Head of Programme (Security and Technology Programme)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institution 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.

The incumbent heads UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme and reports to the Director of the Institute.

The Security and Technology Programme supports national, regional and international policy makers in understanding, and responding to, the peace, stability and security implications of technological innovations. To achieve this goal, the programme’s work focuses on exploration of new technologies, their potential uses and impacts in the peace and security context, as well as on their potential governance.

Responsibilities

The Head of Programme will be responsible for the following duties:

• Formulates political affairs strategies in the area of Security and Technology; develops a vision or direction for work; proposes policy directives and plans of action for immediate and long-range solutions to political problems in general and in specific geographical areas; identifies emerging issues pertaining to the mandates of the unit; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.

• Plans and implements the operational activities related to the work of the Institute; incorporates an integrated approach that includes a rights-based dimension, conflict prevention sensitivity and a gender perspective into the policy, planning and operational activities of the Programme.

• Plans, develops and manages the Security and Technology Programme, projects and activities.

• Prepares briefing notes and talking points for the Director.

• Provides guidance and advice to Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities, by planning and facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing action plans relevant stakeholders could use to manage change.

• Leads and directs the Security and Technology Programme; plans and allocates work assignments; manages and evaluates staff; participates in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programmes.

• Manages, coordinates, organizes and supervises research on a variety of political issues in the field of disarmament, with a particular focus on strategic security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, new technologies and related matters.

• Represents the Institute at round tables, seminars and conferences.

• Formulates and coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

• Develops and maintains relations with senior government officials and advises them on issues and policies of mutual concern.

• Leads team members’ efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

The incumbent is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he will demonstrate the following competences:

• Professionalism: knowledge of the work of intergovernmental bodies, the work of the United Nations and its related bodies concerned with political, economic, social and related matters; ability to evaluate international political situations in the area of the assignment; ability to manage and coordinate many different levels and participants in operations in both the field and UN common system; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; able to analyse and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

• Creativity: actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

• Commitment to continuous learning: keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

• Managing performance: delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

• Communication: speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Teamwork: works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Planning and organizing: develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Accountability: takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Managerial Competencies

• Vision: identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

• Empowering others: delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international economics, law, public administration or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, disarmament, security or a related area is required. A minimum of five years of substantive experience at the international level on policy matters related to security and technology is required. A proven track record of publishing articles in the field of disarmament, arms control and international security is required. Experience in mobilizing and managing resources is required. Experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Language

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Travel

The Head of Programme will be required to travel during the course of this assignment and must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and other mandatory UN trainings.