Graduate Professional (Security and Technology, Digital Tools)

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 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.

The Programme is seeking one Graduate Professional to support the update, development and enhancement of the Cyber Policy Portal and Artificial Intelligence Policy Portal (Digital Tools). This position may be performed remotely or from our office in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, insurance and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or any relevant sponsoring institutions, should the Graduate Professional be in-person in Geneva.

Responsibilities

Within the Programme, the Graduate Professionals shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the designated Reporting Officer(s):

• Support the development and maintenance of the Programme’s portals;
• Assist in the rapid resolution of technical issues emerging on the portals;
• Draft official correspondence and other materials related to the work of the Programme;
• Assist in the creation of infographics and promotional material to support communication activities for the portals;
• Support internal communications with the strategic communications team to ensure regular promotion of the tools.
• Attend conferences and meetings, if needed, and provide verbal and written briefings to colleagues;
• Contribute to day-to-day tasks, including administrative, communication and coordination matters;
• Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Key skills and interests

• Research and analytical skills;
• Writing and editing skills;
• Project management and 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);
• Should have an interest in international peace and security, disarmament and the work of the United Nations.

Competencies

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

In addition, in this role, the Graduate Professional will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Communication: Identifies the information needs of target audiences and tailors communication accordingly, drafts clearly and concisely, has 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.
• 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, 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 two-year period of graduation.

At UNIDIR, preference will be given to applicants with post-graduate 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

Applicants:

• are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, but demonstrated research experience and interest in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, international peace and security, disarmament, and the work of the United Nations will be considered an asset;
• shall be 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 a 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.

Screening questions

• GPP candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the GPP programme 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.
• Explain your skills and/or experience in conducting research.
• Explain your skills in standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office tools and InDesign.
• Explain your ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks.

How to apply

Please send us a cover letter, your Inspira Personal History Profile (PHP) and brief responses (up to 30 words for each response) to the above-mentioned screening questions as a single document in PDF format titled as Sectec_SURNAME_Name_PHP-CL to unidir.recruitment@un.org with “UNIDIR Security and Technology June 2026 GPP Application” in the subject line.

Please note that a curriculum vitae in lieu of a PHP will not be accepted.

To create your Inspira PHP:

• Please navigate to 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 & 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”
• 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 Profile in PDF format to your device.

Clearly state in your application whether you have a preference for joining remotely or in-person.

The deadline for submission of applications is midnight Geneva time on 15 June 2026. Job applications submitted after 11:59 p.m. (Geneva time) on the deadline date will not be considered.

Send to
unidir.recruitment@un.org

Subject line
UNIDIR Security and Technology June 2026 GPP Application

Please note Incomplete applications 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. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. *Applicants for the Graduate and 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 and 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.