Graduate opportunities at UNIDIR

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY

ORGANIZATION: UNITED NATIONS INSTITUTE FOR DISARMAMENT RESEARCH (UNIDIR)

POSITION: GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL, INTEGRATED APPROACHES

LOCATION: GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

CONTRACT: TEMPORARY

STARTING DATE: NOVEMBER 2026

OCCUPATIONAL RATE: 100% FULL-TIME

DURATION: 6 MONTHS, WITH POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION

REMUNERATION: USD 1,500 MONTHLY STIPEND

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

ABOUT UNIDIR

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded and autonomous institution within the United Nations. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and international security.

The Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme is seeking a Graduate Professional to support research and programme activities focused on gender perspectives, youth engagement, arms control and disarmament.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct background research on relevant topics.
2. Assist in planning and implementing programme activities, including meetings, workshops, conferences and field missions.
3. Support day-to-day communication, coordination and administrative activities.
4. Assist programme staff with research, documentation and other assigned tasks.

KEY SKILLS AND INTERESTS

1. Strong research and presentation skills.
2. Ability to synthesise information into concise, high-quality written briefs.
3. Strong organisational and coordination skills.
4. Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
5. Good interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
7. Proficiency in Canva and InDesign.
8. Interest in international peace and security, disarmament, gender issues, youth engagement and the work of the United Nations.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme, such as a second university degree or equivalent, or higher.

OR

2. Have graduated with a second university degree or equivalent and, if selected, commence the Graduate Professional Programme within one year of graduation.

Preference will be given to applicants with postgraduate qualifications relevant to gender, youth and disarmament issues, including International Relations, Political Science, International Law and Gender Studies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professional work experience is not required.

Experience in or interest in conventional arms control will be considered an advantage.

Applicants must also:

1. Be computer literate and proficient in standard software applications and graphic design tools.
2. Demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required.

Knowledge of at least one other official UN language is an advantage.

UN COMPETENCIES

Professionalism | Integrity | Respect for Diversity | Communication | Teamwork | Planning and Organising | Creativity | Client Orientation

SCREENING QUESTIONS

Applicants will be required to provide brief responses of no more than 250 characters for each screening question, covering:

1. Current or latest educational qualification and eligibility for the Graduate Professional Programme.
2. Fluency in English.
3. Skills in Microsoft Office, Canva and InDesign.
4. Ability to organise and coordinate multiple tasks.
5. Relevant written outputs or publications, including links where applicable.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should submit:

1. Cover letter.
2. PDF of an Inspira Personal History Profile (PHP).
3. Brief responses to the screening questions, with each response limited to 250 characters.

Applications should be sent as PDF email attachments titled:

SURNAME_Name_CV-CL

APPLICATION EMAIL

unidir.recruitment@un.org

EMAIL SUBJECT

UNIDIR GPP – IntApp (Geneva)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

16 SEPTEMBER 2026

The deadline is midnight Geneva time.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Incomplete applications and applications generated with artificial intelligence will not be processed.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment.

Successful applicants must provide proof of valid medical insurance covering the full programme period and a medical certificate of good health before commencement.

The USD 1,500 monthly stipend is intended as a contribution to living expenses in Geneva. Candidates already receiving a stipend from another source may have their stipend topped up to this amount.

APPLY HERE

UNIDIR Graduate Professional – Integrated Approaches