Office: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
Position Title: Research Assistant
Desired Starting Date: 1 March 2021 (Negotiable)
Duration: Nine months, with the possibility of extension
Contract: Temporary
Occupational Rate: 100%
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Remuneration: IICA 1 (100%)
Background
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related international security issues. 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. It carries out that role through four core services: promoting knowledge, generating ideas, facilitating dialogue and providing advice.
The Weapons of Mass Destruction and Other Strategic Weapons (WMDOSW) programme works to support progress in nuclear disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. The programme also contributes to policymakers’ efforts to keep the world free of biological and chemical weapons, and consider the implications of new strategic technologies—from missiles to counterspace capabilities and missile defence systems.
Responsibilities of the Research Assistant
Within UNIDIR’s WMDOSW Programme, the Research Assistant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Lead:
1. Conduct research and analysis:
Assist in the implementation of research activities in support of the WMDOSW workstreams, with a particular focus on WMD Compliance and Enforcement. This may include conducting background research, planning and supporting stakeholder interviews, contributing to the drafting of reports and managing peer review processes.
2. Assist the Lead in day-to-day planning and organization of WMDOSW programme activities, including (but not limited to):
Support for monitoring and evaluating workstream implementation and impact;
Assistance in the preparation of publications, donor reports and other official documents of the programme.
Organize and maintain documentation and records as instructed by the Programme Lead;
Support the preparation of social media and other strategic communications material.
3. Provide support for WMDOSW related events and other meetings, including:
Preparation for meetings, events and workshops, including the development of production materials for virtual events;
Facilitate the evaluation of WMDOSW events; and
Produce meeting summaries and reports from consultations and meetings held or attended by the WMDOSW Programme team.
4. Assist in other duties as assigned by the Institute’s management.
Schedule for the proposed work
The Research Assistant and Programme Lead will agree a workplan for the duration of the contract within the first two weeks of the appointment. The Research Assistant will have regular meetings with the WMDOSW Programme Lead to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Research Assistant will inform the WMDOSW Programme Lead if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deadlines.
Performance Indicators
The Research 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 Lead.
Engagement is professional, team oriented and positive.
Active participation in the activities of Institute.
The Research 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 at all times 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 competences:
Planning & 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
Education
Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law or a relevant field is required. A first-level university degree in law in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
A minimum of 2 years of experience in project or programme management, administration or a related field is required.
Experience conducting research in the field of international relations, international security, arms control and disarmament or a related field is required
Experience in producing research publications is desirable.
Experience in organising events online or in person is desirable.
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Application process
The applicant should submit:
• A cover letter;
• A CV or 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: Research Assistant WMDOSW” to unidir.recruitment@un.org. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 21 January 2021. Closing date is midnight Geneva time. 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.
UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.