Archive · 20 Nov 2025
UNICEF Relocates Jobs from Geneva and New York to Cut Costs
UNICEF, a United Nations children's agency, is moving most of its jobs from Geneva and New York to cheaper places like Rome and Budapest.
This is because they're getting less money due to cuts in foreign aid.
They're also combining some of their offices.
Other UN agencies in Geneva are also having to make changes because of these cuts.
UNICEF to relocate 70% of staff in Geneva and New York to cheaper locations
Move due to 20% funding reduction caused by global cuts in foreign aid
Jobs to be moved to cities like Rome, Budapest, Florence, Istanbul, Brussels, and Valencia
UNICEF's regional offices for Europe and Central Asia and Middle East and North Africa to be consolidated
Other UN agencies in Geneva also facing cuts and restructurings
- Who
- UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund
- What
- Relocating jobs from Geneva and New York to cheaper locations
- When
- Currently, with the process expected to continue in the coming years
- Where
- From Geneva and New York to cities like Rome, Budapest, Florence, Istanbul, Brussels, and Valencia
- Why
- Due to a 20% funding reduction caused by global cuts in foreign aid
UNICEF's Perspective
Swiss Government's Perspective
Job Relocations
UNICEF's Perspective
UNICEF is relocating 70% of its staff in Geneva and New York to lower-cost locations to cut costs.
Swiss Government's Perspective
The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed about 100 jobs would stay in Geneva for global advocacy and coordination.
- Funding Reduction
- 20% over the next four years compared to 2024 levels
- Staff Relocation
- 70% of staff in Geneva and New York
- New Locations
- Rome, Budapest, Florence, Istanbul, Brussels, Valencia, and other lower-cost duty stations
- Office Consolidation
- Regional offices for Europe and Central Asia and Middle East and North Africa combined into one in Amman, Jordan
- Other Affected Agencies
- World Health Organization and International Labour Organization