Paid UN Graduate Opportunities 2026: UNIDIR Arms Control & Security Research Positions

Are you passionate about international peace, security, and disarmament? The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is offering two Graduate Professional positions under its Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to global efforts aimed at reducing arms-related violence while gaining hands-on research and policy experience.

Programme Overview

UNIDIR is an autonomous research institute within the United Nations system dedicated to advancing ideas and actions that promote sustainable peace and security. Based at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, UNIDIR conducts cutting-edge research on disarmament and international security.

Its Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme focuses on preventing the misuse and proliferation of arms and ammunition through research, policy advice, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Available Positions

UNIDIR is recruiting two Graduate Professionals:

1. Research Pillar 2: Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence (PACAV)

   • Location: Remote

   • Focus: Preventing armed violence and conflict through research and policy engagement

2. Exploratory Research Cell (ERC)

   •  Location: Geneva, Switzerland

   • Focus: Addressing emerging global and local (“glocal”) security and development challenges

Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preferred position in their application.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: 2 March 2026

• Start Date: 20 April 2026 (negotiable)

• Duration: 6 months

• Work Rate: Full-time (100%, negotiable)

• Contract Type: Temporary

Stipend & Benefits

Graduate Professionals receive a monthly stipend to support living costs:

• USD 1,331 per month (in-person, Geneva-based role)

• USD 665.50 per month (remote role)

Please note: Selected candidates are responsible for travel, visa, insurance, and accommodation costs.

Key Responsibilities

As a Graduate Professional, you will:

• Conduct background research and policy analysis

• Support programme activities such as meetings, workshops, and conferences

• Assist in project coordination, documentation, and monitoring

• Provide general administrative and research support

• Contribute to reports, briefs, and knowledge products

Required Skills & Competencies

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong research, writing, and presentation skills

• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear briefs

• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and design tools (e.g., InDesign)

• Effective communication and teamwork skills

Additional Assets

• Knowledge of conventional arms control or disarmament

• Experience in data collection and analysis

• Understanding of gender mainstreaming

• Interest in UN peace and security work

UN Core Competencies

Candidates are expected to embody the UN’s core values:

• Professionalism

• Integrity

• Respect for Diversity

Additional competencies include communication, teamwork, planning and organization, creativity, and client orientation.

Why Apply?

This UNIDIR Graduate Professional opportunity offers:

• Direct exposure to international peace and security policy

• Practical experience within a United Nations research institute

• Opportunities to engage with global experts and policymakers

• A pathway into careers in disarmament, diplomacy, and international development

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have recently graduated (within one year) with a relevant university degree; or

• Be currently enrolled in a graduate-level programme

Preferred academic backgrounds include:

• Politics

• International Relations

• Peace & Conflict Studies

• Security Studies

• International Law

 Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (required)

• Knowledge of French or Spanish (desirable)

Screening Questions to Prepare For

Applicants should be ready to explain:

• Their eligibility for the Graduate Professional Programme

• Their English language proficiency

• Their research experience and skills

• Their proficiency in Microsoft Office and design tools

• Their organizational and multitasking abilities

How to Apply

Submit your application HERE and clearly indicate your preferred placement (Remote PACAV or Geneva-based ERC).

Pro Tip for Applicants

Tailor your application to demonstrate clear interest in disarmament and conventional arms control. Highlight any academic research, coursework, or projects that align with peace, conflict, or security studies, even if you don’t have formal work experience.

If you’re ready to contribute to a safer and more secure world while gaining valuable UN experience, this UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme is an excellent opportunity to launch your international policy career.