Volker Schimmel
Head of UNHCR Global Data Service
UNHCR
Volker Schimmel is the Head of UNHCR’s Global Data Service, where he leads some of the most innovative work in the humanitarian sector on data, digital identity, and analytics for protection and solutions. His leadership focuses on transforming how evidence and technology shape decision-making and impact for refugees and stateless populations worldwide.
Holding an MSc in International Relations and Conflict Studies, Volker began his career as a researcher at the House of Commons and the International Institute for Strategic Studies before joining UNHCR in Rwanda in 2003, supporting large refugee repatriation and emergency operations. He later served with OCHA in Burundi, where he established new systems for humanitarian information management. In 2006, he joined UNRWA in Syria, where he designed and led the pioneering camp rehabilitation initiative, which included innovative youth employment schemes, which were scaled in the region subsequently.
From 2012 to 2019, he played a central role in UNHCR’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis, first leading field operations in Jordan and later driving regional innovation on digital identity, financial inclusion, and data systems across Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, and Syria.
In 2019, Volker spearheaded the creation of the UNHCR-World Bank Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement, introducing new models for data partnerships and evidence-based policymaking, before being appointed Head of UNHCR’s Global Data Service in late 2020.
Holding an MSc in International Relations and Conflict Studies, Volker began his career as a researcher at the House of Commons and the International Institute for Strategic Studies before joining UNHCR in Rwanda in 2003, supporting large refugee repatriation and emergency operations. He later served with OCHA in Burundi, where he established new systems for humanitarian information management. In 2006, he joined UNRWA in Syria, where he designed and led the pioneering camp rehabilitation initiative, which included innovative youth employment schemes, which were scaled in the region subsequently.
From 2012 to 2019, he played a central role in UNHCR’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis, first leading field operations in Jordan and later driving regional innovation on digital identity, financial inclusion, and data systems across Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Egypt, and Syria.
In 2019, Volker spearheaded the creation of the UNHCR-World Bank Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement, introducing new models for data partnerships and evidence-based policymaking, before being appointed Head of UNHCR’s Global Data Service in late 2020.
