Two Graduate Professionals (Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme)

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.

The Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme works to prevent and mitigate the negative impact of unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition. By doing so, the programme contributes to peace, security and sustainable development. In collaboration with partners across the UN system, States, regional organizations, and the international security expert community, the programme undertakes action-oriented field research and convenes multi-stakeholder dialogues to deliver advisory support and practical tools to prevent, mitigate and address the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition. The programme’s work is organised into two core pillars and an exploratory research cell. An “on-demand” facility provides tailored advice, support and capacity-building to help partners combat the proliferation and misuse of conventional arms, and to prevent armed conflict and armed violence. The programme structure is:

1. Research pillar 1: Strengthening weapons and ammunition management
2. Research pillar 2: Preventing armed conflict and armed violence
3. Exploratory research cell: Addressing glocal development and security challenges
4. Advice, support and capacity-building facility

UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme is looking for two Graduate Professionals – one to support research pillar 2 and another to support the exploratory research cell. The position for the research pillar 2 will be remote, while the position for the exploratory research cell will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. Applicants are encouraged to specify their preference in their application.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, the Graduate Professionals shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme and research pillar Coordinator:

• Background research and analysis;
• Providing administrative support to the programme, including assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, conferences, field missions and in record-keeping and monitoring); and
• Performing other tasks as required.

Key skills and interests

• Research and presentation skills;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
• Organization and coordination of multiple tasks;
• Proficiency with standard software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, InDesign);
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral);
• Knowledge of, and experience in, conventional arms control and topics relevant to research pillar 2 or the exploratory research cell will be considered an asset;
• Experience in data collection and analysis, and knowledge of relevant software and tools will be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable; and
• Should be interested in international peace and security, disarmament and conventional arms control, and/or the work of the UN

Competencies

The Graduate Professionals are to demonstrate the core values of the UN: Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. In addition, in this role, the Graduate Professionals will demonstrate the following competences:

• 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 organization: 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 programmes or services, offers new and different options to solve problems, takes an interest in new ideas and ways of doing things and 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.

Qualifications and experience

Education

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

• Have graduated with a university degree (first or second university degree or equivalent) and, if selected, must commence the GPP within a one-year period of graduation; or
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). Please note that this role is intended to be a full-time position, and applicants will be responsible for managing their academic and graduate professional commitments.
• At UNIDIR, preference will be given to applicants with qualifications in fields relevant to the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme’s specific current needs, such as politics, international affairs, peace studies, conflict studies, security studies or international law.

Work experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, however demonstrated experience and/or interest in conventional arms control will be considered an asset.

Languages

• For the positions advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is desirable (knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset).

Stipend

The Graduate Professionals or their sponsoring institution are responsible for the costs and arrangements for travel, visas, health insurance, accommodation and living expenses in Geneva. Graduate professionals will receive a modest monthly stipend of USD 1,331 (in person) or USD 665.5 (remote) as a contribution to the living expenses.

Screening questions

• Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the GPP programme within a one-year period following graduation. Please explain how you meet this criterion.
• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position. Please explain how you meet this criterion.
• Explain your skills and/or experience in conducting research.
• Explain your skills in standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office tools and InDesign.
• Explain your ability to organize and coordinate multiple task.