UNHCR Home-Based Research Job for 2025–26 With Competitive Salary | Apply Now.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced a home-based research job opportunity for the 2025–2026 period, offering a competitive salary and flexible remote working arrangements. This role is designed for experienced and early-career research professionals interested in forced displacement, humanitarian policy, protection analysis, migration research, and global development. This article provides a detailed, independent overview of the opportunity, including background, responsibilities, qualifications, and application guidance. This website is not affiliated with UNHCR and publishes this information strictly for job advertising and informational purposes.
H2: Background & Job Description
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global humanitarian organization mandated to protect the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and internally displaced people. Operating in over 130 countries, UNHCR leads international action to safeguard displaced populations, support durable solutions, and promote inclusive protection systems.
As displacement continues to rise due to conflict, climate change, persecution, and economic instability, UNHCR increasingly relies on high-quality research and data-driven analysis to inform policies, programmes, and advocacy at global, regional, and national levels.
To strengthen its analytical capacity, UNHCR is recruiting for home-based research positions for the 2025–26 cycle. These roles support evidence-based decision-making, policy development, and operational planning across humanitarian and development contexts.
Purpose of the Role
The Home-Based Research role supports UNHCR teams by producing rigorous research, policy analysis, and knowledge products related to displacement, protection, solutions, and humanitarian response. The position allows professionals to contribute to global refugee policy and programming while working remotely.
Depending on the contract type, the role may be classified as a consultancy, individual contractor, or fixed-term research assignment.
H2: Tasks
While specific duties vary by department and project, UNHCR home-based research roles typically include the following responsibilities:
1. Research Design & Implementation
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on displacement-related themes
- Design research methodologies, frameworks, and analytical approaches
- Support surveys, assessments, and desk-based research
- Ensure ethical standards and protection-sensitive research practices
2. Policy & Protection Analysis
- Analyze refugee protection frameworks, asylum systems, and legal standards
- Assess national and regional policies affecting displaced populations
- Support development of policy recommendations and guidance notes
- Contribute to strategic positioning and advocacy messaging
3. Data Analysis & Evidence Synthesis
- Analyze datasets related to refugees, asylum seekers, and migration trends
- Interpret findings to inform programming and decision-making
- Support dashboards, indicators, and monitoring tools
- Translate technical data into accessible insights
4. Knowledge Products & Reporting
- Draft research reports, briefs, working papers, and technical notes
- Contribute to global reports and flagship publications
- Edit and review research outputs for clarity and accuracy
- Support internal knowledge-sharing initiatives
5. Collaboration & Coordination
- Work with UNHCR field offices, regional bureaux, and HQ units
- Coordinate with partners, consultants, and academic institutions
- Participate in virtual meetings, consultations, and workshops
6. Emerging Issues Monitoring
- Track trends related to displacement, climate mobility, and protection risks
- Identify research gaps and emerging policy issues
- Support innovation and learning within UNHCR programmes
H2: Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education and Certification
Candidates are typically expected to have:
- Master’s degree or higher in:
- International Relations
- Forced Migration Studies
- Public Policy
- Development Studies
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Law
- Human Rights
- Statistics or Data Science
Equivalent professional experience may be considered for certain roles.
Professional Experience
Preferred candidates usually demonstrate:
- 3–8+ years of relevant experience in:
- Humanitarian research
- Migration or refugee studies
- Policy analysis
- Academic or applied research
- UN agencies, NGOs, think tanks, or research institutions
Experience related to:
- Forced displacement
- Protection analysis
- Durable solutions
- Climate-related mobility
is a strong asset.
UNHCR Home-Based Research Job for 2025–26 With Competitive Salary | Apply Now
Technical Skills
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Stata, SPSS, R)
- Ability to synthesize complex information
- Strong report-writing and analytical capabilities
Language Skills
- Fluency in English is required
- Knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, or other UN languages is an asset
H2: Additional Information
Salary & Compensation
- Competitive salary, aligned with UNHCR consultancy or contractor scales
- Final remuneration depends on:
- Experience
- Contract type
- Location and duty station classification
Work Modality
- Fully home-based / remote
- Flexible working arrangements
- Global applicants may be considered, subject to contractual conditions
Contract Duration
- Typically 6–12 months, with possible extension
- Duration depends on project needs and funding availability
Professional Benefits
This role offers:
- Direct contribution to global refugee protection efforts
- Exposure to UNHCR policy and operational work
- Opportunities to collaborate with international experts
- Strengthened career pathways within the UN system
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
UNHCR is committed to:
- Gender equality
- Geographic diversity
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities
- Representation of under-served and affected communities
Qualified candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through UNHCR’s official careers portal.
General application steps:
- Visit the UNHCR Careers website
- Search for “Research”, “Consultant”, or “Home-based” roles
- Submit:
- Updated CV
- Motivation or cover letter
- Writing samples (if requested)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Disclaimer
- UNHCR does not charge any recruitment or application fees
- This website is not affiliated with UNHCR
- This article is shared solely for informational and job advertising purposes
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