Location: Remote

Closing date: 29 April 2026

Contract: Temporary

Position Title: Consultant: Digital Tools and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Starting date: 1 May 2026
Occupational rate: 100%
Duration: 8 months
Remuneration: IICA-1

I. Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) – an autonomous institute within the United Nations – is developing a project to support the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. To this end, UNIDIR is seeking an external specialized research service provider.

II. About the research

As part of its work on Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament, UNIDIR is seeking an external consultant to carry out research on digital tools that can advance the goals of the WPS agenda.

In particular, UNIDIR would like to produce research analysing projects that aim to harness digital tools to contribute to goals aligned with the WPS agenda, such as: conflict prevention, protection of civilians in war, protection of survivors of sexual violence, education and participation in the context of peacebuilding, humanitarian relief, among others.

The research will identify best practices, as well as risks and limitations associated with these projects. The research methodology will include gender analysis, to ensure that digital tools are being developed in ways that advance gender equality in peace and security.

III. Tangible and measurable outputs

The consultant is expected to conduct research activities independently and submit preliminary documents for feedback and validation by UNIDIR.

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

Draft paper for validation by the UNIDIR team and external reviewers;
Research paper on digital tools that support the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Expected length: 10,000 words.

IV. Performance indicators for evaluation of services provided

Assignments described above are completed to the satisfaction of Head of the Programme and the Institute’s Senior Management. The non-resident consultant will be evaluated at the end of the contract. Performance indicators include:

Deadlines for delivery of agreed outputs are met.
Outputs are provided in the form and quality requested by UNIDIR.
Key deliverables are addressed to the satisfaction of UNIDIR. To this end, the non-resident consultant shall keep the Head of Programme informed at agreed regular intervals as to how the delivery of work is progressing.
Progress and performance will be measured against a work schedule, which the non-resident consultant shall provide to and agree on with UNIDIR management at the start of the assignment. Over the course of the consultant’s work, reviews, updates and drafts of the work as it stands shall be provided in a timely manner if requested.
Professional engagement is cooperative and positive. In this regard, the non-resident consultant will work under and consult with the Head of Programme to manage unexpected events.

In addition, in this role, the non-resident consultant will demonstrate the following competences:

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.

The non-resident consultant is to demonstrate at all times the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

V. Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university degree (PhD) in gender studies, international relations, social sciences, political science or a related field is required

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience in research activities, including analysis of literature, articles, and reports relevant to the assigned topics is required.
Strong understanding of gender issues, tools and conceptual frameworks is required.
Experience in excellent English writing and editing skills and ability to write about complex issues in an engaging way is required.
Previous publications in the field of international relations, gender, arms control and disarmament, including books and peer-reviewed articles, is required .

Language (s)

For this assignment, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

VI. Travel

No travel will be required for this consultancy.

VII. Payment

The total cost of this research consultancy is 12,000.00 USD. Payment for the services will be made in one lump sum upon the satisfactory completion of all project activities, subjected to UNIDIR’s approval.

VIII. Copyrights

UNIDIR retains all intellectual property and other proprietary rights including, but not limited to patents, copyrights, and trademarks, regarding products, processes, inventions, ideas, know-how or documents and other materials which bear a direct relation to or are produced or prepared or collected in consequence of or in the course of the execution of this Assignment.

At the United Nations’ request, the Service Provider shall take all necessary steps, execute all necessary documents and generally assist in securing such proprietary rights and transferring them to the United Nations in compliance with the requirements of the applicable law.

UNIDIR retains all rights over commissioned work. UNIDIR retains the right to edit, fact-, and language-check all outputs. The consultant warrants that all written outputs are original works or that where they incorporate copyrighted material from another source, this information is cited correctly and the necessary permission for its use is obtained. UNIDIR has the right to distribute the project’s supporting materials and publications via print, digital, wireless or electronic format and for use in promotional material in any and all media.

IX. Duration

This is an output-based engagement. The expected duration of the contract is from 1 May through 31 December 2026 (8 Months).

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

Cover letter.
PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira.
Name and contact details of three references.

Please note that incomplete or late applications will be automatically disregarded.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Subject Matter Expert: Digital Tools and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda” to [email protected]. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 29 April 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Send to [email protected]

Subject line Subject Matter Expert: Digital Tools and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

Please note

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed 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. Women are encouraged to apply.

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UNIDIR is looking for a Subject Matter Expert: Digital Tools and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (Remote)