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 Security and Technology Programme seeks to build knowledge and awareness on the international security implications and risks of specific technological innovations and convenes stakeholders to explore ideas and develop new thinking on ways to address them. UNIDIR’s newly established Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security aims to strengthen responsible AI in peace and security by:
- Consolidating knowledge and expertise
- Enabling structured dialogue among key stakeholders
- Supporting translation of principles into practice
The programme is seeking an Associate Researcher to conduct research and contribute to the implementation of the centre’s research and engagement activities.
Responsibilities
Within UNIDIR’s Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security, under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the Associate Researcher (Artificial Intelligence) will:
- Conduct research and analysis:
- Produce original research and studies related to military and international security implications of artificial intelligence, increasing autonomy in weapon systems, innovations in science and technology, including technological;
- Design and implement multi-disciplinary and multi-method research approaches;
- Present research findings to internal and external audiences;
- Design and deliver (or moderate) expert workshops and panels.
- Implement AI portfolio activities:
- Organize meetings, seminars, and workshops for the AI portfolio (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive preparations for, and facilitation during, project-organised events);As assigned, produce meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by UNIDIR on issues relevant to AI and autonomy;
- Build relationships and secure buy-in on activities from key stakeholders, including funders, partners and beneficiaries; and
- Monitor and evaluate implementation of activities.
- Perform 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 Associate Researcher will have regular communication with the supervisor in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress.
Competencies
The Associate Researcher shall demonstrate at all times the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he shall 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 honors 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.
Qualifications and experience
Education
Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law; OR Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or technical field, with demonstrated track record of work at the intersection of policy and technology is required.
Experience
- At least 2 years of progressive research and work experience in tech-related public policy settings such as in governments, think tanks, research institutes or corporate policy environments, or public interest groups on issues closely or directly associated with artificial intelligence and autonomy is required;
- A proven track record of producing policy-relevant publications is required (Please include list of publications and writing sample as described in the instructions below);
- Experience in project management is desirable, including: developing project activities; monitoring timelines and milestones; implementing activities within budget and on time; managing budgets; conducting follow-ups on project activities; preparing and facilitating events; and evaluating and reporting on project activities;
- Experience in organizing events is desirable;
- Knowledge of relevant multilateral processes and practices is desirable;
- Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable;
- Experienced in international, multistakeholder settings, including convening stakeholders with differing perspectives to deliberate complex issues is desirable;
- A proven track record in resource mobilization/fundraising is desirable.
Language
For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French and/or other official UN languages is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Travel
The Associate Researcher is required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the programme. The Associate Researcher 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 Associate Researcher 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 Associate Researcher.
How to apply
The applicant should submit:
- Cover letter.
- PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira.
- List of publications.
- Two writing samples where the candidate is sole or lead author.
- Name and contact details of three references.
Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Associate Researcher – Artificial Intelligence” to unidir.recruitment@un.org. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 5 July 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.
Send to
unidir.recruitment@un.org
Subject line
Application: Associate Researcher – Artificial Intelligence
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.
