Graduate Professional (Youth, Peace and Security) → UNIDIR

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institute within the United Nations. It conducts independent research on disarmament and related issues, with a focus on international security. UNIDIR’s vision is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence.

UNIDIR supports Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions for a more sustainable and peaceful world. UNIDIR is based at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

UNIDIR is seeking a Graduate Professional to assist with research, reporting and outreach on issues related to the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda.

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or their sponsoring institutions.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Conduct background research on issues related to the Youth, Peace and Security agenda
• Support engagement with stakeholders on youth-related issues, including States, UN partners and civil society organizations
• Support fundraising efforts
• Consolidate UNIDIR input to wider UN initiatives on youth, such as the Youth 2030 agenda
• Assist with planning and implementing events and outreach activities (including drafting invitations, distribution lists, agendas, logistical notes and meeting summaries)
• Contribute to day-to-day tasks, including communication, coordination and administrative work
• Perform other tasks, as required by supervisors

Key skills and interests

• Research and presentation
• Ability to synthesise information into concise and high-quality written briefs
• Organization and coordination of multiple tasks
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and InDesign
• Interest in international peace and security, disarmament, youth engagement and the work of the United Nations

Competencies

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

In addition, the Graduate Professional will demonstrate:

• Communication: identifies the information needs of target audiences and adapts communication accordingly, drafts clearly and concisely, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping others informed
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, able 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, adjusts plans and actions as needed to complete tasks
• Creativity: seeks to improve programmes or services, offers new and different solutions to problems, is open to new ideas and approaches and is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches
• Client orientation: considers all recipients of services as ‘clients’ and seeks to understand and reflect their views in work

Qualifications and experience

Education

To qualify for the Graduate and Professional Programme (GPP), applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
• Have graduated with a university degree (second university degree or equivalent) and, if selected, start the GPP within one year of graduation

Preference will be given to applicants with postgraduate qualifications relevant to peace and security issues, such as international relations, political science, social sciences, international law and gender studies.

Work experience

Applicants:

• Do not need professional work experience for this programme, though experience or interest in the YPS agenda is an asset
• Shall be proficient in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office and InDesign
• Have a demonstrated interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter
• Should be able to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, including those with different opinions

Languages

• For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is an asset.

To apply

Please send us a cover letter and your CV in PDF format titled as SURNAME_Name_CV-CL to E-Mail schreiben, with “UNIDIR GPP YPS Application” in the subject line. Deadline for submission of applications is 13 April 2025. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed.

Also note that due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*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 Program.

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity.