Project Coordinator (Space Security)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. The vision of UNIDIR is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from the threat of arms-related violence. The role of UNIDIR is to support Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. UNIDIR is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme works to build knowledge and awareness on the international security implications and risks that surround the space domain and the use of space technology and contribute to the efforts of policymakers to keep outer space peaceful and secure for all humankind.

Responsibilities

Working across UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme, the Project Coordinator will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme:

1. Coordinate the Space Security Portal project

• Liaise with partners DEVX as well as States and other stakeholders, including other UN entities, in the process of data collection and portal development and promotion;
• Serves as the key focal point for project donor/s and the project’s implementing partner;
• Organize and lead bilateral consultation and correspondence with States on their national profiles;
• Lead in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including preparation and production of publications, donor reports and other official documents; and
• Produce meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by UNIDIR on issues relevant to space security.

2. Conduct research and analysis:

• Produce original research and studies related to space security;
• Prepare briefings and other materials on space security;
• Represent the Institute in external meetings and provide substantive presentations on issues related to space security.
• Monitor discussions to identify key issues in need of further technical analysis; and
• Support the Head of the Programme and colleagues with the development of research design and methodologies to facilitate the implementation of Space Security Programme’s research priorities.

3. Undertake day-to-day planning and organization of the Space Security Programme, including (but not limited to):

• Coordinate the planning, development and execution of project activities: including development of the team’s annual workplan, in coordination with programme colleagues and partners, for clearance by the head of Programme and UNIDIR Director.
• Provide logistics, administrative and financial coordination of all project activities including meetings, events and publications
• Organize meetings, seminars and workshops on or related to space security issues, covering the full lifecycle of activities (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes);
• Support the Head of Programme and other colleagues in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders to promote the programmes’ work, in particularly the Space Security Portal;

4. Support the design, development and review of Space Security Programme strategies and projects:

• Draft proposals and concept notes on Space Security.
• Support the Head of Programme and relevant Researchers by leading and/or participating in consultations with stakeholders in the development of concepts and strategies.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (e.g., programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.), ensures preparation of and reviews related documents (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.), in close collaboration with the project’s implementing partner.
• Monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; prioritize activities; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including workshops, events and activities, in all areas and at all levels.

5. Assist in other duties as assigned by the Institute’s management.

Schedule for the proposed work

A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Project Coordinator will have regular communication with the Head of Programme in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Project Coordinator will inform the Head of Programme if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.

Competencies

The Project Coordinator is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Project Coordinator will demonstrate the following competences:

• Professionalism: Substantive knowledge of effective leadership, management and coordination practices, including with regard to project, team and performance management. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Planning & 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law, public administration, space security, disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, coordination, and administration is required. Demonstrated experience managing projects with diverse and international stakeholders is required.

Knowledge of current international debates and recent developments in space security is required.

A proven track record of drafting analytical papers, written outputs, including meeting summaries, conducting original research and analysis, and other documents on sensitive management and high-profile matters is required.

Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is required.

Experience in multilateral processes regarding space security, and experience working at an international or regional organization is required.

A successful track record in project management is required, including in the following areas: designing project activities; monitoring timelines and milestones; implementing activities within budget and on time; overseeing and guiding research activities of team members; and conducting follow up on project activities.

Proven experience in successfully managing and coordinating events on international, regional, and national scales and experience coordinating and working with senior-level officials is desirable.

Existing relationships with relevant stakeholders, including regional organisations, UN agencies and programmes working in the field of space security is desirable.

Language

For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Travel

The Project Coordinator may be required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the Programme. The Project Coordinator must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and provide UNIDIR with a certificate of completion

Copyright

UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents and the ownership of the intellectual property resulting from all work carried out under this contract. The Project Coordinator warrants that any written work will be original works or that where s/he incorporates copyright material from another source, copyright permission for its use will be obtained. Written output(s) may be attributed to the Project Coordinator.