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’s Security and Technology Programme (SecTec) supports 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. SECTEC currently focuses three research priorities:

• Identifying and better understanding the new and emerging technologies relevant to international peace and security;
• Analyzing the application and impact of such new and emerging technologies on international peace and security; and
• Exploring how to improve technology governance and modernize arms control to account for the challenges posed by new and emerging technologies.

More information on the Programme’s research and activities can be found here.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s SECTEC Programme, under the supervision of the Head of Programme, as Senior Researcher (Artificial Intelligence):

• You will lead research projects and related tasks, including events, as part of the SECTEC Programme’s work on Artificial Intelligence.
• You will assist other SECTEC workstreams requiring additional advice, research support, and supervision as necessary.
• You will assist the Head of Programme in the management of the SECTEC programme in areas related to donor relationships, fundraising, internal and external reporting, quality assurance.
• You will support the Head of Programme in mentoring and coaching more junior colleagues.
• You will assist in other duties as assigned by the Head of Programme and the Institute’s other senior managers. These tasks include advising them on developments related to your fields of expertise and assisting other duties as required.

Schedule for the proposed work

A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Senior Researcher will have regular meetings with the SECTEC Head of Programme to monitor progress on assignments. The Senior Researcher will inform the SECTEC Head of Programme if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deadlines.

Performance Indicators

The Senior Researcher will be evaluated at the end of their contract. Performance indicators include:

• Assignments are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the SECTEC Programme Lead.
• Engagement is professional, team oriented and positive.
• Active participation in the activities of Institute.
• The Senior Researcher demonstrates the core values of the UN and the core competencies described below in the discharge of their duties.

As Senior Researcher you will demonstrate at all times the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity. In addition, as Senior Researcher you will demonstrate the following competences:

• Professionalism: 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. Ability to take ownership and demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibilities. Ability to apply good judgment; exercise a fair degree of autonomy, and personal initiative including to work independently within established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality. Ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially. Knowledge of relevant stakeholders in the field of WMD arms control and disarmament, including international and non-governmental organizations, researchers, policymakers and practitioners. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• 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 honors 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.
• 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.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Required

• Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law; OR
• Advanced university (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or technical field, with demonstrated track-record of work at the intersection of policy and technology.

Desirable

• Doctorate or equivalent qualification in international affairs, political science, international law OR a relevant scientific or technical field.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience at the intersection of technology, policy and security is required.
• At least 5 years of progressive research and work experience in tech-related public policy settings such as in governments, think tanks, research institutes or corporate policy environments, or public interest groups on issues closely or directly associated with artificial intelligence is required.
• A proven track record of producing policy-relevant publications is required (Please include list of publications and writing sample as described in the instructions below).
• A successful track record in project management is required, including in the following areas: designing project activities; monitoring timelines and milestones; implementing activities within budget and on time; overseeing and guiding research activities of team members; and conducting follow up on project activities.
• A proven track record in building relationships with relevant policy partners across civil society, corporate, government and academia is required.
• Experience working for a UN entity or other international organizations is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.
• Experienced in international, multistakeholder settings, including convening stakeholders with differing perspectives to deliberate complex issues is desirable.
• A proven track record in resource mobilization/fundraising 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 an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Travel

The Senior Researcher may be required to travel during the course of his assignment. Dates and locations, should travel be required, will be determined during implementation of the project. In the event that travel is required, the Senior Researcher must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and provide UNIDIR with a certificate of completion.

Copyright

UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents and the ownership of the intellectual property resulting from all work carried out under this contract. The Senior Researcher warrants that the paper will be original works or that where he incorporates copyright material from another source, copyright permission for its use will be obtained. Written output(s) may be attributed to the Senior Researcher.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• Cover letter
• CV, or PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira
• List of publications.
• Two writing samples where the candidate is sole or lead author
• Name and contact details of three references

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: SECTEC Senior Researcher – AI” to E-Mail schreiben.

Deadline for submission of applications is midnight (Geneva time), 29 July 2024.

Please note

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.