https://www.ireland.ie/en/un/geneva/about-us/job-opportunities/disarmament-advisor/

The Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations and other International Organisations in
Geneva wishes to contract the services of a full-time Disarmament Advisor.

The position will commence from December 2026 for a duration of two years. The successful candidate will be tasked with a range of duties, particularly focused on Disarmament conventions, treaties and related processes in Geneva. This will include advancing Irish positions in policy discussions on disarmament issues, and engagement on priority areas as outlined in Ireland’s policy for international development, A Better World.

The successful candidate will be part of the team at the Mission, working to the Head of Disarmament under the authority of the Head of Mission.

Overview of Role

The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the needs of the Mission, but will include
the following:
• To support Ireland’s engagement on nuclear and conventional disarmament treaties, conventions and related processes, in particular the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT); the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW); the Conference on Disarmament (CD); the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC); the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), including related work on Lethal Autonomous
Weapons Systems (LAWS); the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC); the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM); the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT); and the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from
the Use of Explosive Weapons (EWIPA);
• To represent Ireland at United Nations and other multilateral meetings and conferences on disarmament issues;
• To develop and maintain contacts with EU Member States, Permanent Missions, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to advance Ireland’s disarmament priorities internationally;
• To engage in the Geneva multilateral system and policy forums on disarmament matters and maintain an effective network;
• To prepare briefing material, reports, and analysis, including technical input and advice on disarmament processes;
• To liaise with DFAT HQ and other Missions on disarmament policy issues;
• To support the conclusion of Ireland’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union (01 July - 31 December 2026);
• To provide a focal point role on gender perspectives and issues related to disarmament; and
• Other tasks related to disarmament matters as required.

Essential requirements:

• A primary degree in a relevant discipline such as International Relations, Law, Politics, Security, Development, Humanitarian Affairs, or related discipline;
• At least two years’ relevant experience in the area of disarmament policy or related programming;
• A working knowledge of international policy frameworks on disarmament matters in the multilateral system, including with the EU and UN;
• Excellent organisation, communication, writing, and reporting skills, including fluent written and verbal English);
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, and an ability to work as part of a team;
• Proven capacity for delivering timely results, meeting deadlines, and taking responsibility for quality outcomes and an ability to work on own initiative;
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; and
• A legal entitlement to live and work in Switzerland prior to recruitment.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience working within the multilateral system, particularly with the EU, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), ICRC, or similar;
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law;
• Proficiency in French, both written and spoken; and
• Knowledge of additional IT applications would be beneficial (e.g. working with datasets).

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidates will be hired on a two-year contract and will be based at the Permanent Mission of Ireland in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The salary for the position is CHF 65,056.60 per annum, paid locally on a monthly basis. Salaries are paid direct to bank account.
• The positions will have an annual leave allowance of 21 days per annum, exclusive of public holidays, adjusted pro rata.
• There is no entitlement to Irish civil service status.
• Current Irish civil servants are not eligible to apply for this role unless already on a career break at the time of application.

How to apply:

The Job Description and Application Form for this position are available on our website
https://www.ireland.ie/en/un/geneva/about-us/job-opportunities/

Completed application forms should be sent via e-mail only to [email protected] with the subject line Disarmament Advisor Application – YOUR NAME
Applications must be received before 16:30 hrs. (Geneva time) on Friday, 13th November 2026.
No CVs will be accepted. No applications will be accepted after this deadline. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Selection Process:

• Depending on the number of applications received, a shortlisting of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential Requirements above;
• Interviews will be held by video conference in November or December 2026;
• A skills test may be included in the recruitment process;
• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process; and
• A panel may be set up depending on the suitability of candidates. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff:

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of candidates for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. Information in respect of candidates not appointed will be destroyed. If an applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants. The Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in Geneva is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.