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 is seeking a Programme Coordinator for its Conventional Weapons Programme. The Programme examines and promotes ideas and actions to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of the unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition, thereby laying the foundations for peace, security and sustainable development. It undertakes action-oriented field research and convenes multi-stakeholder dialogues to deliver advisory support and practical tools to prevent, mitigate and address the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition.
Responsibilities
Within the Conventional Weapons Programme, the Programme Coordinator will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Head:
Coordinate day-to-day planning and organization of the Programme’s activities:
- Establish and maintain systems and processes for programme operations (e.g. event organization, records and information management, publication processes), in coordination with the Programme Head and Research Pillar Coordinators;
- Coordinate logistical and administrative arrangements for the programme’s events, missions and other activities;
- Coordinate administrative arrangements with editors, designers, translators and UNIDIR’s Communications Unit for the programme’s written outputs;
- Facilitate procurement processes and travel arrangements in coordination with UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget and Administration (FBA) unit;
- Coordinate programme communications and outreach with UNIDIR’s Communications Unit;
- Coordinate the recruitment process for the programme, including assessments, onboarding and offboarding, in coordination with the Head of Programme and the FBA;
- Ensure planning documents and trackers (e.g. publications, events) are up to date; and
- Support budgeting processes, including expenditure tracking and reporting.
Support the Head of Programme in managing donor relations:
- Maintain and track donor requirements;
- Prepare donor reports in a timely manner;
- Prepare the Programme’s bi-annual activity and impact reports; and
- Support the Programme Head and Research Pillar Coordinators in preparing funding applications and proposals.
Coordinate the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) process of the Programme:
- Oversee the maintenance and development of the Programme’s MEL process, ensuring that all staff comply with it and that related processes are updated as required;
- Ensure that the MEL guidance document is up-to-date and new staff are familiar with the Programme’s MEL process;
- Ensure that the MEL reporting is up to date (i.e. entries in the dataset are inputted and correct) in coordination with the Research Pillar Coordinators; and
- Coordinate the development and dissemination of the Programme’s “impact stories”.
Assist in the conduct of research and analysis and provision of research findings:
- Support the Programme Head and relevant researchers with research design and methodologies to facilitate the implementation of the Programme’s research, advisory support and capacity-building priorities, particularly those relating to multilateral conventional arms and ammunition control instruments, international cooperation and assistance, and guidance materials;
- Assist in conducting research for the Programme’s events, publications and tools; and
- Contribute to the Programme’s various written outputs, e.g. background papers, Commentaries, Insights, Issue Briefs, Reports, etc.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Within UNIDIR: Head of the Conventional Weapons Programme and the Programme’s 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 private sector.
Schedule of the proposed work
A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Programme Coordinator will have regular communication with the Head of Programme in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Programme Coordinator will inform the Head of Programme if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.
Performance indicators
Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned tasks within the Conventional Weapons Programme. Provides appropriate support to the Programme Head and ensures Programme activities and outputs are delivered in accordance with UNIDIR requirements. Develops and maintains effective working relationships. Promulgates coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by clients. Uses resources efficiently.
The Programme Coordinator is always 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: Knowledge of gender issues. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyse 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, including 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 analyse 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 their 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 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.
Qualifications
Education
Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security, peace studies, conflict studies or a related field is required.
Experience
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of disarmament and arms control, international security, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, or a related field is required.
- Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), is required.
- Experience in event organization is required.
- Experience in programme or project management is required, including establishing and monitoring project timelines and milestones, managing project budgets, donor reporting, publication management and event organization.
- Experience in assisting research activities, including drafting, editing and layout is desirable.
- Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
Languages
For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language, in particular French, is considered an asset.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Travel
The Programme Coordinator may be required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of relevant projects. S/he must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and other mandatory UN trainings.
Copyright
UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents and the ownership of the intellectual property resulting from all work carried out under this contract. The Programme Coordinator 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 Programme Coordinator.
How to apply
The applicant should submit:
- A cover letter.
- PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira. Please refer to the consultant roster guide.
- Name and contact details of three references.
Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: CWP Programme Coordinator” to unidir.recruitment@un.org. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is July 8, 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.
Send to
unidir.recruitment@un.org
Subject line
Application: CWP Programme Coordinator
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.
