Graduate Professional Opportunity – Space Security Programme at UNIDIR, Geneva 2025: (Deadline 19 May, 2025)

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is offering a unique Graduate Professional Position for individuals passionate about space security, international policy, and disarmament. This six-month opportunity in Geneva provides early-career professionals or recent graduates with a hands-on role in one of the UN’s leading research programmes at the intersection of security and innovation.

UNIDIR’s Space Security Programme aims to deepen international understanding of the global security implications of outer space activities, support multilateral engagement, and enhance trust among stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of the Space Security Programme, the Graduate Professional will:

• Conduct background research on national space security policies to support the Space Security Portal.

• Assist in updating the Space Security lexicon.

• Support the planning and execution of programme events such as:

  • Meetings

  • Workshops

  • Conferences (notably the Outer Space Security Conference)

• Contribute to administrative, coordination, and communication tasks.

• Perform other duties as required.

Required Skills and Interests

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Knowledge in space security, space law, space policy, or related fields.

• Ability to conduct independent research and write concise, high-quality briefs.

• Strong organizational and task coordination skills.

• Proficiency in:

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

  • Adobe InDesign

• Interest in:

  • Disarmament

  • Gender issues

  • UN peace and security initiatives

• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

Core Competencies

UNIDIR expects candidates to embody the UN’s core values:
Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity

Additional required competencies:

• Communication: Clear writing and oral communication; responsiveness to information needs.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate across diverse backgrounds.

• Planning & Organization: Effective time management and risk mitigation.

• Creativity: Problem-solving and openness to innovative methods.

• Client Orientation: Commitment to service and stakeholder perspectives.

Qualifications

Education:
Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Be enrolled in a graduate programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher).

• Have graduated with a relevant university degree and begin the programme within one year of graduation.

Preferred Academic Backgrounds:

• International relations

• Political science

• International law

• International security

Work Experience:

• Not required, but interest or prior involvement in space, disarmament, or international security is an asset.

• Must be computer literate and capable of using standard applications and design tools.

• Demonstrated commitment to UN ideals and ability to work with diverse cultures and opinions.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.

• Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Application Process

Required Documents (in a single PDF file):

• Cover letter

• Personal History Form (PHP from Inspira)

• Brief responses (max 30 words each) to the following screening questions:

  • Explain how you meet the GPP eligibility criteria.

  • Describe your fluency in English.

  • Detail your proficiency in Microsoft Office and InDesign.

  • Explain your task coordination abilities.

Important Notes

• Applications generated using Artificial Intelligence tools will not be processed.

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

• Selected candidates must provide:

  • Proof of valid medical insurance for the full duration of the programme.

  • A medical certificate of good health.

• UNIDIR is not responsible for costs related to:

  • Travel, visas, accommodation

  • Living expenses

  • Medical insurance or healthcare

Note: Candidates who already receive a stipend from another source (e.g., an academic institution) will have their total stipend topped up to the UNIDIR standard of USD 1,331/month.

Learn more

For more details on application visit: Graduate Professional (Space Security Programme)

Submit to: [email protected]

Subject line: UNIDIR Space GPP Application

Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by 19 May 2025, 11:59 p.m. Geneva time.