World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme 2018

A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals. Countries need to have a pool of health professionals who are trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and 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 graduate and postgraduate students to gain insight in the technical and administrative programmes of WHO while enriching their knowledge and experience in the health field, thereby contributing to the advancement public health.

WHO Internship Programme Objectives.

The objectives of the internship programme are to:

• Provide a framework for assigning postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds to WHO programmes that can enhance their educational experience through practical assignments.
• Expose students to the work of WHO.
• Provide WHO programmes with input from students specializing in various fields. Most students are placed in health-related programmes, although other disciplines can be considered as appropriate such as communication, external relations or human resources.

WHO Internship Programme Benefits.

The duration of WHO internships is between six to twenty four weeks depending on the needs of the WHO technical unit and the intern’s availability. WHO internships are not paid and all costs of travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the intern candidate.

Duties of World Health Organization (WHO) Interns.

Under the supervision of a technical expert in the respective area, interns are assigned a project based on agreed terms of references and in line with their skills set. These terms of references typically include some or all of the following responsibilities:

• review literature and conduct literature surveys
• undertake web research and data collection on specific subject area
• organize data and documents
• participate in the development of tools and guidelines
• assist in drafting, formatting and editing policy briefs, tool kits, guides/manuals, hand-outs, brochures and reports
• assist in organizing workshops, meetings, conferences, events
• participate in on-going departmental projects

World Health Organization Internship Programme Eligibility.

• You are at least twenty years of age on the date of application.
• You are enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (graduate or postgraduate) (applicants who have already graduated may also qualify for consideration provided that they start the internship within six months after completion of their formal qualification).
• You have completed three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing (bachelor’s level or equivalent) the assignment.
• You possess a first degree in a public health, medical or social field related to the technical work of WHO or a degree in a management-related or administrative field.
• You are not related to a WHO staff member (e.g., son/daughter, brother/sister, or mother/father).
• You are fluent at least in one of the working language of the office of assignment.
• You have not previously participated in WHO’s Internship Programme.

World Health Organization Internship Programme Timelines.

The vacancy notices are opened each year for six months at a time:

• From January to June
• From July to December

Exceptionally in 2018, the first global call for registration opens on 15 March (instead of January) and closes on 30 June.

Applications received for WHO Internships are made available to technical units globally for review all year round. You are welcome to apply at any time when the vacancy notice is open. A WHO technical unit can contact you at any time regarding an internship during the six months period when the Global Vacancy Notice is open. The period of time for the review of applications is, therefore, indeterminate. If you do not hear from a WHO Technical Unit during the first round of openings, you are welcome to reapply during the second period as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

How to Apply for WHO Internship Programme.

Candidates from across the world are invited to express interest in specific areas of work and organizational locations (regional offices, country offices or headquarters).

All applications should be made through the Global Vacancy Notice posted on the WHO Careers site using the WHO corporate recruitment system (Stellis).

Apply Here Official Link

NOTE:

• Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be accepted every year. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
• WHO Internships are not paid. Living abroad is expensive and finding accommodation can be challenging. All intern candidates should be aware of these factors before they consider applying for a WHO Internship.
• WHO accepts no responsibility for medical insurance of interns or costs arising from illness incurred during an internship.
• Interns are not eligible for appointment to any position in WHO for a period of three months following the end of the internship.
• If selected for a WHO Internship, you will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment in a course of studies, a medical certificate of fitness for work and proof of personal medical insurance (illness) coverage.