Graduate Professional (Integrated Approaches) - 2 positions

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. UNIDIR’s vision is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. UNIDIR’s role 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 Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament programme is looking for two Graduate Professionals to assist with research and to support the implementation of programme activities. The programme’s overall objectives are to generate policy-relevant knowledge and to provide multilateral practitioners with practical tools to apply a gender perspective to the substance of their work. The programme also aims to support youth engagement across all areas of arms control and disarmament.

One position is based in Geneva, while the other is remote, please indicate in your application your preferred location. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or their sponsoring institutions.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament programme, the Graduate Professional shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme:

• Background research;
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, conferences, field missions);
• Contributing to day-to-day tasks, including communication, coordination and administrative matters;
• Performing other tasks, as required by programme staff.

Key skills and interests

• Research and presentation;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
• Organization and coordination of multiple tasks;
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral);
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and InDesign;
• Should have an interest in international peace and security, disarmament, gender issues, youth engagement and the work of the United Nations.

Competencies

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

In addition, the Graduate Professional shall 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 organizing: 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, 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 United Nations Graduate Professional Programme (GPP), applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Have graduated with a university degree (second university degree, as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the graduate professional programme within a one-year period of graduation.

At UNIDIR, preference will be given to applicants with post-graduate degree qualifications relevant to gender, youth and disarmament issues, for instance in the fields of international relations, political science, international law, and gender studies.

Work experience

Applicants:

• Are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, while demonstrated experience/interest in conventional arms control will be considered an asset;
• Shall be computer literate in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office and graphic design tools (e.g. InDesign);
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

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

Screening questions

• For this role, preference will be given to candidates that have completed a graduate degree (Masters or PhD) within a one-year period of 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 in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office tools and inDesign.
• Explain your ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks.
• List any relevant written outputs you have published and provide links (if applicable).

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, your Inspira Personal History Form (PHP) and brief responses (up to 30 words for each response) to the above mentioned screening questions in PDF format titled as SURNAME_Name_CV-CL to E-Mail schreiben. Please indicate in the subject line if you are applying to “UNIDIR GPP – Remote” or “UNIDIR GPP – Geneva-based”. Deadline for submission of applications is 31 January 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Please note that incomplete or late applications and applications generated with Artificial Intelligence will not be processed. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted and/or selected candidates will be contacted.

*Applicants for the GPP must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the GPP and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the Graduate Professional’s commencement. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the Graduate Professional or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during the GPP.

**Successful candidates who already receive a stipend from another source, such as an educational institution, will have their stipend topped up to this amount.