Researcher, Science and Technology (Security and Technology Programme)

About the job

Background

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’s Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme has a multi-year workplan encompassing original research to generate policy-relevant knowledge on international security initiatives that consider gender equality and youth engagement. The programme facilitates dialogue, builds capacity and produces resource tools to support arms control and disarmament stakeholders in translating awareness of diversity and equality into practical action.

UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme supports the international community and multilateral disarmament processes in responding effectively to the security challenges raised by technological innovation through the provision of accessible knowledge, relevant analysis and facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogue.

The two programmes are seeking a joint Researcher to produce research and lead capacity-building and outreach activities related to gender and security technology, including AI and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

The Researcher will work under the supervision of the Heads of Programmes for Integrated Approaches and Security and Technology. S/he will be expected to work closely with members of both programmes.

The Researcher shall perform the following duties:

Conduct research and analysis:

• Produce original research and studies related to gender and security technology, including AI and cybersecurity;
• Design and implement multi-disciplinary and multi-method research approaches;
• Present research findings to internal and external audiences;
• Design and deliver (or moderate) expert workshops and panels;
• Collaborate with UNIDIR’s communications team, including by providing ideas for social media posts and developing compelling graphics and data visualization tools;
• Attend internal meetings and represent the programme at outside events.

Implement capacity-building and outreach activities:

• Take the lead in organizing meetings, seminars, and workshops (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive and logistical preparations for, and facilitation during, project-organized events);
• Take the lead in managing and delivering the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship;
• Build relationships and secure buy-in on activities from key stakeholders, including funders, partners and beneficiaries;
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of activities;
• Draft programme reports and narrative assessments of impact;
• Support public communication and outreach to ensure maximum visibility and impact of the work;
• Support senior leadership external engagement through the preparation of briefings and speaking points.

Undertake day-to-day planning and organization, including (but not limited to):

• Support the Heads of Programmes in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders;
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities;
• Help coordinate programmatic activities with researchers and graduate professionals;
• Organize and maintain documentation and records;
• Assist in the review and editing of substantive materials produced by UNIDIR staff.

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 Researcher will have regular communication with the Heads of Programmes in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress.

Competencies

The Researcher is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he 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 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 international affairs, political science, international law, gender studies, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security, peace studies, conflict studies, or a related field is required.

Experience

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in the field of disarmament and arms control, international security, public policy settings (government, research institutes, public interest groups), or a related field, is required.
• Experience in project management is required, including: developing project activities; monitoring timelines and milestones; implementing activities within budget and on time; managing budgets; conducting follow-ups on project activities; preparing and facilitating events; and evaluating and reporting on project activities.
• A proven track record of producing policy-relevant publications is required (Please include list of publications and writing sample as described in the instructions below).
• Knowledge of relevant multilateral processes and practices is desirable.
• Experience in international, multistakeholder settings, including convening stakeholders with differing perspectives to deliberate complex issues is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
• A proven track record in resource mobilization/fundraising is desirable.

Language

For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French and/or other official UN languages is desirable.

Assessment

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

Travel

The Researcher is required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the programme. The 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 Researcher 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 Researcher.

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.
• List of publications.
• Two writing samples where the candidate is sole or lead author.
• Name and contact details of three references.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Gender and Technology Researcher” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 22 July 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.