UNHCR Research-Based Jobs Across Various Locations: A Guide to Career Opportunities . APPLY NOW

November 29, 2024Last Updated: November 29, 2024

5 minutes read

UNHCR Research-Based Jobs Across Various Locations: A Guide to Career Opportunities . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Research Based
Location : Various
Organization : UNHCR
Application Deadline : 11 Dec 2024

Introduction

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) plays a vital role in providing protection, humanitarian assistance, and finding solutions for refugees, displaced persons, and stateless people worldwide. With a mission to ensure the rights and well-being of refugees, UNHCR continuously offers a variety of career opportunities for individuals passionate about making a difference. Among these opportunities, research-based roles are particularly essential in understanding the needs of vulnerable populations and informing effective policies. This article will explore various research-based job opportunities within UNHCR across multiple locations, providing an insight into how these positions contribute to the global mission.

Why Choose a Research-Based Job at UNHCR?

UNHCR research roles are designed to collect, analyze, and disseminate data that supports the organization’s strategic goals. Research is critical for assessing the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons and helps shape evidence-based solutions. These jobs provide an opportunity to work at the intersection of human rights, international law, humanitarian aid, and policy advocacy, often directly influencing decisions at the international level. For professionals with a background in social sciences, international relations, statistics, or public policy, research positions at UNHCR are an excellent platform to contribute to global peace and stability.

Key Research-Based Roles in UNHCR

Research-based positions at UNHCR come in various forms, focusing on data collection, policy analysis, protection assessments, and more. Below are some key job titles typically available within UNHCR’s global network.

1. Protection and Research Officer

Protection and Research Officers play a key role in developing strategies for protecting refugees, displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups. They are responsible for researching protection issues, analyzing the legal and policy framework surrounding refugees, and providing recommendations for improving the protection environment. They often work closely with field teams to gather data and ensure that research findings translate into tangible actions.

Responsibilities:

Conduct field research on refugee protection issues, including child protection, gender-based violence, and detention conditions.
Analyze and report on protection trends, contributing to policy formulation.
Develop training materials and resources for UNHCR staff on protection issues.

Skills and Qualifications:

A degree in law, political science, international relations, or a related field.
Strong research and analytical skills, including familiarity with data analysis software.
Experience in fieldwork and working in humanitarian contexts.

2. Data and Research Analyst

Data and Research Analysts within UNHCR are responsible for managing and analyzing complex datasets related to refugees and displaced populations. They ensure the accuracy and reliability of data collected from the field, performing statistical analysis to identify trends, patterns, and emerging challenges.

Responsibilities:

Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from UNHCR’s field operations.
Develop dashboards and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
Provide actionable insights to inform operational strategies and policy decisions.

Skills and Qualifications:

A degree in statistics, data science, economics, or a related field.
Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel, Tableau).
Strong written and oral communication skills for presenting research findings.

3. Senior Research Officer – Humanitarian Policy

Senior Research Officers in humanitarian policy focus on conducting in-depth research into global refugee issues, evaluating the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions, and providing recommendations to enhance UNHCR’s advocacy efforts. They often work in collaboration with other international organizations, governments, and research institutions.

Responsibilities:

Lead and coordinate high-level research projects related to global refugee crises.
Engage with stakeholders to inform policy discussions and recommendations.
Contribute to UNHCR’s publications, reports, and policy papers on humanitarian protection and solutions.

Skills and Qualifications:

Advanced degree in international relations, public policy, or social sciences.
Extensive experience in research, particularly within the humanitarian field.
Strong networking and communication skills for collaboration with external stakeholders.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer

Monitoring and Evaluation Officers at UNHCR focus on assessing the impact and effectiveness of the organization’s programs. They track the implementation of various humanitarian interventions, analyze results, and make recommendations for program improvement.

Responsibilities:

Design and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks for UNHCR operations.
Collect and analyze data on program performance and outcomes.
Conduct field visits to assess project implementation and impact.

Skills and Qualifications:

A background in monitoring and evaluation, social sciences, or related fields.
Experience working with data collection methods, surveys, and evaluations.
Strong report writing and analytical skills.

5. Research Assistant – Refugee Data and Policy

Research Assistants support the research team by gathering data, reviewing literature, and assisting in preparing reports and publications. These positions offer entry-level opportunities for those interested in humanitarian research, allowing them to gain valuable experience in the field.

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Responsibilities:

Assist in the collection and organization of data from various sources.
Conduct literature reviews on refugee and displacement-related topics.
Provide logistical and administrative support for research projects.

Skills and Qualifications:

A degree or coursework in social sciences, international relations, or related fields.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Good writing and research skills.

Locations Offering Research-Based Jobs at UNHCR

UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, with many of these offering research-based positions. Research roles are typically available in both field locations and headquarters, depending on the type of research required. Some of the key regions where these jobs are concentrated include:

1. Geneva, Switzerland (Headquarters)

Geneva is the global headquarters of UNHCR and a hub for international diplomacy. Research roles based here often focus on policy, legal frameworks, and global refugee trends. These positions may involve collaboration with other UN agencies, governments, and international NGOs. It is an ideal location for individuals with an interest in high-level policy and research analysis.

2. Nairobi, Kenya (Regional Office for East Africa)

Nairobi hosts a regional office covering a range of countries in East Africa, a region that faces significant displacement challenges. Research roles in Nairobi may focus on regional trends, monitoring and evaluation of field operations, and supporting refugee protection programs across several countries.

3. New York, USA (UNHCR Liaison Office to the United Nations)

New York serves as a critical link between UNHCR and the United Nations. Research roles here are often centered on global refugee policy advocacy, research on UN resolutions related to refugees, and collaboration with other UN bodies.

4. Amman, Jordan (Middle East and North Africa Regional Office)

Amman is home to UNHCR’s regional office for the Middle East and North Africa, a region facing significant displacement due to conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and other countries. Research positions in Amman typically involve fieldwork, data collection, and analysis related to the ongoing refugee crises.

5. Field Locations in Conflict Zones

For those with a passion for hands-on research, field locations in countries experiencing conflict or displacement crises, such as Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, and South Sudan, offer critical research opportunities. These positions may involve gathering firsthand data from refugee camps, conducting protection assessments, and analyzing the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions.

How to Apply for UNHCR Research-Based Jobs

To apply for research-based jobs with UNHCR, visit the organization’s careers website. UNHCR regularly posts job openings, which are categorized by job function, location, and type (e.g., permanent, temporary). It is essential to submit a well-crafted application that aligns with the qualifications and skills required for the position. Be sure to highlight relevant experience in research, humanitarian work, and any language skills.

Conclusion

UNHCR offers a wide range of research-based job opportunities across multiple locations globally, making it an attractive choice for those looking to combine their research skills with a commitment to humanitarian work. Whether working in headquarters, a regional office, or a conflict zone, UNHCR research roles provide a platform to contribute directly to the protection and solutions for refugees and displaced populations. By taking on these critical roles, you can be part of a global movement that strives to improve the lives of millions in need.