Graduate Professional (Strategic Communications)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations (UN). 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 at the Palais des Nations, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems.

UNIDIR’s Strategic Communications team is looking for a Graduate Professional to support both internal and external communication efforts. Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Graduate Professional will work closely with the team to ensure that UNIDIR’s messaging aligns with its brand identity and effectively engages target audience. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in content creation, digital marketing and strategic storytelling.

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

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of UNIDIR’s communication strategy, including following and maintaining the editorial calendar.
• Coordinate website updates to ensure consistent and timely posting of events, publications, news and other content.
• Design and prepare email campaigns, including event invitations and monthly newsletters to target audiences.
• Copyedit communication materials to ensure clarity, accuracy and adherence to brand voice.
• Assist with event planning and execution, including photography, videography and logistical coordination.
• Perform other communication-related tasks, as needed.

Skills

• Expertise in content creation for diverse platforms (website, email, social media), including multimedia design (Canva, Photoshop).
• Solid understanding of web management, including content management systems (WordPress) and analytical tools (Google Analytics).
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Trello, using it to track tasks, deadlines and collaboration across teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with advanced skills in organizing and presenting information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities with exceptional attention to detail and organization.

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is to demonstrate the core values of the UN: Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. In addition, the following competences are essential:

• 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 activities 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.

Education

To qualify for the UN Graduate and Professional Programme (GPP), applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the GPP within a one-year period of graduation.

Preference will be given to applicants with post-graduate degree qualifications in communication, public relations, marketing, international relations or relevant field.

Work Experience

• While professional experience is not required for participation in the GPP, prior experience in communications is an asset.
• A strong interest in the work of the UN and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter is desirable.
• 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 French and other official UN languages is desirable.

Screening questions

• GPP candidates must commence the role within a one-year period following graduation. Please explain how you meet this criterion.
• Degree in communication, public relations, marketing, international relations or relevant field.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position. Please explain how you meet this criterion.
• Explain your skills in standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office, WordPress, Canva, Photoshop, Trello.