United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is Seeking 2 Graduate Professionals (Integrated Approaches) – Gender and Disarmament

Location: Geneva-based and Remote
Contract Type: Temporary
Start Date: March 2026
Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension
Occupational Rate: 100%
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

About UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous research institution within the United Nations system. Based at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, UNIDIR conducts independent and policy-relevant research on disarmament, arms control, and international security. Its work supports Member States, the United Nations, and global policy and research communities in advancing practical solutions to arms-related challenges.

UNIDIR’s vision is a safer and more secure world in which people and States are protected from the threats posed by arms-related violence. Through evidence-based research, dialogue facilitation, and practical tools, the Institute contributes to sustainable peace and security outcomes at national, regional, and multilateral levels.

Programme Context: Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament

The Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament programme focuses on advancing the meaningful integration of gender perspectives across arms control, disarmament, and international security processes. The programme aims to generate policy-relevant knowledge and equip multilateral practitioners with practical tools to apply gender-responsive approaches in their work.

In addition, the programme actively promotes youth engagement across all areas of arms control and disarmament, recognizing the importance of inclusive participation in shaping future security frameworks.

To support these objectives, UNIDIR is seeking two Graduate Professionals to contribute to research, coordination, and programme implementation activities. One position will be based in Geneva, while the second will be fully remote. Applicants are requested to indicate their preferred duty station in their application.

Role Overview

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme, the Graduate Professionals will provide substantive and operational support to the Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament programme. The roles are designed to offer early-career professionals hands-on exposure to United Nations research, policy engagement, and programme delivery in the field of international peace and security.

Graduate Professionals will be expected to work collaboratively with a diverse, multicultural team and contribute to both research outputs and day-to-day programme operations.

Key Responsibilities

The Graduate Professionals will support the programme through a range of tasks, including:

• Conducting background and desk-based research on gender, disarmament, youth engagement, and related security issues
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of programme activities such as meetings, workshops, conferences, and field missions
• Supporting communication, coordination, and administrative functions within the programme
• Contributing to drafting briefs, presentations, and internal documents
• Performing additional duties as required to support programme delivery

Required Skills and Areas of Interest

Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate the following skills and interests:

• Strong research and analytical capabilities, including the ability to synthesize complex information into concise, high-quality written outputs
• Effective organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills in both written and oral formats
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as graphic design tools such as InDesign
• A demonstrated interest in international peace and security, disarmament, gender issues, youth engagement, and the work of the United Nations

Core Competencies

Graduate Professionals are expected to uphold the core values of the United Nations:

• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Respect for diversity

In addition, candidates should demonstrate competencies in:

• Communication: Ability to tailor messaging to different audiences and convey information clearly and concisely
• Teamwork: Capacity to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural and national backgrounds
• Planning and Organizing: Strong time management skills and the ability to anticipate risks and adjust plans as needed
• Creativity: Openness to new ideas and innovative approaches to programme development
• Client Orientation: Commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of stakeholders and partners

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme (Master’s degree or higher), or
• Have completed a graduate degree within one year of the programme start date

Preference will be given to candidates with academic backgrounds relevant to gender, youth, and disarmament, including international relations, political science, international law, or gender studies.

Experience

• No prior professional work experience is required
• Demonstrated interest or exposure to conventional arms control is considered an asset
• Strong computer literacy, including experience with standard office and design software
• Proven ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments

Languages

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required
• Knowledge of an additional official UN language is considered an asset

Conditions and Remuneration

Graduate Professionals will receive a monthly stipend as a contribution to living expenses:

• Geneva-based position: USD 1,331 per month
• Remote position: Reduced stipend rate

Travel, visa arrangements, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or their sponsoring institution. Proof of valid medical insurance and a medical certificate of good health are required prior to commencement.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Cover letter
• Inspira Personal History Form (PHP)
• Responses to screening questions (maximum 30 words per response)

Applications should be sent to unidir.recruitment@un.org, with the subject line clearly indicating either “UNIDIR GPP – Geneva-based” or “UNIDIR GPP – Remote.” Incomplete, late, or AI-generated applications will not be considered.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.