The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Program is a valuable opportunity for students and young professionals to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the work of the leading global public health organization. The program offers a range of internship opportunities across various departments and offices within WHO, providing interns with exposure to diverse aspects of public health and global health governance.
Recognizing the pivotal role of a skilled and dynamic health workforce in achieving global health objectives, the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the importance of cultivating competent professionals within the field. Vital to this endeavor is the cultivation of a cadre of health practitioners equipped with comprehensive training and exposure to the intricacies of health systems, along with an understanding of the dynamics inherent in international health contexts.
As a global leader in public health, the World Health Organization is dedicated to fostering a diverse cohort of future leaders in the field. Through its Internship Programme, the World Health Organization extends a broad spectrum of opportunities to students and recent graduates. These internships provide invaluable insights into the technical and administrative facets of the World Health Organization’s programmes, enabling participants to broaden their understanding and expertise across various domains. By engaging in these experiences, interns contribute significantly to the progression of public health initiatives, thereby bolstering global health outcomes.
Interns at WHO have the chance to work on a wide range of projects and initiatives, including research, data analysis, policy development, program implementation, and communications. They are typically assigned to specific teams or projects under the supervision of experienced professionals, who provide guidance and mentorship throughout the internship period.
The WHO Internship Program is open to students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, including public health, medicine, epidemiology, social sciences, communications, and international relations. Applicants are selected based on their academic achievements, relevant skills and experience, and alignment with WHO’s mission and values.
Internships at the World Health Organization are typically unpaid and vary in duration, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the organization and the availability of the intern. However, some WHO offices may offer stipends or other forms of support to help cover living expenses for interns, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries.
Participating in the the World Health Organization Internship Program provides interns with valuable professional development opportunities, exposure to global health issues, and networking opportunities with experts and professionals in the field. It also allows interns to contribute to WHO’s work in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges facing the world today, making a meaningful impact on public health at the global level.
Eligibility Requirements For The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Program
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 prior to starting (bachelor’s level or equivalent) the internship.
Languages: You are fluent at least in one of the working languages of the office of assignment.
Family relation: You are not related 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.
Benefits
- As of January 2024, interns may be eligible to receive financial support from WHO. The maximum amount possible is indicated within each internship position vacancy and will differ according to the location of the duty station where the internship will take place.
- Depending on the duty station location and facilities, interns may be provided with specific meal vouchers to be used during the business days (Monday – Friday), or with a cash amount to be used towards lunch meals on business days. Interns based in Geneva receive daily lunch vouchers of a value of CHF 15 accepted in WHO cafeterias
- The approved travel cost for some interns from least developed and middle-income countries may be covered.
Method of Application
- 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..
- Internship positions are available in various areas of work and in different organizational locations (regional offices, country offices or headquarters).
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