Lead, Security and Technology Programme

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. UNIDIR supports 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’s SecTec Programme will help practitioners and multilateral disarmament processes respond effectively to the security challenges raised by technological innovation. The objectives of this programme are to support norm development and implementation; increase understanding of the security implications of digital destabilization; and help modernize the “arms control toolbox” in relation to new technologies. The SecTec Programme will pursue these objectives through three priority areas: cyber stability; artificial intelligence and the weaponization of increasingly autonomous technologies; and the security dimensions of innovations in science and technology.

Within delegated authority, the Security Technology Programme Lead will be responsible for the following duties:

Research Programme Development, Management and Evaluation

Research and Analysis

• Conducts original policy-relevant research and analysis on  issues at the nexus of security and technology, analyses issues and trends related to technology and international security, prepares written outputs (including research briefs, reports and studies), and convenes workshops and seminars.

Resource Mobilization, Monitoring and Reporting

• Mobilizes resources for the SecTec Programme 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 the Institute and the SecTec Programme to external actors, including making presentations in international fora.

Within delegated authority, the SecTec Lead is responsible for ensuring the effective development, management and further growth of the programme, contributing to the achievement UNIDIR’s objective to support Member States through independent research on disarmament and related problems.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, international security, or scientific discipline relevant to the SecTec portfolio is required. 
• A doctorate is desirable.

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in managing policy-focused research programmes or projects on international security, science and technology is required.
• Proven experience in research and drafting policy-relevant materials on international security, arms control and disarmament issues related to international security and technology is required (policy-relevant publications must be listed in the candidate’s Personal History Profile). 
• Proven experience mobilizing and managing financial resources for policy-research activities is strongly desired.
• Proven experience in convening and managing multi stakeholder and multidisciplinary meetings is an advantages.
• Excellent presentation skills are strongly desired.
• Experience managing teams is desirable.

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; 
• Knowledge of French is an advantage. 
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

• 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 technology and security 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.

Contract type: Temporary Appointment (TA)
Contract level: P-4 (ICS-11)
Contract duration: 364 days initially, renewable once subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.