Part-Time Associate Researcher, based in the Philippines (Conventional Arms & Ammunition Programme) ? UNIDIR

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. The vision of UNIDIR is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. The role of UNIDIR is to support 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 is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

UNIDIR’s Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme (CAAP) examines and promotes ideas and action to prevent or mitigate the negative impact of unregulated proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition and thus lay the foundations for peace, security, and sustainable development. In cooperation with partners across the United Nations system, States, regional organizations, and the international security expert community the programme undertakes action-oriented field research and convenes multi-stakeholder dialogues to deliver advisory support and practical tools to prevent, mitigate, and address the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition, thereby supporting efforts to build peace and foster sustainable development. The Programme’s research is contained in two pillars and an exploratory research cell, while an “on demand” advice, support, and capacity-building facility helps to ensure that CAAP’s research findings, recommendations, and tools are widely used. The programme’s four objectives for the period 2022-2025 and structure are outlined in the table below:

Programme objectives

Programme structure

States and other relevant actors use CAAP research findings and tools to effectively manage weapons and ammunition, thereby fulfilling their international obligations and commitments to prevent diversion, uncontrolled proliferation, and destabilizing accumulation in order to contribute to efforts to prevent human suffering and ensure sustainable peace and development.

Research Pillar 1. Strengthening Weapons and Ammunition Management

CAAP-generated knowledge increases understanding of the context-specific drivers of demand for illicit and destabilizing accumulations of conventional arms and ammunition, which are used to design and undertake evidence-based interventions to prevent armed conflict and armed violence.

Research Pillar 2. Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence

CAAP identifies ways in which conventional arms control measures, and new technologies, can be used to contribute to local level efforts to address global development and security challenges confronting humanity.

Exploratory Research Cell: Addressing Glocal Development and Security Challenges

CAAP is able to provide “on-demand” advice, support, and capacity-building for its partners on a wide-range of conventional arms and ammunition control issues, learning and drawing lessons from efforts to tackle uncontrolled conventional arms and ammunition proliferation, prevent armed conflict and armed violence.

Advice, Support, and Capacity-Building Facility

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s CAAP, the part-time Philippines-based Associate Researcher will contribute primarily towards achieving the objective of the “Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence” Research Pillar and also the use of the Ammunition Profiling Handbook in the Philippines. The successful applicant will perform the following duties under the supervision of the Programme Head:

Assist in management and implementation of CAAP activities:

• Contribute to the delivery of CAAP missions, applied research initiatives, events, publications, and tools for the Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence Research Pillar and in relation to the Ammunition Profiling Handbook;
• Provide administrative support to CAAP, including liaison between UNIDIR’s Finance, Budget, and Administration (FBA) unit and CAAP researchers on the procurement of goods and services, as well as liaison with external consultants and vendors, in relation to the use of the Ammunition Profiling Handbook in the Philippines;
• Help liaise with partners in the Philippines for the use of the Ammunition Profiling Handbook;
• Organize meetings, seminars, and workshops for CAAP, covering the full lifecycle of activities (including, but not limited to, drafting invitations, distribution lists, agenda, logistical notes, provision of travel support, as well as substantive preparations for, and facilitation during, CAAP events);
• Produce and disseminate meeting summaries, reports, briefs and analysis papers from consultations, meetings and events held or attended by CAAP; and
• Assist in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation, including preparation and production of publications, donor reports and other official documents.

Conducting research and analysis:

• Assist in conducting research and disseminating research findings for the Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence Research Pillar and the use of the Ammunition Profiling Handbook in the Philippines;
• Assist in conducting research and disseminating research findings the Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence Research Pillar and the use of the Ammunition Profiling Handbook in the Philippines; and
• Assist in the review and editing of substantive materials produced by CAAP.

Undertake day-to-day planning and organization of CAAP, including (but not limited to):

• Support the Programme Head in outreach activities with relevant stakeholders to promote CAAP’s
• Support the organization and maintenance of CAAP documentation and records.

Performs other duties as required.

Schedule for the Proposed Work

A workplan for the duration of the contract will be established within the first two weeks of the contract. The Associate Researcher will have regular communication with the Programme Head and coordinator of the Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence Research Pillar in order to set assignments within the workplan and monitor progress. The Associate Researcher will inform the Programme Head if there are any issues concerning meeting agreed deliverables and deadlines.

Performance Indicators

The Associate Researcher will be evaluated at the end of the contract. Performance indicators include:

• Assignments are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the Programme Head.
• Engagement is professional, team oriented, and positive.
• Active participation in the activities of Institute.
• The Associate Researcher demonstrates the core values of the UN and the core competencies described below in the discharge of their duties.

The Associate Researcher is always to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Associate Researcher will demonstrate the following competences:

• Planning & 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.
• 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: 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, international law, public administration, disarmament and arms control, international security, peace studies, conflict studies, or a related field is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in project administration and planning, including organizing events and conferences, drafting programme documents, and report writing, is required.
• Computer competency, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), is required.
• Knowledge of current international debates and recent developments in conventional arms and ammunition control and conflict and armed violence prevention, is required.
• Familiarity with relevant stakeholders, including UN funds, agencies and programmes, and country-level offices, working in the field of conventional arms control and/or conflict prevention and armed violence reduction is desirable.
• Experience in assisting research activities, including drafting, editing and layout of publications is desirable.
• Knowledge of gender issues or experience with gender mainstreaming in a field relevant to the position is desirable.

Language

For this assignment, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Travel

The Associate Researcher is required to travel during the course of this assignment. Dates and locations will be determined during implementation of the Programme. The Associate Researcher must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and provide UNIDIR with a certificate of completion.

Copyright

UNIDIR retains copyright of all documents and the ownership of the intellectual property resulting from all work carried out under this contract. The Associate Researcher warrants that any written work will be original works or that where s/he incorporates copyright material from another source, copyright permission for its use will be obtained. Written output(s) may be attributed to the Associate Researcher.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• A CV, or PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) created via Inspira
• Name and contact details of three references.

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: CAAP Associate Researcher-Remote” to unidir.recruitment@un.org. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is April 4, 2024. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you move forward in the process, you may be contacted for further assessment.

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.