The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), established in 1950, is a leading global organization dedicated to protecting and assisting refugees and displaced individuals worldwide. With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and operations in over 133 countries, UNHCR offers diverse career opportunities for individuals passionate about humanitarian work . As of August 2025, UNHCR continues to seek talented and motivated professionals from all nationalities to join its mission.
UNHCR provides a wide array of job opportunities across various fields, including protection, operations, program management, external relations, legal, and information technology . These roles contribute directly to the agency’s mandate of ensuring the rights and well-being of those forced to flee their homes .
- British Council vacancies & recruitment ( August 2025) : Open Jobs/Online application
- UNICEF Global Consultancy Opportunities, August 2025
- Fully Remote Roles & Open to Applicants Worldwide: UNICEF Innocenti , Roster of Consultants 2025
Current Job Openings and Opportunities
UNHCR actively seeks talented individuals from around the world, offering positions that contribute to critical missions in refugee protection, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. The agency’s recruitment has expanded beyond traditional human rights and humanitarian aid sectors to include a broader range of expertise.
Key career paths at UNHCR include:
- Protection: Professionals in this area work directly with refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people to ensure their rights are upheld and their needs are met. This involves legal assistance, advocacy, and policy development.
- Operations: These roles involve managing and implementing programs and projects that provide direct assistance to refugees and other persons of concern, often in complex field environments.
- Finance: Individuals in finance support the financial management of UNHCR programs and operations, ensuring accountability and efficient resource allocation.
- Human Resources: HR professionals contribute to the recruitment, training, and development of UNHCR staff, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
- Information Technology: IT specialists provide technical support and expertise to enhance UNHCR’s use of technology for improved operations and data management.
Beyond these core areas, UNHCR also offers opportunities in strategic communications, data science, inter-agency coordination, and external relations, demonstrating a need for varied skill sets
As of August 2025, UNHCR has numerous positions available, ranging from entry-level to senior roles. These positions are available in various locations globally, including headquarters in Geneva, Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest, and Copenhagen, and numerous field country offices worldwide
To explore current job opportunities at UNHCR, interested candidates can visit the official career portal
Requirements and Application Process
To work at UNHCR, candidates typically need a relevant degree and/or experience in a field related to the organization’s work . Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. UNHCR is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining talented individuals who align with its values.
The application process generally involves:
- Exploring the UNHCR Careers website: This platform lists available job openings and provides detailed information on career paths.
- Creating a profile and applying: Applicants submit their applications for roles that match their skills and interests.
- Networking: Connecting with current and former UNHCR staff can provide valuable insights into the organization’s culture and work.
- Skill Development: Continuously developing skills and expertise relevant to UNHCR’s work, and staying updated on news and developments in refugee protection and humanitarian assistance, are highly beneficial.
Compensation and Benefits
UNHCR offers competitive compensation packages based on the UN Common System salary scale, which considers job level, education, and experience . Salaries are tax-free and paid in US dollars . In addition to salary, benefits typically include comprehensive health insurance, life and disability insurance, a pension plan, annual leave, sick leave, family leave, and an education grant for dependent children . Specific benefits may vary by duty station