple tasks;
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral);
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Should have an interest in international peace and security, disarmament, Middle East affairs and the work of the United Nations.

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: 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.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes 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.

Qualifications and experience

Education

To qualify for the UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the Graduate and Professional Program within a one-year period of graduation.
• Have graduated with a university (first or second university degree, as defined above) 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 relevant to the project’s specific needs, for instance, in the fields of international affairs, strategic or security studies, or international law, especially related to the Middle East.

Work experience

Applicants:

• Are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, while demonstrated experience/interest in non-proliferation and arms control in the Middle East will be considered an asset;
• Shall be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations 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 at least one other official UN language or a language spoken in the Middle East is an asset.

Stipend

The Graduate Professionals or their sponsoring institution are responsible for the costs and arrangements for travel, visas, health insurance, accommodation and living expenses in Geneva.