UNHCR employs 20,305 staff members globally, working tirelessly to protect and assist refugees and displaced communities worldwide.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a leading global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or human rights violations. Its extensive operations worldwide rely on a vast and dedicated workforce.
UNHCR's Global Workforce
As of recent figures, UNHCR's total workforce consists of 20,305 staff members. This significant team is strategically deployed across the globe to address the most urgent humanitarian needs.
The distribution of UNHCR staff highlights the organization's commitment to a field-centric approach:
- 87 percent of all staff are based directly in the field, operating in various countries and regions to provide immediate assistance and protection to the most vulnerable populations uprooted by wars and persecution.
- Just over seven percent of staff are based at the Geneva headquarters, where they manage global policy, administration, fundraising, and coordination functions that support the extensive field operations.
This operational structure ensures that the majority of human resources are positioned where they are most critically needed, directly assisting displaced individuals and communities on the ground.
| Category | Number/Percentage | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Total Staff | 20,305 | Global humanitarian workforce |
| Field-Based Staff | 87% | Direct assistance and protection to vulnerable |
| Geneva HQ Staff | > 7% | Global support, policy, and coordination |
Focus on Field Operations
The overwhelming majority of UNHCR's personnel being field-based underscores its operational priority: to be present where displaced people are. These staff members work in diverse and often challenging environments, providing a range of essential services including:
- Protection: Ensuring the rights and safety of refugees and asylum-seekers.
- Emergency Response: Delivering immediate aid such as shelter, food, water, and medical care.
- Community Services: Supporting education, livelihoods, and psychosocial well-being.
- Advocacy: Working with governments and partners to find durable solutions for displacement.
Their dedication ensures that millions of individuals receive vital support, making a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by global crises.
For more information on UNHCR's mission and career opportunities, visit the UNHCR Careers page.
