The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced a 20% reduction in its global workforce, citing a significant funding shortfall of nearly $60 million. This drastic measure will impact operations in 9 countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, and Turkey, which are already grappling with complex humanitarian challenges.

OCHA, the UN agency responsible for coordinating international humanitarian responses to crises such as conflicts and natural disasters, plays a critical role in ensuring that aid reaches vulnerable populations swiftly and efficiently. The staffing cuts will affect the agency's ability to respond to escalating global humanitarian needs, which are already underfunded, overstretched, and under attack.

In a letter to staff, Tom Fletcher, head of OCHA, detailed the "brutal cuts" prompted by the projected funding shortfall, warning that the consequences are already being felt on the ground. "Vital lifesaving work is ending. Our partners—NGOs and the UN humanitarian family—are hit hard. We are hit too: a 2025 funding gap of almost US$60 million. We must address this to protect our mission," Fletcher stated.

As part of its restructuring efforts, OCHA will be closing several Humanitarian Advisory Teams and cutting over 20 senior positions (P5s and above) both at its Headquarters and in Country and Regional Offices. The organization, which currently employs around 2,600 staff in more than 60 countries, plans to scale down to a workforce of approximately 2,100 staff members across fewer locations.

The decision to reduce the workforce by 20% is being made to adapt to financial constraints, with a focus on streamlining operations while maintaining efficiency in delivering humanitarian aid. The office has emphasized that the staff reductions will be carried out in a humane, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring adequate notice and planning, with ongoing collaboration between managers, staff representatives, and leadership throughout the transition process.

The impact of OCHA's downsizing on Africa is expected to be significant, particularly in countries like Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Eritrea, and Libya, which are already grappling with complex humanitarian emergencies. In Nigeria, OCHA's downsizing could disrupt emergency food distribution, displacement assistance, and health services in conflict-ridden areas. Zimbabwe's reduced presence may diminish international visibility for ongoing crises, making it harder to mobilize donor funding.

Cameroon's staffing cuts could limit the UN's ability to respond swiftly to shifting conflict dynamics. Eritrea's reduced personnel risk silencing avenues for humanitarian needs observation, while Libya's fewer staff may lead to declined inter-agency coherence and slower response to conflict flare-ups. The cuts signal a contraction of international humanitarian presence on a continent facing intensifying climate shocks, conflict, and economic fragility, potentially putting millions of lives at risk without renewed donor support.

The UN's funding shortfall and subsequent staff reductions highlight the need for sustained international support and investment in humanitarian efforts. As the global humanitarian landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for governments, NGOs, and private sector organizations to work together to address the root causes of crises and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the aid they need to survive and thrive.