Researcher; Artificial Intelligence, General Closing date

Researcher (Artificial Intelligence, 2 positions)

Location Geneva

Closing date 5 July 2026

Contract Temporary

• Position Title:
  
  Researcher (Artificial Intelligence, 2 positions)
• Occupational rate: 100% (Full-time)
• Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institution 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.

• Enabling structured dialogue among key stakeholders
• Supporting translation of principles into practice

The programme is seeking two Researchers to conduct research and support the implementation of the centre’s research and engagement activities.

Within UNIDIR’s Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security, under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the Researcher (Artificial Intelligence) will:

• Conduct research and analysis:
  • Produce original research and studies related to military and international security implications of artificial intelligence, increasing autonomy in weapon systems, innovations in science and technology, including technological.
  • Design and implement multi-disciplinary and multi-method research approaches.
  • Present research findings to internal and external audiences.
  • Design and deliver (or moderate) expert workshops and panels.
• Organize meetings, seminars, and workshops for the AI portfolio (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive preparations for, and facilitation during, project-organised events);
• As assigned, produce meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by UNIDIR on issues relevant to AI and autonomy;
• Build relationships and secure buy‑in on activities from key stakeholders, including funders, partners and beneficiaries; and
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of activities.
• Perform other duties as required.

A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Researcher will have regular communication with the supervisor in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress.

The Researcher is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations:
Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, s/he will demonstrate the following competences:

• 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…