United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research is looking for a Graduate Professional (Integrated Approaches)

Location: Geneva

Closing date: 16 September 2026

Contract: Temporary

Position Title: Graduate Professional

Starting date: November 2026

Occupational rate: 100% (Full-time)

Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension

Remuneration: A stipend is offered as a contribution to living expenses (Geneva-based, USD 1500/month) **

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 is looking for a Graduate Professional to assist with research and support the implementation of programme activities. The overall objectives of the Programme are to generate policy-relevant knowledge and provide multilateral practitioners with practical tools to apply a gender perspective to the substance of their work, as well as to support youth engagement across all areas of arms control and disarmament.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme, and under the supervision of the Head of Programme, the Graduate Professional will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conducting 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 skills;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
• Organizational and coordination skills for managing multiple tasks;
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral);
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Canva and InDesign;
• Interest in international peace and security, disarmament, gender issues, youth engagement and the work of the United Nations.

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he will demonstrate the following competences:

• Communication: Identifies the information needs of target audiences and tailors communication accordingly; drafts clearly and concisely; possesses good written and oral language skills; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Demonstrates good interpersonal skills; works 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 clients’ points of view in their work.

Qualifications and experience

Education

To qualify for the Graduate Professional Programme, 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, though demonstrated experience in or interest in conventional arms control will be considered an asset;
• must be computer literate in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office and graphic design tools (e.g. Canva or InDesign);
• have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and 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, including a willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the position advertised.

Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is an asset.

Screening questions

Please explain how you meet the following criteria in 250 characters or less for each point:

1. Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the Graduate Professional Programme within a one-year period of graduation. State your latest/current education qualification (type of degree, field of study, institution, country), as well as your starting and (expected) finishing date.
2. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position.
3. Explain your skills in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office tools, Canva and InDesign.
4. Explain your ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks.
5. List any relevant written outputs you have published and provide links (if applicable).

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter;
• A PDF of an Inspira Personal History Profile (PHP). Please refer to the guide;
• Brief responses (up to 250 characters per response) to the above screening questions.

Applications should be sent as email attachments in PDF format titled SURNAME_Name_CV-CL to [email protected]. Please indicate “UNIDIR GPP – IntApp (Geneva)” in the subject line. Deadline for submission of applications is 16 September 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.

*Applicants for the Graduate Professional Programme must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the full period of the programme 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 for costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during the Graduate Professional Programme.

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

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