The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is inviting applications for a Graduate Professional position within its Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme in Geneva, Switzerland. The opportunity is aimed at graduate students and recent graduates interested in international peace and security, disarmament, gender issues and youth engagement.
The position starts in November 2026 and offers a six-month temporary contract, with the possibility of extension.
Key Details at a Glance
- Position: Graduate Professional – Integrated Approaches
- Organisation: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Contract: Temporary
- Working rate: 100% full-time
- Duration: 6 months, potentially extendable
- Start date: November 2026
- Stipend: USD 1,500 per month
- Application deadline: 16 September 2026
- Language: English
- Experience: Professional work experience is not required
About UNIDIR
UNIDIR is an autonomous, voluntarily funded institution within the United Nations system that focuses on disarmament and international security research. Based in Geneva, the organisation produces policy-relevant research and supports dialogue on some of the world’s most important security challenges.
The successful Graduate Professional will join the Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme, which works to generate practical knowledge and tools for incorporating gender perspectives into arms control and disarmament work while supporting youth engagement.
What Will the Graduate Professional Do?
The successful candidate will support research and programme activities under the supervision of the Head of Programme.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting background research
- Supporting the planning and implementation of meetings, workshops and conferences
- Assisting with field missions and programme activities
- Supporting communication and coordination
- Handling day-to-day administrative tasks
- Completing other duties assigned by programme staff
This makes the position particularly relevant for graduates who want practical exposure to UN research, international policy, peace and security and programme coordination.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must either be currently enrolled in a graduate programme—such as a second university degree or higher—or have completed a qualifying graduate degree and, if selected, begin the Graduate Professional Programme within one year of graduation.
UNIDIR states that preference will be given to candidates with postgraduate qualifications relevant to gender, youth and disarmament, including fields such as:
- International relations
- Political science
- International law
- Gender studies
Importantly, applicants do not need professional work experience to participate in the programme.
Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate strong research and presentation abilities, including the capacity to turn complex information into concise, high-quality written briefs.
Organisational and coordination skills are also important because the role involves managing multiple programme activities and tasks.
Applicants should be comfortable using standard digital tools, particularly:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Canva
- InDesign
Strong written and oral English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language would be an advantage.
The position also requires teamwork, communication, planning, creativity and the ability to work effectively with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants must submit:
- A cover letter
- A PDF of an Inspira Personal History Profile (PHP)
- Brief responses to five screening questions, with each response limited to 250 characters
The screening questions cover your education, English proficiency, software skills, organisational abilities and relevant written publications.
Applicants with published articles, research papers, reports, policy briefs or other relevant written work should provide links where applicable.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email in PDF format.
The application documents should be titled:
SURNAME_Name_CV-CL
Applicants should use the subject line:
UNIDIR GPP – IntApp (Geneva)
The application must be sent to unidir.recruitment@un.org
The deadline is 16 September 2026 at midnight Geneva time.
Applicants should note that incomplete applications and applications generated with artificial intelligence will not be processed, according to the vacancy announcement. Candidates should therefore ensure that their submitted materials accurately represent their own qualifications, experience and writing.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
For graduates interested in United Nations careers, international relations, peace and security, disarmament, gender policy or youth engagement, this Graduate Professional position could provide valuable exposure to an international policy research environment.
The Geneva location also offers experience within one of the world’s major centres for international organisations and diplomacy.
Candidates should carefully review the official vacancy requirements before applying and prepare their PHP, cover letter and screening responses well ahead of the deadline.
Deadline: 16 September 2026
For the official vacancy and application instructions, visit UNIDIR – Graduate Professional (Integrated Approaches).
