Research Assistant (Space Security)

Background 

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 threats 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 Research Assistant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme: 

1. Assist in conducting research and analysis:  

• Assist in conducting research for space security-related events, publications and tools. 

• Assist in the development, management and maintenance of Space Security Programme tools and databases. 

• Support the Head of Programme and relevant researchers with research design and methodologies to facilitate the implementation of the Programme’ research and advice, support and capacity-building priorities relating to Space Security. 

• Assist in the review and editing of substantive materials produced by the Space Security Programme. 

2. Assist in management and implementation of the Space Security Programme activities:  

• Support the coordination and implementation of Space Security activities with the Head of Programme, relevant researchers and institutional staff. 

• Provide administrative support the Programme, including liaison between UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget and Administration (FBA) unit and researchers on the procurement of goods and services, as well as liaison with external consultants and vendors. 

• Help liaise with partners from States, regional organizations, the United Nations and expert NGOs and generate support for Space Security Programme activities. 

• Organize meetings, seminars and workshops for the Programme, covering the full lifecycle of activities (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, provision of travel support, as well as substantive preparations for, and facilitation during, events). 

• Produce and disseminate meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by the Programme. 

• Assist in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including preparation and production of publications, donor reports and other official documents.  

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

• Ensure sustained communication with partners from States, regional organizations, the United Nations and expert NGOs related to the Programme. 

• Support the Head of Programme in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders to promote the Programme’s work. 

• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning activities across the Programme.  

• Help coordinate programmatic areas of responsibilities with researchers and graduate professionals, in coordination with the Head of Programme and UNIDIR’s Communication and FBA units. 

• Organize and maintain documentation and records of the Programme. 

4. Perform other duties as required. 

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 Research Assistant will have regular communication with the Head of Programme in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Research Assistant will inform the Head of Programmes if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.  

Competencies 

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

In addition, in this role, the Research Assistant will demonstrate the following competences: 

• 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. 

• 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 

Qualifications and Experience 

Education  

Advanced university qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field is required.  

Experience  

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

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in project administration and planning, including organizing events and conferences, drafting programme documents, and report writing, is required. 

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

• Experience in assisting research activities, including drafting, editing and layout is desirable.  

• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable. 

• Experience in of multilateral processes regarding space security and experience working at an international or regional organization is desirable.  

• Existing relationships/familiarity 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 Research Assistant is required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the Programme. The Research Assistant 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 Research Assistant 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 Research Assistant.