Deputy Head of Programme (Conventional Weapons Programme)

About the job

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.

UNIDIR seeks a Deputy Head of Programme for its Conventional Weapons Programme. The programme examines and promotes ideas and actions to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of the unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition, thereby laying the foundations for peace, security and sustainable development. It 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 Deputy Head of Programme will report to the Head of the Conventional Weapons Programme.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Deputy Head of Programme (Programme Officer) will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Conventional Weapons Programme; monitors and analyzes programme development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; supports the recruitment, management and supervision of programme staff; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Researches, analyzes and presents policy-relevant information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. background papers, commentaries, insights, issue briefs, reports, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; supports resource mobilization efforts, liaises with potential donors, coordinates preparation of proposals, progress reports, etc.; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or leads field missions, including representing the organization in relevant international fora, provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• 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.).
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns.
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

Within UNIDIR: Head of the Conventional Weapons Programme and the programme staff, counterparts in other programmes, Directorate, Communications Team and Finance, Budget and Administration Team.

Outside of UNIDIR: Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programmes and other UN specialized agencies. Representatives and officials in national governments and intergovernmental organizations; partners in academia, civil society and the private sector.

Results Expected

Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned tasks within the Conventional Weapons Programme. Provides thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Promulgates coherent policies and ensures consistent adherence to these by clients. Uses resources efficiently.

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 and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field; ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to conduct data collection using various methods; conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; 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; able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

• 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 an 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.
• 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

Education

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

A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A doctoral degree is highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in the field of disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field is required. A minimum of two years of experience in the field of conventional arms control or conflict prevention and mitigation is required.

Language

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

Other

• A proven track record of drafting written outputs and producing policy-relevant publications is required.
• A successful track record in project management is required, including in the following areas: designing project activities; coordinating with research and institutional partners as well as project donors; 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 examining arms control and security challenges from a policy or practitioner perspective is desired.
• Experience working in and building strong relationships with United Nations field missions, international and regional organizations, governments and/or specialized NGOs in the fields of conventional arms control or conflict prevention and mitigation is desirable.
• Experience managing teams is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
• A minimum of one year of experience in an international organization is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Travel

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

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• A PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira. Please refer to the consultant roster guide.
• Name and contact details of three references
• A writing sample where the candidate is sole or lead author

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Deputy Head of Conventional Weapons Programme” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 26 August 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Incomplete applications and applications generated with Artificial Intelligence will not be processed.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you move forward in the process, you may be contacted for further assessment.

UNIDIR is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.