Senior Researcher (Artificial Intelligence – Technical Expert)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations (UN) 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 UN 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 Security and Technology Programme supports multilateral disarmament processes in responding effectively to the security challenges raised by technological innovation by providing accessible knowledge, relevant analysis and facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogue. The programme currently focuses on three research priorities:

1. Identifying and better understanding new and emerging technologies relevant to international peace and security;
2. Analyzing the application and impact of such new and emerging technologies on international peace and security; and
3. Exploring how to improve technology governance and modernize arms control to account for the challenges posed by these technologies.

Responsibilities

Within the Programme, under the supervision of the Head of Programme, as Senior Researcher – Artificial Intelligence (AI), the candidate will:

• Lead, or contribute to, research projects and related tasks, including events, as part of the Programme’s work on AI and other emerging technologies.
• Assist other workstreams requiring additional advice, research support, and supervision as necessary.
• Support the Head of Programme in mentoring and coaching junior colleagues.
• Assist in other duties as assigned by the Head of Programme and the Institute’s other senior managers. These tasks include advising them on developments related to your fields of expertise and assisting with 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 Senior Researcher will have regular meetings with the Head of Programme to monitor progress on assignments. The Senior Researcher will inform the Head of the Programme if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deadlines.

Performance indicators

The Senior Researcher will be evaluated at the end of their contract. Performance indicators include:

1. Assignments are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the Head of Programme.
2. Engagement is professional, team oriented and positive.
3. Active participation in the activities of Institute.
4. The Senior Researcher demonstrates the core values of the UN and the core competencies described below in the discharge of their duties.

As Senior Researcher the candidate will demonstrate the core values of the UN at all times, namely: Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. In addition, the candidate shall demonstrate the following competences:

• Professionalism: 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; ability to take ownership and demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibilities; ability to apply good judgment; exercise a fair degree of autonomy, and personal initiative including to work independently within established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; knowledge of relevant stakeholders in the field, including international and non-governmental organizations, researchers, policymakers and practitioners; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• 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 honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational rules and regulations; 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 to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Qualifications and experience

Education

(Required) Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering or other relevant scientific or technical field, with demonstrated track-record of work at the intersection of policy and technology.

(Desirable) Doctorate or equivalent qualification in engineering or other relevant scientific or technical field.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience is required.
• At least 5 years of progressive research and work experience in governments, think tanks, research institutes, universities or corporate environments on issues closely or directly associated with artificial intelligence, human-machine teaming or related issues 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.
• Experience working in military, defense or national security contexts is desirable.
• Experience working for a UN entity or other international organizations is desirable.
• Experienced in international, multistakeholder settings, including convening stakeholders with differing perspectives to deliberate complex issues is an advantage.
• A proven track record in resource mobilization/fundraising is desirable.

Languages

For this consultancy, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Travel

The Senior Researcher may be required to travel during the course of his/her assignment. Dates and locations, should travel be required, will be determined during the assignment. In the event that travel is required, the Senior Researcher 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 Senior Researcher warrants that the paper will be original works or that where he/she incorporates copyright material from another source, copyright permission for its use will be obtained. Written output(s) may be attributed to the Senior Researcher.