Researcher

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research—an autonomous institute within the United Nations—conducts research on disarmament and security. The Institute explores current issues pertaining to a variety of existing and future armaments, global diplomacy, and local tensions and conflicts. Working with researchers, diplomats, government officials, NGOs and other institutions since 1980, UNIDIR acts as a bridge between the research community and Member States.

Under the direction of the SecTec Lead, the Researcher will focus on activities related to the international security dimensions of AI, increasing autonomy in weapon systems, and innovations in science and technology more broadly. The Researcher will produce original research and analysis, and author papers, briefs and studies. In addition, the Researcher will support the organization of multi-stakeholder dialogues in the form of workshops and symposia, sometimes in collaboration with external partners. In addition, the Researcher will support Programme-level activities, as requested. The Researcher is also expected to support the development of new activities.

Under the supervision of the SecTec Programme Lead, the Researcher shall perform the following duties:

Conduct original research and analysis:

• Producing original research, studies and primers related to military and international security implications of artificial intelligence, increasing autonomy in weapon systems, and innovations in science and technology; and
• Designing a set of scenario-based exercises for policymakers to explore the strategic, operational, legal and ethical implications of autonomy and AI in weapon systems and other military support systems.

• Organizing meetings, seminars, and workshops for the SecTec Programme (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, as well as substantive preparations for, and facilitation during, project-organised events), including contributing to UNIDIR’s annual Innovations Dialogue;
• Producing meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by UNIDIR on issues relevant to the SecTec Prorgramme;
• Building relationships and securing buy-in on activities from key stakeholders, including funders, partners and beneficiaries;
• Establishing implementation plans and milestones for the AI/Autonomy workstream within the SecTec Programme; and
• Monitoring and evaluating implementation of activities.

Support the development of new SecTec Programme activities:

• Outputs are delivered on time, their quality and impact are considered satisfactory by the Programme Lead.
• Engagement is professional, team oriented and positive.
• Active participation in the activities of Institute. 
• The Researcher demonstrates the core values of the UN and the core competencies described below in the discharge of their duties.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, security studies, international law, computer science, tech or science policy, or relevant scientific discipline is required.

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

• Integrity & professionalism: the successful candidate has demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; fair degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

• Planning and organization: the candidate shall demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and organize project activities, including budget and time management, and to coordinate adequately with the SecTec Programme and the Institute as a whole.

• 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: excellent spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise analytical documents; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to appropriately communicate with experts from governments, international and regional organizations.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International ICA Level 2 (ICS-10)
Contract duration: One year, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

• 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
• 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.

This position is based in Switzerland and the contract fee is not exempt from Swiss laws, including but not limited to laws regarding taxation, social security, accident and health insurance.