Researcher (2 Open Positions) (Conventional Arms & Ammunition Programme) → UNIDIR

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 Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme (CAAP) examines and promotes ideas and action to prevent or mitigate the negative impact of unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition and thus lay the foundations for peace, security, and sustainable development. In cooperation with partners across the United Nations system, States, regional organizations, and the international security expert community the programme 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. CAAP’s research is contained in two pillars and an exploratory research cell, while an “on demand” advice, support, and capacity-building facility enables the sharing of practical advice and the delivery of capacity-building to effectively tackle uncontrolled conventional arms and ammunition proliferation, prevent armed conflict and armed violence:

• Research Pillar 1. Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management
• Research Pillar 2. Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence
• Exploratory Research Cell (ERC): Addressing Glocal Development and Security Challenges
• Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building (ASC) Facility

The Programme is seeking two Researchers to support the implementation of programme activities. One researcher will support research and activities for the programme’s Research Pillar on Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence (PACAV), while the other will support the Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) Research Pillar. The Researchers will play a leading role in the implementation, as well as further development, of specific research workstreams that are part of the respective Research Pillars. They will also be expected to create and maintain synergies with the ERC, as well as contribute to respective activities of the ASC facility.

For more information on the Programme’s research and advice, support, and capacity-building activities, please contact mae.ballena@un.org

Responsibilities of the Researchers

Researcher with the Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence Research Pillar

Conduct Research and Analysis:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of research and analysis for the Programme’s “Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence” Research Pillar, including by conducting desk and field research on integrating conventional arms control into international humanitarian law, counter-terrorism, weapons law, conflict prevention and peacebuilding. For this position, the Researcher will be expected to be able to make significant contributions to workstreams that examine the reverberating effects of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and non-state armed group use of uncrewed systems;
• Building and maintaining relationships with key partners and relevant stakeholders, ensuring buy-in for Programme publications and activities;
• Producing meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by the Programme and the Institute;
• Supporting research and analysis for the Programme’s other research areas by engaging with the other Research Pillar and Exploratory Research Cell, as directed by the Programme Head; and
• Drafting, reviewing, and/or editing written materials produced by the Programme.

Provide Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building:

• Contributing to the development, socialization, management, maintenance, and monitoring of the Programme’s Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building tools and guidelines;
• Representing CAAP in external engagements and outreach activities with relevant stakeholders, including presenting CAAP research findings, tools, and guidelines to a variety of audiences;
• Undertaking daily communication with relevant stakeholders, including participating in relevant United Nations system coordination mechanisms and working groups; and
• Providing support and advice for multilateral processes on issues relating to disarmament, conventional arms control, conflict prevention and management,and sustainable development, particularly the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.

Support Programme Planning and Organization, including (but not limited to):

• Serving as point of contact for workstream(s) for “Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence” Research Pillar, overseeing the development and delivery of their annual workplan and budget;
• Manage and organize events (e.g. meetings, seminars and workshops) for the Programme, covering the full lifecycle of event management;
• Coordinating with the Programme Assistant on administrative tasks, including on procurement, travel, and human resources;
• Contributing to the delivery of the Programme’s goals and objectives, as directed by Programme Head; and
• Organizing and maintaining documentation and records.

Undertake additional duties, as may be assigned by the Institute’s management.

Researcher with the Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management Research Pillar

Conduct Research and Analysis:

• Contributing to the development and implementation of research and analysis for the Programme’s “Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management” Research Pillar, including by conducting research and analysis on the regulation of the arms trade, life-cycle management of weapons and ammunition, and diversion prevention;
• Building and maintaining relationships with key partners and relevant stakeholders, ensuring buy-in for Programme publications and activities;
• Producing meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by the Programme and the Institute;
• Supporting research and analysis for the Programme’s other research areas by engaging with the other Research Pillar and Exploratory Research Cell, as directed by the Programme Head; and
• Drafting, reviewing, and/or editing written materials produced by the Programme.

Provide Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building:

• Contributing to the development, socialization, management, maintenance, and monitoring of the Programme’s Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building tools and guidelines;
• Representing CAAP in external engagements and outreach activities with relevant stakeholders, including presenting CAAP research findings, tools, and guidelines to a variety of audiences;
• Undertaking daily communication with relevant stakeholders, including participating in relevant United Nations system coordination mechanisms and working groups; and
• Providing support and advice for multilateral processes, such as those pertaining to the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Register of Conventional Arms, the UN Program of Action on Small Arms, and the Global Framework for Through-Life Management of Conventional Ammunition, and on other issues relating to disarmament, conventional arms control, and sustainable development.

Support Programme Planning and Organization, including (but not limited to):

• Serving as point of contact for workstream(s) of the Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management Research Pillar, overseeing the development and delivery of their annual workplan and budget;
• Manage and organize events (e.g. meetings, seminars and workshops) for the Programme, covering the full lifecycle of event management;
• Coordinating with the Programme Assistant on administrative tasks, including on procurement, travel, and human resources;
• Contributing to the delivery of the Programme’s goals and objectives, as directed by Programme Head; and
• Organizing and maintaining documentation and records.

Undertake additional duties, as may be assigned by the Institute’s management.

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 Researchers will have regular communication with Senior Researchers and the Programme Head in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Researchers will inform a designated Senior Researcher or the Head if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.

Performance Indicators

The Researchers will be evaluated at the end of the contract. Performance indicators include:

• Assignments are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the Programme Head.
• Engagement is professional, team oriented and positive.
• Active participation in the activities of Institute.
• The Researcher demonstrates the core values of the UN and the core competencies described below in the discharge of their duties.

The Researchers are always to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Researchers will demonstrate the following competences:

• 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. Ability to take ownership and demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibilities. Ability to apply good judgment; exercise a fair degree of autonomy, and personal initiative including to work independently within established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality. Ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially. Knowledge of relevant stakeholders in the field of disarmament and arms control, international security, peace or defence economics.
• 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 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.
• 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.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Required: Master’s degree in international affairs/security, political science, international law, peace and conflict studies, or a related field.

Desired: Post-doctorate degree in international affairs, political science, peace and conflict studies, or a related field.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of disarmament and arms control, international security, peace and conflict studies, political science/International relations, defence economics, or equivalent qualification is required.
• A proven track record of drafting written outputs and producing analytical policy-relevant publications for different target audiences on issues relating to conventional arms control, conflict prevention, and/or armed violence reduction is required.
• Knowledge of and/or professional experience in providing technical advice, expertise and support to those involved in multilateral conventional arms control and/or conflict prevention and mitigation processes is required.
• A proven track record of supporting the development and/or application of relevant tools and guidance in support of Member States and other interested parties is desirable.
• A proven ability to pioneer and develop innovative conflict prevention and conventional arms control approaches to respond to policy and programmatic challenges is desirable.
• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and creatively and to apply problem-solving skills to factors driving armed conflict and the impacts of the use of conventional weapons in such conflicts is desirable.
• 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; conducting follow up on project activities.
• Experience working with the United Nations, international and/or regional organizations, governments, international and non-governmental organizations, and academia in the fields of conventional arms control or conflict prevention and mitigation is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.

Language

For this consultancy, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Travel

The Researchers are required to travel during the course of their assignments. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the Programme. The Researchers 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 Researcher 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 Researcher.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• A CV or PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira
• Name and contact details of three references.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with one of the two following subject lines, depending on the position, “Application: CAAP Researcher-PACAV” or “Application: CAAP Researcher-WAM” to unidir.recruitment@un.org. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is April 4, 2024. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

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

UNIDIR is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.