Associate Researcher (Weapons of Mass Destruction, Middle East WMD-Free Zone, Security and Technology)

About the job

I. 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. 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 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 Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme works to support progress in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, addressing all aspects of the nuclear dilemma, from delivery vehicles and security policies to the benefits and risks of nuclear technology. The programme also contributes to policymakers’ efforts to strengthen the norm against chemical and biological weapons, including through work on the Biological Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention and related instruments designed to prohibit and prevent chemical and biological warfare.

UNIDIR’s Middle East WMD-Free Zone (ME WMDFZ) Project enhances analytical and technical capacity to develop novel perspectives on regional security in the Middle East. By conducting in-depth analyses of past, present and future initiatives and engaging in inclusive dialogue with policymakers and experts, the project generates innovative ideas to advance the WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East.

UNIDIR’s Security and Technology (SecTec) Programme supports 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 Programme is seeking an Associate Researcher to lead and support research and activities for the three programmes.

II. Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s WMD, ME WMDFZ and SecTec programmes, the Associate Researcher will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Heads:

1. WMD Programme: Lead and assist nuclear risk reduction research

• Conduct original research related to nuclear risk reduction, including leading the research on a compendium of nuclear risk reduction proposals and other related outputs;
• Assist Researchers and the Head of Programme on Nuclear Risk Reduction related activities as required, including the presentation of UNIDIR’s work on nuclear risk reduction and the organization of meetings, seminars, and workshops, covering the full lifecycle of activities (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive preparations for and facilitation during events); and
• Act as a focal point between the WMD programme to the ME WMDFZ Project.

2. ME WMDFZ Project: Support the workstream

• Lead the development of an online tool comparing nuclear-weapon free zones; organize the launch event and deliver the presentation;
• Support the team with the Project’s research, publications and events, including also translating outputs to a regional language; and
• Provide substantial feedback to the Project’s outputs, including to the Final Report.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Heads of Programmes.

3. SecTec Programme: Nuclear thematic lead in the watchtower project

• Under the guidance of the project lead, lead in the planning and execution of project deliverables in the nuclear thematic area;
• Drafts and updates project documents and yearly plan as required;
• Scans and screens scientific and technological developments;
• Drafts and publishes reports and other written outputs;
• Coordinates the nuclear expert network and coordinates the organization of events; and
• Liaises with other programmes and deconflicts research workstreams.

III. 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 Associate Researcher will have regular communication with the Heads of Programmes and relevant research leaders. The Associate Researcher will inform the Programme Heads if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.

IV. Performance Indicators

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

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

The Associate Researcher is always to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Associate Researcher will 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 of disarmament and arms control, international security, peace or defence economics.
• Planning & 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.

V. Qualifications and experience

Education

• Required: Master’s degree in international affairs/security, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field.

Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressive research and work experience on WMD, nuclear risk reduction and technological intersections, and the Middle East WMD-Free Zone is required;
• A proven track record of producing policy-relevant publications is required;
• Proven ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs is required;
• Experience with leading the production of online tools is highly desirable;
• Experience of presenting research, in particular in international disarmament forums is highly desirable;
• Experience of coordinating between programmes and navigating competing deadlines is highly desirable;
• Experience of organizing in-person, hybrid and virtual events, desirable within the UN system;
• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is required;
• Familiarity with relevant stakeholders, including regional organisations, UN funds, agencies and programmes, and country-level offices working in the field of WMD is desirable;
• Experience working with the United Nations, international and/or regional organizations, governments, international and non-governmental organizations, and academia in the field of WMD is desirable.

Language

For this assignment, fluency in English is required. Knowledge another UN language and/ or a Middle Eastern language is highly desirable for the position.

VI. Assessment

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

VII. Travel

The Associate Researcher is required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the Programme. The Associate Researcher must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and provide UNIDIR with a certificate of completion.

VIII. Copyright

UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents and the ownership of the intellectual property resulting from all work carried out under this contract. The Associate 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 Associate Researcher.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• a CV, or PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira
• Name and contact details of three references.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: WMD-MEWMDFZ-SECTEC Associate Researcher” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 12 December 2025. Job opening will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (Geneva time) on the deadline date.

Please note

Please note that 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 promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity.

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