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 seeks a dynamic Head of Integrated Approaches Programme with a proven track record in policy-relevant research and analysis, project management, team leadership and resource mobilization.
UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches Programme works to support the diplomatic community in bridging gender and disarmament frameworks and promoting youth engagement. The programme also develops thorough expert analyses and practical tools in the area of gender equality and youth engagement in disarmament. The programme contributes to gender equality in disarmament fora and promotes the effective integration of gender perspectives into arms control processes.
Within delegated authority, the Head of the Integrated Approaches Programme is responsible for ensuring the effective development, management and further growth of the programme, contributing to the achievement of UNIDIR’s objective to support Member States through independent research on disarmament and related problems. The Head of the Integrated Approaches Programme acts as UNIDIR’s focal point on youth and is responsible for the development and implementation of UNIDIR activities to engage with youth on disarmament issues.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Head of the Integrated Approaches Programme will be responsible for the following duties:
Research programme development, management and evaluation
- Develops, implements and evaluates the Integrated Approaches Programme; monitors and analyses programme development and implementation of its workplan; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; recruits, manages and supervises programme personnel; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
- Develops and implements youth engagement activities; prepares and reviews relevant documents and reports; recruits, manages and supervises programme personnel; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
Research and analysis
- Conducts and oversees original policy-relevant research and analysis on gender and disarmament as well as youth-related issues, analyses a wide range of related topics and relevant trends, prepares written outputs (including research briefs, reports and studies) and convenes workshops and seminars.
Resource mobilization, monitoring and reporting
- Mobilizes resources for the Integrated Approaches Programme and youth activities and coordinates activities related to its funding (proposal preparation, liaising with potential donors, preparation of progress reports, etc.) and prepares related documents (work programme, programme and activities budgets, etc.).
Representation
- Represents UNIDIR and its Integrated Approaches Programme to external actors, including making presentations in international forums, as appropriate.
Schedule for the proposed work
A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established. The Head of Programme will have regular communication with their First Reporting Officer to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress.
Competencies
The incumbent is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he shall demonstrate the following competences:
- Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence as a researcher in the field of disarmament and arms control; substantive knowledge in the area of disarmament, security doctrines and international relations theory, in particular in relation to the women, peace and security agenda; proven capacity in planning and risk analysis; thorough understanding of the intellectual, diplomatic and political challenges and responsibilities of working in an international autonomous research institute embedded within the framework of the United Nations; 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.
- Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches tasks to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
- Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates an 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.
- 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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Qualifications and experience
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international security, nonproliferation studies, policy studies or related field is required. A doctoral degree is highly desirable.
Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in managing policy-focused research programmes or projects is required.
- Proven experience in research and drafting policy-relevant materials on international security, arms control and disarmament issues related to gender equality and youth engagement is required (policy-relevant publications must be listed in the candidate’s Personal History Profile).
- Experience mobilizing and managing resources and support for policy research activities is desirable.
- Experience managing teams is desirable.
- Experience in programme and project management is required, a project management certification is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
- Experience leading and implementing youth-focused initiatives is desirable.
Language
For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage. 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 Head of Programme will be required to travel during the course of this assignment. S/he 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
Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Head of Integrated Approaches” to unidir.recruitment@un.org. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 10 August 2026, 23:59 CET (Geneva time).
Send to
unidir.recruitment@un.org
Subject line
Application: Head of Integrated Approaches
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.
