Deputy Head of Programme (Security and Technology)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute 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 Deputy Head of Programme will report to the Head of Programme.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Deputy Head of Programme will be responsible for the following duties:

• Contributes to the development, implementation and evaluation of the Security and Technology Programme; monitors and analyzes programme development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; supports the recruitment, management and supervision of the programme’s staff; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports and financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme and programme budget).
• Organizes and prepares written outputs (draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications).
• Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports and financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme and programme budget); conducts training workshops and seminars, and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including the provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Within UNIDIR: Security and Technology Programme’s Head of Programme and staff, counterparts in other programmes, Directorate, Communications Team and Finance, Budget and Administration Team.
• Outside of UNIDIR: Counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in relevant Secretariat units and in UN funds, programmes and other UN specialized agencies; representatives and officials in national governments and intergovernmental organizations; partners in academia, civil society and the private sector.

Results expected

• Develops, implements and evaluates effective leadership and management of major projects and teams;
• demonstrates timely delivery of outputs in accordance with overall objectives and policies.
• Plays a lead role in identifying significant issues and develops well-reasoned, innovative approaches to deal with these issues.
• Serves as an effective spokesperson internally and externally and forms strong partnerships with relevant parties.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to a particular sector, functional area or other specialized field; ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to conduct data collection using various methods; conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, such as electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases; ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; 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; able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new 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 see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in policy-focused research programmes, project or programme management, or related area is required.
• Experience managing teams is required.
• Proven experience in drafting policy-relevant materials on international security, arms control and disarmament issues related to security and technology is required.
• A minimum of two years of experience in security and technology policy issues is desirable.
• Experience mobilizing resources and support, including with the private sector and philanthropies, for policy-research activities is desirable.
• A minimum of one year of experience in an international organization is an advantage.

Language

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official 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 Deputy Head of Programme will be required to travel during the course of this assignment. They 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;
• Name and contact details of three references; and
• A writing sample where the candidate is sole or lead author

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Deputy Head of Security and Technology” to unidir.recruitment@un.org.

No applications will be accepted by post.

Deadline for submission of applications is 25 June 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Send to
unidir.recruitment@un.org

Subject line
Application: Deputy Head of Security and Technology

Please note Incomplete applications, applications submitted in a format other than PHP, and applications generated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) 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 promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity. UNIDIR is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.