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 develops innovative tools and ideas to prevent and reduce threats to international peace and security arising from digital transformation. The programme works on a range of new technologies, including cyber, artificial intelligence and lethal autonomous weapon systems, while tracking the latest developments in science and technology relevant to international security. Through engagement with diverse stakeholders, the programme works to ensure that global governance frameworks adapt effectively to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The programme is looking for a Graduate Professional to support horizon scanning of science and technology innovation as part of its Science and Technology Watchtower project.

This position may only be performed remotely.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the designated Reporting Officer(s), the Graduate Professional will be responsible for the following duties:

Conducting continuous horizon scanning of science and technology developments with relevance to disarmament and arms control;
Keeping relevant project databases up to date;
Supporting the analysis of the implications of science and technology developments for disarmament and arms control;
Assisting in drafting relevant project outputs;
Supporting events pertaining to science and technology developments;
Supporting communications with internal and external stakeholders;
Attending meetings, if needed, and providing verbal and written briefings to colleagues;
Contributing to day-to-day tasks, including administrative, communication and coordination matters;
Performing other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Key skills and interests

Research and analytical skills;
Writing and editing skills;
Time management skills;
Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written products;
Organization and coordination;
Interpersonal, teamwork and communication (written and oral) skills;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
Interest in, and knowledge of, science and technology developments, especially as they relate to weapons, will be considered a plus;
Interest in, and experience with, horizon scanning will be considered a plus;
Interest in international peace and security, disarmament 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; 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 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 the clients’ points of view in their work.

Qualifications and experience

Education

To qualify for the Graduate 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 Graduate Professional Programme within a one-year period of graduation.

Preference will be given to applicants with postgraduate degree qualifications relevant to UNIDIR’s work, for instance in the fields of international relations, political science, international law and/or international security.

Work experience

To qualify for the Graduate Professional Programme, applicants:

Are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, but demonstrated experience in research and interest in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the United Nations will be considered an asset;
Are computer literate in standard software applications;
Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have 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, 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 another UN official language is an advantage.

How to apply

Please submit your application as a single document in PDF format that includes:

Cover letter;
UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira.
Brief responses (up to 30 words for each response) to the following screening questions.
- GPP candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the GPP within a one-year period following 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.
- Describe your skills and/or experience in conducting research.
- Describe your skills in standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office tools.
- Describe your ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.

The PDF document should be titled as SecTec_SURNAME_Name_PHP-CL and sent to unidir.recruitment@un.org with the message subject: UNIDIR SecTec November Horizon Scanning 2026 GPP Application. Please note that a curriculum vitae in lieu of a PHP will not be accepted.

The deadline for submission of applications is midnight Geneva time on 11 November 2026. Job applications submitted after 11:59 p.m. (Geneva time) on the deadline date will not be considered.

To create your Inspira PHP:

Please navigate to the Inspira portal at https://inspira.un.org/. If you do not already have an account, create one by following the registration process.
After logging in, navigate to the “My Profile” section and populate your profile with all relevant information.
Return to the homepage and click on “My Applications” in the main menu.
Select “Create Draft Application” by clicking the button located in the top right corner.
Complete sections of the draft application. Feel free to omit uploading any files to Inspira as these will not be exported as part of your PHP.
Once all required fields are completed, go to the “Review/Submit” section and click “Save” to finalize your draft.
Return to the homepage and go to “My Applications” again.
You will see an application labelled “No Job Selected.” Click on the printer icon labelled “View/Print Admin Profile.”
Download and save your Inspira PHP in PDF format to your device.

Send tounidir.recruitment@un.org

Subject lineUNIDIR SecTec November Horizon Scanning 2026 GPP Application

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.

*Applicants for the Graduate Professional Programme 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 United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the Graduate Professional or 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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