United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research is looking for a Research Assistant (Space Security)

Position Title: Research Assistant (Space Security)
Starting date: 1 June 2026 (Negotiable)
Occupational rate: 100%
Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension
Remuneration: IICA-1

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 Space Security Programme works to build knowledge and awareness on the international security implications and risks that surround the space domain and the use of space technology and contribute to the efforts of policymakers to keep outer space peaceful and secure for all humankind.

Responsibilities

Working across UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme, the Research Assistant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme:

1. Assist in conducting research and analysis:

• Assist in conducting research for space security related events, publications, and tools.
• Support the Head of Programme and relevant researchers with research design and methodologies to facilitate the implementation of the Programme’ research and advice, support and capacity-building priorities relating to Space Security.
• Assist in the review and editing of substantive materials produced by the Space Security Programme.

2. Management and promotion of digital tools and research products:

• Manage the day-to-day lifecycle of the Programme’s digital platforms, including coordinating the localization and translation of content into official UN languages to ensure global accessibility.
• Facilitate development of new interactive research products. This includes coordinating design of new platforms and educational engagement initiatives.
• Assist in the research, drafting, and finalization of technical factsheets, profiles, and analytical summaries for programmatic digital tools.
• Manage systematic review processes with external stakeholders and Member States to ensure the accuracy and sustainability of data hosted on the Programme’s platforms.
• Provide administrative support the Programme, including liaison between UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget, and Administration (FBA) unit and researchers on the procurement of goods and services, as well as liaison with external consultants and vendors.
• Develop and execute strategic digital outreach and social media campaigns to promote the Programme’s research tools and publications.
• Help liaise with the Communications team in the generation of social media materials and other creative promotional content for the Space Security Programme.

3. Programme Coordination and Planning:

• Assist in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including preparation and production of publications, donor reports and other official documents.
• Support the Head of Programme and Space Security Team in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders to promote the Programme’s work.
• Produce and disseminate meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by the Programme.

4. Performs other duties as required.

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 Research Assistant will have regular communication with the Head of Programmes in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Research Assistant will inform the Head of Programmes if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.

Competencies

The Research Assistant is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Research Assistant will demonstrate the following competences:

• 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.
• 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

Qualifications and experience

Education

Advanced university qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security or a related field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in project administration and planning, including organizing events and conferences, drafting programme documents, and report writing, is required.
• Experience in assisting research activities, including drafting, editing and layout is required.
• Knowledge of current international debates and recent developments in international security, including space security related issues, is required.
• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is required.
• Experience in maintaining or contributing to digital platforms, content management systems, or research databases is desirable.
• Proficiency in graphic design software such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite for the production of professional social media assets and digital publications, is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
• Existing relationships/familiarity with relevant stakeholders, including regional organisations, UN agencies and programmes working in the field of space security is desirable.

Language

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

Assessment

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

Travel

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

Copyright

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

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter which demonstrates applicable research and organization skills.
• 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: Space Security Research Assistant” to [email protected]. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 6 May 2026. Job opening will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (Geneva time) on the deadline date.

Send to [email protected]

Subject line Application: Space Security Research Assistant

Please note

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. Women are encouraged to apply.

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