Online applications are invited for the WHO Internship Programme 2023. The last date to apply is August 11, 2023.
About WHO Internship
A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena.
WHO, as the leader in global public health issues, is committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health. WHO’s Internship Programme offers a wide range of opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience in various areas, thereby contributing to the advancement of public health.
Internship Objectives
- Create a system to match qualified students from various academic backgrounds with appropriate WHO programs that offer capacity-building opportunities to improve their educational experience.
- Provide an opportunity for WHO programs to benefit from engagement from students specializing in various fields related to the technical and administrative programs of WHO.
- WHO offers internships in technical areas and administrative programs such as communication, external relations or human resources.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: You are at least twenty years of age on the date of application.
- Education: You are enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate), in a public health, medical or social field related to the technical work of WHO, or in a management, administrative, communications, or external relations-related field.
- Applicants who have already completed a qualification may also qualify for consideration if they apply to the internship within six months following the completion of the formal qualification.
- You have completed three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution before starting the internship (bachelor’s level or equivalent).
- Languages: You are fluent at least in one of the working languages of the assignment office.
- Family relation: You are unrelated to a WHO staff member (e.g., son/daughter, brother/sister, or mother/father).
- Nationality: You hold a valid passport of a WHO Member State.
- Other: You have not previously participated in WHO’s Internship Programme.
How to Apply?
- We invite candidates from across the world to apply to the WHO Global Internship Programme.
- All applications must be made through the internship position vacancy notices posted on the WHO Careers site using the WHO online recruitment system (Stellis).
- There is no possibility to apply for an internship at WHO outside Stellis. More information on the recruitment process can be found in the FAQs section.
- Internship positions are available in various areas of work and different organizational locations (regional offices, country offices or headquarters).
- As internship opportunities are posted continuously, with each containing different requirements and application deadlines, we encourage you to check the internship page regularly for new opportunities.
Internship Benefits
- WHO provides all interns with medical and accident insurance coverage during the duration of the internship period.
- Insurance coverage before the start date of the internship and after the end date of the internship, including travel to and from the duty station location, is the sole personal and financial responsibility of the individual intern.
- As of January 2020, the WHO provides a living allowance to eligible selected interns who need financial support. All interns must complete a legal Declaration of Interests form.
- This form requires intern candidates to declare any relevant financial disclosures, including any financial support in the form of grants bursaries, scholarships, etc.
- Based on the information provided in this form, the intern candidates’ eligibility to receive financial support from WHO will be assessed.
- Lunch vouchers may be provided at some duty stations.
Candidate obligations before an internship offer are extended
- Interns must be available to work full-time for a minimum of six (6) weeks up to a maximum of 24 weeks duration, depending on the needs of the WHO technical unit.
- Interns must provide proof of enrolment in a course of studies or proof of completion of their last qualification.
- Interns must disclose any circumstances that could give rise to a potential conflict of interest related to the subject of the activity in which they will be involved during their assignment (Declaration of Interest) including financial support for the internship.
- Interns must provide the completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work form prior to the start of their internship.
- Interns are requested not to send any documents until specifically asked to do so.
Other Details
- Interns do not have the status of WHO staff members and shall not represent the Organization in any official capacity.
- WHO interns are not eligible for appointment to any non-staff position within WHO for a period of three months following the end of their internship.
- However, no such restriction will apply to temporary or longer-term staff positions if the vacancy has been advertised and a competitive process completed.
- Any employment with WHO shall be subject to established recruitment and selection procedures.
- Interns and former interns are free to apply as external candidates to any vacant positions open to external candidates and for which they are qualified.
- WHO does not sign any agreements, proposed or required by a sponsor, university or equivalent institution.
- WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- The list can be accessed through the link.
- Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
- Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be selected every year.
- Only successful candidates will be contacted.
- If not selected, you may apply again to other posted internship positions if you are still interested and if you meet the eligibility criteria.
For Internships in Geneva, Switzerland
An important reminder: Although WHO is now providing a living allowance to eligible interns (please see the exact amount in the vacancy notices), be aware that living in Geneva is expensive and finding accommodation can be challenging.
How to Apply?
Interested Candidates can apply through this link.
FAQs
What kind of work will I be doing if I got selected?
The internship position for which you applied defines the type of tasks that you will be assigned during your internship at WHO. If you applied to a generic internship vacancy notice, the specific terms of reference will be discussed during the interview process.
How long is a WHO internship?
The duration of WHO internships is between a minimum of six (6) weeks and up to a maximum of 24 weeks. These weeks must be consecutive. The total duration of each individual internship will be determined by the technical unit, according to the needs of the work and other factors.
How to prepare for an interview?
If shortlisted for the WHO internship, the technical unit will contact you to conduct an interview. The interview process may also include a written test component. During the discussion, we recommend you ask as many questions and seek clarification as necessary so that you are fully aware of what would be required from you during the assignment.
It is also important for you to understand what the learning experience would provide to you and encourage you to ask questions related to the learning objectives indicated within the position description.
Can I apply to as many internship vacancies as I want?
There is no limit to how many internship vacancies you can apply to. However, please ensure that you take the step to provide a specific cover letter for each position you apply to, rather than using one generic cover letter for all applications.
What information should I provide in my online application (Stellis)?
The application process requires completing a profile in Stellis that covers:
eligibility questions;
information on education;
current studies;
language skills and experience (including qualifications/certifications, training, publications and computer skills); and
your motivation for applying for the specific or a generic WHO internship position.
