6-month paid professional opportunity at UNIDIR for graduate students and recent postgraduates. Hands-on experience in international security, AI, cybersecurity, and disarmament. In-person (Geneva) or remote. Deadline: 16 Sept 2026.
Programme Overview The UNIDIR Graduate Professional Program (GPP) 2027 is a 6-month paid professional opportunity hosted by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). It allows graduate students and recent postgraduates to gain hands-on experience in international security, AI, cybersecurity, policy, and disarmament issues, either in-person in Geneva, Switzerland, or remotely.
Program Structure & Focus Areas Graduate Professionals are integrated into specialized project teams and research programs. Key thematic areas include: - Security & Technology: Artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons, space security, and cybersecurity policy. - Integrated Approaches: Gender and disarmament, conventional arms control, and weapons management. - WMD & Strategic Stability: Nuclear disarmament, chemical/biological non-proliferation. - Institutional & Policy Support: Science, technology, and international law frameworks in international governance.
Financial Coverage - Monthly financial support: USD 1,500/month for in-person (Geneva) candidates; USD 750/month for remote candidates.
- Professional mentorship from UN senior researchers and multilateral policy experts.
- UN system exposure: practical exposure to UN disarmament forums, policy drafting, and international diplomacy.
- Career growth: enhanced standing for future careers in international organizations, think tanks, and foreign ministries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic status: Currently enrolled in a Master's degree program or higher (PhD), OR graduated from a graduate-level program within the past 12 months.
- Field of study: International relations, international law, political science, cybersecurity, computer science, public policy, strategic studies, or related disciplines.
- Skills: Demonstrated analytical, research, and technical writing skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to work in multicultural UN environment.
- Languages: Full working fluency in English. Knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is an asset.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 16 September 2026, midnight Geneva time |
Application Process
1. Prepare application documents:
- Cover Letter / Personal Statement detailing interest in international security and UNIDIR work streams.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing academic, research, and technical background.
- Official transcripts or proof of recent graduation/enrollment.
- Writing Sample (1-2 pages demonstrating research or policy analysis capacity).
2. Submit via email to unidir.recruitment@un.org.
3. Ensure subject line strictly matches the designated opening format from the official vacancy posting.
4. Submit before 16 September 2026, midnight Geneva time.
Official Links
- UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme: https://unidir.org/who-we-are/join-our-team/graduate-professional-programme/
- UNIDIR Open Positions: https://unidir.org/who-we-are/join-our-team/