Programme Assistants (Security and Technology, 2 positions)

About the job

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute 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 supports multilateral disarmament processes in responding effectively to the security challenges raised by technological innovation through the provision of accessible knowledge, relevant analysis and facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogue. The Programme currently focuses on three research priorities:

• Identifying and better understanding the new and emerging technologies relevant to international peace and security;
• Analyzing the application and impact of such new and emerging technologies on international peace and security; and
• Exploring how to improve technology governance and modernize arms control to account for the challenges posed by new and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Within the Programme, the Programme Assistant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme:

Undertake day-to-day planning and organization of the Programme’s activities, including but not limited to:

• Provide administrative support for the programme activities, including liaison between UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget and Administration (FBA) unit and the Programme’s researchers on the procurement of goods and services, as well as liaison with external consultants and vendors;
• Oversee the programme’s section on the UNIDIR website and social media engagement;
• Compile the programme’s monthly newsletter contributions;
• Assist in the Programme’s monitoring and evaluation activities and ensure the regular updates in the programme’s monitoring and evaluation database;
• Support the editing and design of the Programme’s publications and maintain up-to-date publication catalogues;
• Support the Head of Programme in managing recruitment and procurement processes;
• Assist the Head of Programme in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders to promote the Programme’s work;
• Mentor and supervise the work of graduate professionals and division of tasks;
• Support the design, development and review of the Programme strategies and projects; and
• Organize and maintain the Programme’s documentation and records.

Assist in event organization for the Programme, including but not limited to:

• Support the Head of Programme and researchers in organizing meetings, events and workshops centered on international security and technology topics;
• Provide administrative and operational support for the Programme’s annual flagship events, including the Cyber Stability Conference, Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics, and the Innovations Dialogue;
• Assist in the full lifecycle of event organization, including, but not limited to, drafting and distributing invitations, monitoring registrations, promoting and conducting outreach for events, collaborating with service providers, and managing procurement activities;
• Coordinate logistical arrangements with event attendees and speakers, including arranging travel for event participants in compliance with UN travel rules;
• Provide technical support for the Programme events, including the hosting of events on video conferencing platforms such as Webex and Zoom, and liaising with technicians as needed;
• Coordinate internal team meetings, including scheduling and maintaining meeting notes; and
• Oversee the maintenance of the Programme mailing lists for event invitations.

Performs other duties as required.

Schedule for the proposed work

A work plan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Programme Assistant will have regular meetings with the Head of Programme in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Programme Assistant will inform the Head of Programme and relevant researchers if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deadlines.

Performance indicators

The Programme Assistant will be evaluated at the end of his/her contract. Performance indicators include:

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

The Programme Assistant is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Programme Assistant will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates an 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

An advanced university qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public administration, business administration, organizational studies, international affairs, political science, or a related field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 2-years of experience in project administration and coordination, office support, or a related field is required.
• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), is required.
• Experience in event organization is required.
• Knowledge of video conferencing platforms such as Webex and Zoom is strongly desirable.
• Experience working with digital tools such as Adobe InDesign and Canva is strongly desirable.
• Experience in the field of administration with the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming is desirable.

Languages

For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an asset.

Assessment

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

Travel

The Programme Assistant may be required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during the implementation of relevant projects.

The Programme Assistant 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 Programme Assistant warrants that outputs will be original works or that where he/she incorporates copyright material from another source, copyright permission for its use will be obtained. Written output(s) may be attributed to the Programme Assistant.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

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

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Security and Technology Programme Assistant” to E-Mail schreiben.

No applications will be accepted by post.

Deadline for submission of applications is 7 June 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Please note that 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.

Women are encouraged to apply.