Graduate Professional (Security and Technology)

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 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 one Graduate Professional to assist with the coordination and implementation of initiatives and activities of the Security and Technology 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 the 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 programme’s Cyber Resilience Workstream;
• 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;
• 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 desirable;
• Experience with quantitative social science research methodologies and the ability to translate datasets into accessible visual outputs is desirable;
• Should have an interest in international peace and security, disarmament 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 competencies:

• Communication: Identifies the information needs of target audiences and tailors communication accordingly, drafts clearly and concisely, has 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

To qualify for the UNIDIR Graduate and 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 (first or second university degree or equivalent) and, if selected, must commence the Graduate and Professional Programme within a one-year period of graduation.

Candidates currently enrolled in a PhD programme are given preference.

Work experience

Applicants:

• are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, but demonstrated experience and/or interest in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the United Nations 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 a 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.