UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme 2026 – Middle East WMD-Free Zone
The UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme 2026 offers a temporary six-month position supporting the Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone Project. The role can be completed in Geneva or remotely. The selected Graduate Professional will assist with research and project activities while receiving a monthly stipend as a contribution to living expenses.
Quick Overview
Position: Graduate Professional — Middle East WMD-Free Zone
Organization: United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR)
Location: Geneva or remote
Contract: Temporary
Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension
Starting Date: 1 September 2026, negotiable
Application Deadline: 4 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Geneva time
About the UNIDIR Graduate Professional Programme
UNIDIR’s Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone Project is seeking a Geneva-based or remote Graduate Professional. The selected candidate will support research and the implementation of project activities.
The project supports the Middle East WMD-Free Zone initiative by promoting four main future components:
• Non-proliferation
• Disarmament
• Peaceful cooperation
• Verification and safeguards
The occupational rate is 100 percent, although this is negotiable.
Monthly Stipend
Graduate Professionals receive a modest monthly stipend as a contribution to living expenses:
✓ USD 1,331 per month for in-person participation
✓ USD 665.50 per month for remote participation
Successful candidates who already receive a stipend from another source will have their stipend topped up to the applicable amount.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Programme Lead, the selected Graduate Professional will:
• Conduct background research.
• Assist with planning and implementing programme activities, including meetings, workshops, conferences, and field missions.
• Provide administrative support to projects.
• Communicate with project partners.
• Perform other tasks requested by project staff.
Key Skills and Interests
Applicants should demonstrate:
• Research and presentation skills
• The ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs
• Organization and coordination skills
• Interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• An interest in international peace and security, disarmament, Middle East affairs, and the work of the United Nations
The role also requires professionalism, integrity, respect for diversity, communication, teamwork, planning, creativity, and client orientation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following education requirements:
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme, such as a second university degree, an equivalent qualification, or a higher-level programme.
• Have graduated with a first or second university degree and be able to begin the programme within one year of graduation.
Preference will be given to applicants with relevant postgraduate qualifications. Relevant fields include international affairs, strategic or security studies, and international law, particularly in relation to the Middle East.
Work Experience and Language Requirements
Professional work experience is not required. However, demonstrated experience or interest in non-proliferation and arms control in the Middle East is considered an asset.
Applicants must:
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in the work of the United Nations.
• Show commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Be able to interact successfully with people from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
Knowledge of another official UN language or a language spoken in the Middle East is an asset.
Costs and Medical Insurance
Travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the Graduate Professional or the sponsoring institution.
Applicants must provide proof of valid medical insurance covering the full programme period. They must also submit a medical certificate of good health before starting the programme.
How to Apply
Applicants must send:
• A cover letter
• An Inspira Personal History Profile (PHP) in PDF format titled SURNAME_Name_PHP
Send the application to mewmdfz-unidir@un.org with the following email subject line:
UNIDIR Middle East WMD-Free Zone project GPP Application
Incomplete applications, submissions in a format other than PHP, and applications generated with artificial intelligence will not be processed.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 4 June 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Geneva time.
