The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is inviting applications for two Graduate Professional (Conventional Arms and Ammunition) positions for 2026. This opportunity is ideal for graduate students and recent graduates passionate about international peace, security, and disarmament.

Based within the United Nations system and headquartered at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, UNIDIR conducts independent research on disarmament and global security challenges. These six-month positions offer hands-on experience supporting high-level research and policy work related to conventional arms control.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is midnight Geneva time on 2 March 2026.

Position Overview

Position Title: Graduate Professional (Conventional Arms and Ammunition) – 2 Positions
Start Date: 20 April 2026 (Negotiable)
Duration: 6 months
Occupational Rate: 100% (Negotiable)
Location:

1 Remote position (Research Pillar 2: Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence)
1 Geneva-based position (Exploratory Research Cell)

Applicants must clearly indicate their preferred position in the subject line of their application email.

Stipend and Financial Information

Graduate Professionals will receive:

USD 1,331 per month (in-person, Geneva-based)
USD 665.50 per month (remote)

The stipend is intended as a contribution toward living expenses. Travel, visas, health insurance, accommodation, and related costs are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or their sponsoring institution.

About the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme

UNIDIR’s programme works to prevent and mitigate the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of conventional arms and ammunition. It contributes to sustainable peace and security through:

Research on weapons and ammunition management
Prevention of armed conflict and armed violence
Multi-stakeholder dialogues
Advisory support and capacity-building

The Graduate Professionals will support either:

Research Pillar 2: Preventing Armed Conflict and Armed Violence (Remote)
Exploratory Research Cell (Geneva-based)

Key Responsibilities

Selected candidates will:

Conduct background research and analysis
Support planning and implementation of meetings, workshops, and conferences
Assist in administrative coordination and monitoring
Draft concise research briefs and documents

This role provides exposure to international policy research, UN processes, and global security governance.

Eligibility Criteria

Education

Applicants must:

Have graduated within the past year with a university degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s equivalent), OR
Be currently enrolled in a graduate programme

The role is intended to be full-time.

Preferred academic fields include:

Politics
International Affairs
Peace and Conflict Studies
Security Studies
International Law

Experience

Professional work experience is not required
Interest or experience in conventional arms control is an asset
Research, analytical, and writing skills are essential

Language Requirements

Fluency in English (oral and written) is required
Knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following as one single PDF document titled:

SURNAME_Name_PHP-CL

Include:

Cover letter
Inspira Personal History Form (PHP)
Responses (maximum 30 words each) to screening questions

Send applications to:
unidir.recruitment@un.org

Subject line must state either:

“UNIDIR Conventional Arms and Ammunition GPP – Remote”
OR
“UNIDIR Conventional Arms and Ammunition GPP – Geneva-based”

Incomplete, late, or AI-generated applications will not be processed.

Why Apply?

Gain direct experience within the United Nations system
Contribute to global disarmament and peacebuilding research
Work alongside international experts in Geneva or remotely
Strengthen your profile for careers in international security

For aspiring professionals in peace and security, this is a highly valuable early-career opportunity within a respected UN research institution.

For more information, visit the official UNIDIR website: Click Here

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UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme 2026: Paid Peace and Security Roles in Geneva and Remote (Apply by 2 March 2026)

Job Description