Graduate Professional (Space Security Programme) → UNIDIR

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.

UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme builds knowledge and awareness of the challenges and global security implications relating to the space domain. Our research builds capacity and trust in the international sphere and informs multilateral processes as they grapple with the complex technologies and issues at play in this important arena. 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 Space Security Programme, the Graduate Professional shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme:

• Background research, including research national policies related to space security in support of the development of the Space Security Portal
• Assisting in the update of the Space Security lexicon
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, conferences, field missions), in particular UNIDIR’s flagship Outer Space Security Conference
• Contributing to day-to-day tasks, including communication, coordination and administrative matters
• Performing other tasks, as required by programme staff

Key skills/interests

• Expertise in space security, space law, space policy or related fields
• Ability to undertake independent research on issues related to space security, policy and law
• 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 and the work of the UN

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is to demonstrate the core values of the UN: Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. In addition, in this role, the Graduate Professional 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:

• 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 GPP within a one-year period of graduation.

At UNIDIR, preference will be given to applicants with post-graduate degree qualifications relevant to space security-related issues, for instance in the fields of international relations, political science, international law or international security.

Work experience

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience, however demonstrated experience or interest in space issues, disarmament or international security 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 UN and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter
• 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 desirable

Screening questions

• GPP candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the GPP programme 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.

How to apply

Please send us 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 as a single PDF document titled as SURNAME_Name_CV-CL to E-Mail schreiben with “UNIDIR Space GPP Application” in the subject line. Deadline for submission of applications is 19 May 2025. Job applications submitted after 11:59 p.m. (Geneva time) on the deadline date will not be considered.

Please note that incomplete or late applications and applications generated with Artificial Intelligence will not be processed.

Please note

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted 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 UN 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.

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the UN: Integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.

¹Successful candidates who already receive a stipend from another source, such as an educational institution, will have their stipend topped up to this amount.