United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research is looking for a Programme Management Officer (Security and Technology Programme)

Location: Geneva

Closing date: 27 August 2026

Contract: Temporary

Position Title: Programme Management Officer, Security and Technology Programme (P3)

Starting date: Negotiable, as soon as possible

Occupational rate: 100% (Full-time)

Duration: 364 days, with the possibility of extension

Remuneration: P3

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 Security and Technology Programme supports national, regional and international policy makers in understanding, and responding to, the peace, stability and security implications of technological innovations. To achieve this goal, the programme’s work focuses on exploration of new technologies, their potential uses and impacts in the peace and security context, as well as on their potential governance.

The Programme Management Officer will report to the Head of the Security and Technology Programme.

Responsibilities

The Programme Management Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Security and Technology Programme; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; supports the recruitment, management and supervision of programme staff; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating workshops and other interactive sessions and by assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents policy-relevant information gathered from diverse sources.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. research briefs, draft background papers, analysis, reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; supports resource mobilization efforts; liaises with potential donors; coordinates preparation of proposals, progress reports, etc.; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Designs data collection tools, including survey initiatives; reviews, analyzes and interprets data; identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

The incumbent 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:

• Professionalism: Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style; good drafting and production equipment used in the production of visual advocacy products including design and video editing software; excellent knowledge and understanding of developing campaign ideas around new media including social networking and video sharing; capacity to develop and facilitate relationships with the media community. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international security, non-proliferation studies, policy studies, management or a related field is required. A doctoral degree is highly desirable.

Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in policy-focused research programmes or projects is required. A minimum of three years of experience in project management, administration or a related area, including preparation of donor reports, monitoring and evaluation, is required. A minimum of three years of experience in security and technology policy issues is required. Proven expertise in international security, arms control and disarmament issues related to the Security and Technology Programme is required (policy-relevant publications must be listed in the candidate’s Personal History Profile).

Experience mobilizing resources and support, including with the private sector and philanthropies, for policy-research activities is desirable. Experience managing teams is desirable. Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable. A minimum of one year of experience in an international organization is an advantage.

Language

For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Travel

The Programme Management Officer will be required to travel during the course of this assignment and must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and other mandatory UN trainings.

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.
• Name and contact details of three references

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Programme Management Officer (P3) – SecTec” to [email protected]. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 27 August 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.

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

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