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Summary

• Programme: UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme
• Position: Graduate Professional – Integrated Approaches
• Organisation: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Start date: November 2026
• Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Stipend: USD 1,500 per month
• Field: Gender, youth, disarmament and international security
• Professional experience: Not required
• English: Fluent English required
• Deadline: 16 September 2026

About the UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts research and supports dialogue and practical action on disarmament and international security.

For this vacancy, UNIDIR’s Integrated Approaches – Gender and Disarmament Programme is seeking a Graduate Professional to support research and programme activities in Geneva.

The successful candidate will contribute to work examining gender perspectives in disarmament and international security, while also supporting youth engagement across arms control and disarmament. The role provides practical exposure to research, policy work and the implementation of international programme activities.

The position is scheduled to begin in November 2026, is full-time, and has an initial duration of six months, with the possibility of extension.

Programme Benefits

The official vacancy provides a USD 1,500 monthly stipend as a contribution toward living expenses for the Geneva-based position.

The Graduate Professional will also gain practical experience within UNIDIR, including opportunities to contribute to:

• Background research
• Meetings and workshops
• Conferences and field missions
• Programme communications and coordination
• Administrative and programme-support activities
• Research and policy work relating to gender, youth, disarmament and international security

UNIDIR’s broader Graduate Professional Programme is designed to give successful candidates practical experience within a leading research institute working on disarmament, arms control, non-proliferation and global security.

Important: The USD 1,500 is a stipend, not a salary. UNIDIR states that successful candidates who already receive a stipend from another source will have their stipend topped up to this amount. Applicants must also have valid medical insurance for the full programme period and provide a medical certificate of good health before starting.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy one of the following education requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in a graduate programme, meaning a second university degree or equivalent, or higher; or
• Have completed a second university degree and, if selected, commence the Graduate Professional Programme within one year of graduation.

UNIDIR gives preference to applicants with postgraduate qualifications relevant to gender, youth and disarmament issues, including areas such as:

• International relations
• Political science
• International law
• Gender studies

Previous professional work experience is not required. However, experience or demonstrated interest in conventional arms control is considered an asset.

Applicants must also be computer literate, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Canva and InDesign, and demonstrate a strong interest in the United Nations and commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.

Fluent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.
Check that you are enrolled in a qualifying graduate programme or have completed a second university degree within the required timeframe.

Step 2: Prepare your application documents.
UNIDIR requires:

• A cover letter
• A PDF of an Inspira Personal History Profile (PHP)
• Brief responses to the five screening questions

Each screening response must be 250 characters or fewer.

Step 3: Address the screening questions carefully.
Applicants must explain their education status, English proficiency, software skills, organisational abilities and any relevant published written work.

Step 4: Prepare the email submission.
Applications must be submitted as PDF attachments. The official vacancy instructs applicants to title the application SURNAME_Name_CV-CL.

Step 5: Send the application.
Email the application to unidir.recruitment@un.org with the subject line:

UNIDIR GPP – IntApp (Geneva)

Step 6: Submit before the closing time.
The deadline is midnight Geneva time on 16 September 2026.

Important: UNIDIR explicitly states that incomplete applications and applications generated with artificial intelligence will not be processed. Applicants should therefore prepare and submit their own application materials in accordance with UNIDIR’s instructions.

Important Deadline

The official application deadline is:

16 September 2026 – midnight Geneva time.

The position is scheduled to start in November 2026 and has an initial duration of six months.

Related Opportunities

For readers interested in international organisations, research and professional-development opportunities, AK Travels LTD has previously covered:

1. WHO Internship Programme – internship opportunities with the World Health Organization.
2. CERN Administrative Student Programme – international student opportunities at CERN.
3. UN Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme – an international UN learning opportunity focused on chemicals and waste management.

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This UNIDIR opportunity is not a conventional scholarship. It is a full-time Graduate Professional position in Geneva that provides a USD 1,500 monthly stipend while giving a successful candidate practical experience in UN disarmament research and programme work.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the education requirement, English proficiency, software skills and the five short screening questions. Most importantly, UNIDIR states that AI-generated applications will not be processed, so applicants should ensure that their submitted materials genuinely reflect their own qualifications, experience and writing.

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