Researcher, Science and Technology; Security and Technology Programme

Background

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.

UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme has a multi-year workplan encompassing original research to generate policy-relevant knowledge on international security initiatives that consider gender equality and youth engagement. The programme facilitates dialogue, builds capacity and produces resource tools to support arms control and disarmament stakeholders in translating awareness of diversity and equality into practical action.

UNIDIR’s Security and Technology Programme supports the international community and 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 two programmes are seeking a joint Researcher to produce research and lead capacity-building and outreach activities related to gender and security technology, including AI and cybersecurity.

The Researcher will work under the supervision of the Heads of Programmes for Integrated Approaches and Security and Technology. S/he will be expected to work closely with members of both programmes.

The Researcher shall perform the following duties:

• Produce original research and studies related to gender and security technology, including AI and cybersecurity;
• 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;
• Collaborate with UNIDIR’s communications team, including by providing ideas for social media posts and developing compelling graphics and data visualization tools;
• Attend internal meetings and represent the programme at outside events.

• Take the lead in organizing meetings, seminars, and workshops (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive and logistical preparations for, and facilitation during, project-organized events);
• Take the lead in managing and delivering the UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship;
• Build relationships and secure buy-in on activities from key stakeholders, including funders, partners and beneficiaries;
• Monitor and evaluate implementation of activities;
• Draft programme reports and narrative assessments of impact;
• Support public communication and outreach to ensure maximum visibility and impact of the work;
• Support senior leadership external engagement through the preparation of briefings and speaking points.

• Support the Heads of Programmes in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders;
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities;
• Help coordinate programmatic activities with researchers and graduate professionals;
• Organize and maintain documentation and records;
• Assist in the review and editing of substantive materials produced by UNIDIR staff.

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 Heads of Programmes 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…