The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 and has since become the world’s leading organization dedicated to protecting refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people, and others forced to flee their homes. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, UNHCR operates in more than 133 countries, responding to emergencies, supporting long-term solutions, and advocating for the rights and dignity of displaced populations.
As of December 2025, UNHCR continues to welcome talented and motivated professionals from all nationalities who are passionate about humanitarian work and making a real difference in people’s lives. A career with UNHCR offers the opportunity to contribute directly to global protection efforts while working in diverse and often challenging environments.
Current Job Opportunities at UNHCR
UNHCR offers a wide range of career opportunities across multiple professional fields. These roles support the organization’s mandate to protect and assist displaced people and help them rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Key career areas include:
- Protection : Professionals in protection work closely with refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons to ensure their rights are respected. This includes legal assistance, advocacy, policy development, and protection monitoring in both emergency and stable settings.
- Operations and Programme Management : These roles focus on planning, managing, and implementing humanitarian programmes that deliver essential services such as shelter, education, healthcare, and livelihoods, often in complex field environments.
- Finance : Finance professionals support UNHCR’s operations by managing budgets, overseeing expenditures, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of resources.
- Human Resources : HR teams play a vital role in recruiting, developing, and supporting staff, helping to build a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce.
- Information Technology : IT specialists provide technical solutions that strengthen UNHCR’s operations, data management, and communication systems, enabling the organization to respond more effectively to crises.
Beyond these core functions, UNHCR also recruits professionals in areas such as strategic communications, external relations, data science, and inter-agency coordination, reflecting the organization’s growing need for a broad range of skills and expertise.
As of December 2025, UNHCR has numerous vacancies available, from entry-level to senior positions. Opportunities are offered across different locations, including the headquarters in Geneva, Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest, and Copenhagen, as well as country and field offices around the world.
Candidates interested in current openings can explore opportunities through the official UNHCR careers portal, where detailed job descriptions and application guidelines are provided.
Requirements and Application Process
To work at UNHCR, candidates typically need a relevant academic background and professional experience aligned with the role they are applying for. Strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in diverse and multicultural environments are essential.
UNHCR looks for individuals who share its values, demonstrate integrity, and are committed to serving displaced populations.
The application process usually includes:
- Visiting the UNHCR Careers website to explore available positions and career paths
- Creating an online profile and submitting applications for roles that match your skills and interests
- Networking with current or former UNHCR staff to gain insights into the organization and its work culture
- Continuously developing relevant skills and staying informed about global refugee issues and humanitarian trends
Compensation and Benefits
UNHCR offers competitive compensation packages under the UN Common System salary scale, based on job level, qualifications, and experience. Salaries are tax-free and paid in US dollars.
In addition to salary, staff members may receive a range of benefits, including health insurance, life and disability coverage, a pension plan, annual and sick leave, family-related leave, and education grants for dependent children. Benefits may vary depending on the duty station.