Switzerland: Associate Researcher, UNIDIR Gender and Disarmament Programme

Jun 16, 2020 | United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research
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The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. The vision of UNIDIR is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. The role of UNIDIR is to support Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. UNIDIR is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

UNIDIR’s Gender and Disarmament programme is seeking an Associate Researcher to contribute to research outputs and undertake activities in line with the programme workplan. This includes helping to produce publications, assisting with the organization of events and coordinating UNIDIR’s participation in the International Gender Champions initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities

The ideal candidate for this position would possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), experience carrying out research on topics related to gender and/or international security, a proven track record of policy-relevant written outputs and publications, and familiarity with diplomatic processes.

The Associate Researcher will work under the Programme Lead’s supervision. Duties of the Associate Researcher include, but are not limited to:

1. Conduct research and analysis on topics related to gender and arms control and disarmament:

• Collect, analyze and systematize data and information;
• Produce literature reviews and background research;
• Support with sourcing and citation in written materials;
• Carry out internal reviews and provide feedback for UNIDIR publications;
• Draft op-eds and short analyses such as commentaries.

2. Assist with the development, implementation and review of programme activities:

• Support the development of project proposals and concept notes;
• Track and monitor results’ indicators;
• Manage publications’ schedules and deadlines;
• Draft programme reports and narrative assessments of impact;
• Monitor the policy agenda for relevant events connected with gender and disarmament;
• Assist in organizing meetings, seminars, and workshops for the project (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive and logistical preparations for, and facilitation during, project-organized events);
• Produce meeting summaries;
• Collaborate with UNIDIR’s communications teams, including by providing ideas for social media posts and developing compelling graphics and data visualizations tools;
• Monitor and update UNIDIR Gender and Disarmament online hub;
• Attend internal meetings and represent the programme at outside events.

3. Support the International Gender Champions Disarmament Impact Group:

• Liaise with the IGC initiative, keeping UNIDIR informed about relevant developments;
• Assist with UNIDIR’s participation in the IGC Disarmament Impact Group, including organization of events, provision of speakers, and related tasks as necessary.

4. Act as gender focal point, overseeing the implementation of UNIDIR’s Gender and Diversity policy and action plan.

Qualifications/special skills

Competency: Core competencies are the skills, attributes and behaviours which are considered important for United Nations staff, regardless of their function or level, as well as Graduate Professionals.

The Core Competencies for Graduate Professionals at UNIDIR include:

• Professionalism: the successful candidate has demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; fair degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Planning and organization: the candidate shall demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and organize project activities, including budget and time management, and to coordinate adequately with the Gender and Disarmament Programme and the Institute as a whole.
• 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: excellent spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise analytical documents; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to appropriately communicate with experts from governments, international and regional organizations.

Academic Qualifications (required):

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, gender studies, international law or a related field

Experience:

• A track record in drafting written outputs, including meeting summaries, conducting original research and analysis, and producing publications is required (please include a list of publications with associated links in your application).
• Experience in project administration, including organizing events, drafting programme documents and report writing, is required.
• Knowledge of current debates on gender and international security, including the Women, Peace and Security agenda, is required.
• Experience with gender analysis and related tools is desirable.
• Research and/or practical experience with conventional weapons control are advantages.
• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.
• Knowledge of multilateral processes and experience working at an international organization or an internationally recognized think tank are advantages.
• Language: For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.