The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a prestigious organization that provides assistance and protection to millions of refugees and forcibly displaced people worldwide. Working for UNHCR can be a rewarding and impactful career choice for individuals passionate about humanitarian work. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to pursue a career with UNHCR, including information on open jobs and the application process.
Understanding UNHCR
Before pursuing a career with UNHCR, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, values, and the nature of its work. UNHCR is dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless people, and returnees. The organization provides life-saving assistance, shelter, healthcare, education, and other essential services to those in need. Understanding the complexities of refugee issues and the global humanitarian landscape is crucial for anyone aspiring to work for UNHCR.
Available Job Opportunities
UNHCR offers a wide range of career opportunities in various professional fields, including refugee protection, administration, program management, public information, supply chain management, finance, and more.
To view current job openings at UNHCR, individuals can visit the official UNHCR recruitment portal. The job listings provide detailed information about each position, including job responsibilities, required qualifications, experience levels, and application deadlines.
Application Process
The application process for a position at UNHCR typically involves several steps:
- Reviewing Job Openings: Begin by reviewing the available job openings on the UNHCR website . Carefully read the job descriptions and requirements to identify roles that align with your expertise and career goals.
- Submitting Applications: Follow the instructions provided in the job posting to submit your application through the designated channels. This may involve creating an online profile on the UNHCR careers portal and uploading your application documents.
- Assessment and Selection: After submitting your application, it will undergo an assessment process to determine if you meet the qualifications for the position. If you are shortlisted, you may be invited for interviews or additional assessments as part of the selection process.
- Offer and Onboarding: Successful candidates will receive an offer of employment from UNHCR. Upon acceptance of the offer, you will go through an onboarding process to familiarize yourself with UNHCR’s policies, procedures, and expectations.
Qualifications and Skills
When applying for positions at UNHCR, it’s important to carefully review the specific qualifications and skills required for each role. While requirements may vary depending on the position, common qualifications sought by UNHCR include:
- Relevant educational background (e.g., degree in international relations, social sciences, law, public administration)
- Professional experience in humanitarian or development work
- Strong communication skills
- Fluency in English; knowledge of other languages (especially French or Arabic) may be advantageous
- Familiarity with international refugee law and human rights principles
- Ability to work in diverse cultural settings
