Associate Programme Officer; CBRN

This position is within the CBRN Risk Mitigation and Security Governance Unit at the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in Geneva, Switzerland. The Associate Programme Officer reports to the Head of the Unit and the UNICRI Director, contributing to the institute's mandate in addressing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear risks.

The Associate Programme Officer (CBRN) will support the implementation of CBRN capacity-building activities, focusing on terrorism, counter-proliferational finance, and disinformation. This involves assisting with research, policy coordination, and evaluation related to CBRN risks. The role contributes to planning and facilitating expert meetings, training sessions, and workshops. Additionally, the officer will support outreach activities, data collection and analysis for informed decision-making, and contribute to programme and budget coordination.

The position aims to enhance the institute's efforts in mitigating CBRN threats through research, policy support, and practical capacity-building initiatives.

The Associate Programme Officer (CBRN) is responsible for supporting CBRN capacity-building activities, including training and workshops, with a focus on terrorism, counter-proliferational finance, and disinformation. This includes assisting in the review of documents, identifying issues, and liaising with stakeholders. The role involves conducting and reviewing research on CBRN programmes and operations, and providing substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions.

The officer will assist in planning and facilitating expert meetings and training sessions, and participate in survey initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Contributions to outreach activities, presentations, and field missions are also key. Furthermore, the role includes assisting in coordinating budget funding, programme preparation, and reporting, as well as collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and support data-driven decision-making.

An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as international relations, security studies, political science, or related disciplines is required. A first-level degree with two additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates who have passed specific UN examinations may qualify with a first-level degree and no experience.

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in project/programme management, particularly in security, counter-terrorism, or CBRN risk mitigation, is required. Alternatively, successful completion of specific UN Young Professionals or recruitment examinations satisfies this requirement. Experience in conducting training, capacity-building, and coordinating with international stakeholders is desirable.

Professionalism, communication, and teamwork are essential. Specific competencies include analytical and evaluative skills for research and problem-solving, data collection and analysis capabilities, project management, and the ability to work collaboratively and manage priorities effectively. Proficiency in both English and French is required.

French, English