I. 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 problems, particularly international security issues. The vision of UNIDIR is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. 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. UNIDIR is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

UNIDIR seeks a dynamic Head of Programme for Gender and Disarmament (G&D) with a proven track record in policy-relevant research and analysis, project management, team leadership and resource mobilization.

UNIDIR’s G&D Programme works to support the diplomatic community in bridging gender and disarmament frameworks. The Programme also works to develop thorough expert analyses and practical tools in the area of gender and disarmament. The Programme contributes to gender equality in disarmament fora and promotes the effective integration of gender perspectives into arms control processes. For more information, please visit the programme website.

Within delegated authority, the Head of the G&D Programme is responsible for ensuring the effective development, management and further growth of the programme, contributing to the achievement of UNIDIR’s objective to support Member States through independent research on disarmament and related problems. The Head of the G&D Programme acts as UNIDIR’s focal point on Youth and is responsible for the development and implementation of UNIDIR activities in engaging with youth on disarmament issues.

II. Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Head of the Gender and Disarmament Programme will be responsible for the following duties:

Research Programme Development, Management and Evaluation

• Develops, implements and evaluates the Gender and Disarmament Programme; monitors and analyses programme development and implementation of its workplan; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; recruits, manages and supervises programme personnel; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
• Develops and implements youth engagement activities; prepares and reviews relevant documents and reports; recruits, manages and supervises programme personnel; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.

Research and Analysis

• Conducts and oversees original policy-relevant research and analysis on Gender and Disarmament as well as youth-related issues, analyses a wide range of related topics and relevant trends, prepares written outputs (including research briefs, reports and studies), and convenes workshops and seminars.

Resource Mobilization, Monitoring and Reporting

• Mobilizes resources for the Gender and Disarmament Programme and youth activities and coordinates activities related to its funding (proposal preparation, liaising with potential donors, preparation of progress reports, etc.) and prepares related documents (work programme, programme and activities budgets, etc.).

Representation

• Represents UNIDIR, its Gender and Disarmament Programme and its Youth Workstream to external actors, including making presentations in international forums, as appropriate.

III. Schedule for the proposed work

A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established. The Head of Programme will have regular communication with their First Reporting Officer in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress.

IV. Competencies

The incumbent is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Head of Programme will demonstrate the following competences:

• Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence as a researcher in the field of disarmament and arms control; substantive knowledge in the area of disarmament, security doctrines and international relation theory, in particular in relation to Gender and Disarmament issues; proven capacity in planning and risk analysis; thorough understanding of the intellectual, diplomatic and political challenges and responsibilities of working in an international autonomous research institute embedded within the framework of the United Nations; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.
• 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.
• 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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international security, nonproliferation studies, policy studies or related field is required. A doctoral degree is highly desirable.

Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in managing policy-focused research Programme or projects is required.
• Proven experience in research and drafting policy-relevant materials on international security, arms control and disarmament issues related to Gender is required (policy-relevant publications must be listed in the candidate’s Personal History Profile).
• Experience mobilizing and managing resources and support for policy-research activities is desirable.
• Experience managing teams is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
• Experience leading and implementing Youth-focused initiatives is desirable.

Language

For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

• Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

• Travel

The Head of Programme will be required to travel during the course of this assignment. The Programme Officer must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and other mandatory UN trainings.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• A CV or PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira
• Name and contact details of three references.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Head of Gender and Disarmament” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 2 October 2024, 23:59 CET (Geneva time).

Please note

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.

UNIDIR is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.