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 a Senior Researcher to lead 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 Senior Researcher (Artificial Intelligence) will:
- Lead research projects and related tasks, including events, as part of the centre’s work on AI.
- Assist other Security and Technology Programme workstreams requiring additional advice, research support and supervision as necessary.
- Assist the Head of Programme and Programme Officer in the management of the Security and Technology Programme in areas related to donor relationships, fundraising, internal and external reporting and quality assurance.
- Support the Head of Programme and Programme Officer in mentoring and coaching more junior colleagues.
- Assist in other duties as assigned by the Head of Programme, Programme Officer and the Institute’s other senior managers. These tasks include advising them on developments related to the Senior Researcher’s fields of expertise and assisting 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 Senior Researcher will have regular meetings with the supervisor to monitor progress on assignments. S/he will inform the supervisor if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deadlines.
Performance indicators
The Senior Researcher will be evaluated at the end of their contract, based on the following criteria:
- Assignments are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the supervisor.
- Engagement is professional, team oriented and positive.
- Active participation in the activities of the institute.
- Demonstrated core values of the UN and core competencies described below in the discharge of duties.
The Senior Researcher shall will 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.
- 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 task 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.
Qualifications and experience
Education
Required
- 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.
Desirable
- Doctorate or equivalent qualification in international affairs, political science, international law OR a relevant scientific or technical field.
Experience
- A minimum of 7 years of professional experience at the intersection of technology, policy and security is required.
- At least 5 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 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).
- A successful track record in project management is required, including in the following areas: designing project activities; monitoring timelines and milestones; implementing activities within budget and on time; overseeing and guiding research activities of team members; and conducting follow-up on project activities.
- A proven track record in building relationships with relevant policy partners across civil society, corporate, government and academia is required.
- Experience working for a UN entity or other international organizations 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.
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Travel
The Senior Researcher may be required to travel during the course of this assignment. Should travel be required, dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the project. In the event that travel is required, the Senior 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 Senior Researcher warrants that the paper 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 Senior 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: Senior 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: Senior 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.
