Associate Programme Officer (CBRN), P2

This position is located in the CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear), Risk Mitigation and Security Governance Unit of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) with duty station in Geneva, Switzerland. The Associate Programme Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Head of CBRN Risk Mitigation and Security Governance Unit and the overall guidance of the UNICRI Director. For more information on UNICRI, please visit the website: www.unicri.it.

Within assigned authority, the Associate Programme Officer (CBRN) will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Work with key partners, CBRN stakeholders and beneficiary countries to support the implementation of CBRN capacity-building activities (such as training sessions, national and regional workshops) with a particular focus on CBRN terrorism, counter proliferational finance, and CBRN disinformation; assist in the review of relevant documents and reports, including in English and French; participate in the identification of problems and issues to be addressed and recommend corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions. • Assist in carrying out and reviewing research on selected aspects of CBRN programmes, operations and other activities, in particular on countering CBRN terrorism, proliferational finance, and CBRN disinformation. • Provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including reviewing and analysing of emerging issues and trends, participating in evaluations or research activities and studies related to CBRN risks. • Provide assistance for planning and facilitating expert meetings, training sessions and workshops. • Participate in and review survey initiatives; assist with the design of data collection tools; administer surveys, analyze and interpret results, identify problems/issues and prepare preliminary conclusions. • Contribute to outreach activities; participate in developing training workshops, seminars, etc.; participate in and make presentations on assigned topics/activities in English and French. • Participate in field missions by providing substantive and administrative support, conducting data collection activities, etc. • Assist in coordinating activities related to budget funding, includingprogramme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc., and the preparation of related documents/reports, such as pledging reports, work programme, programme budget, etc. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties upon request.

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. 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.

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, security studies, international security, communication, public policy, law, economics, terrorism studies, non-proliferation studies, or other related discipline is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Not available.

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible work experience in project/programme management, including experience managing projects in the fields of security, counter-terrorism, CBRN risk mitigation, or related areas OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Work experience in conducting training sessions and capacity-buidling activities on CBRN terrorism, proliferation financing, export control, sanctions implementation, or other related topics is desirable. Work experience in the area of CBRN disinformation is desirable. Work experience coordinating with Member States, international organizations, donors, and other stakeholders on security, counter-terrorism or CBRN risk mitigation security is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations system or other similar international organizations is desirable. Experience in the analysis of data or evidence or related area is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources. Filling of this position is subject to funding availability. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year and will be limited to service with UNICRI. Extension of the appointment will be subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.  Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.  Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.   At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.  All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.  The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.  The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff.  Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.   Geneva is classified in the H category (family duty station).  

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.