WHO Internship Program

WHO Internship Program: Nurturing Future Leaders in Public Health

WHO Internship Program, A robust and dynamic health workforce is crucial for advancing global health goals. Countries need health professionals trained in the systems and processes of the health sector, with an understanding of stakeholder interactions in the international health arena.

As a leader in global public health, WHO is dedicated to building a diverse pool of future leaders in the field. The WHO Internship Programme offers numerous opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain insight into the technical and administrative programs of WHO, enriching their knowledge and experience, and contributing to public health advancement.

Objectives of the Programme:

• Framework for Students: Provide a structure for eligible students from various academic backgrounds to engage with WHO programs, enhancing their educational experience through capacity-building opportunities.
• Program Benefits: Allow WHO programs to benefit from the engagement of students specializing in various fields related to WHO’s technical and administrative functions, such as communication, external relations, or human resources.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: Minimum of 20 years old at the application date.
• Education: Enrollment in a university course leading to a formal qualification in public health, medical, social fields related to WHO’s work, or in management, administrative, communications, or external relations fields. Recent graduates may also qualify if they apply within six months of completing their qualification. A minimum of three years of full-time university studies is required.
• Languages: Fluency in at least one working language of the office of assignment.
• Family Relation: No close relatives working at WHO.
• Nationality: Possession of a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
• Previous Participation: No prior participation in WHO’s Internship Programme.

Application Process:

Candidates from around the globe are invited to apply through the WHO Careers site, using the Stellis online recruitment system. Applications outside of Stellis are not accepted. Internship positions are posted continuously, each with specific requirements and deadlines, so regular checking of the internship page is encouraged.

Benefits:

• Insurance: Medical and accident insurance coverage during the internship.
• Living Allowance: As of January 2020, eligible interns requiring financial support receive a living allowance. A legal Declaration of Interests form must be completed to assess eligibility for financial support.
• Lunch Vouchers: Available at some duty stations.

Watch a video about interning at WHO headquarters in Geneva to learn more.

Candidate Obligations:

Before an internship offer is extended, candidates must:

• Be available full-time for a minimum of six weeks to a maximum of 24 weeks.
• Provide proof of enrollment in a course of studies or proof of completion of their last qualification.
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial support for the internship.
• Submit a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work form.

Additional Information:

Interns do not hold the status of WHO staff members and cannot represent WHO officially. They are not eligible for WHO non-staff positions for three months post-internship but can apply for advertised staff positions through competitive processes. Only qualifications from accredited institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) are considered. Internships at WHO are highly competitive, and only successful candidates are contacted. If not selected, candidates may reapply for other positions if still eligible.

For internships in Geneva, note that while a living allowance is provided, living in Geneva is expensive, and finding accommodation can be challenging.

FAQs for the WHO Internship Programme

1. What is the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates the chance to gain practical experience in the field of public health by working with the World Health Organization’s technical and administrative programs.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the WHO Internship Programme?

Eligibility requirements include being at least 20 years old, being enrolled in or recently graduated from a university course related to public health, medicine, social sciences, management, administration, communications, or external relations, and holding a valid passport from a WHO Member State. Applicants must also be fluent in at least one working language of the WHO office where they are applying and must not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.

3. How can I apply for the WHO Internship Programme?

Applications must be submitted through the WHO Careers site using the Stellis online recruitment system. Candidates should regularly check the internship page for new opportunities and specific application deadlines.

4. What are the benefits of participating in the WHO Internship Programme?

Interns receive medical and accident insurance coverage during their internship and may be eligible for a living allowance if financial support is needed. Some duty stations also provide lunch vouchers.

5. What are the requirements before an internship offer is extended?

Interns must be available for full-time work for a minimum of six weeks up to a maximum of 24 weeks, provide proof of enrollment or recent graduation, disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and submit a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work form.

6. Can I apply for an internship if I have already completed my degree?

Yes, applicants who have recently completed their qualification can apply if they do so within six months of finishing their formal education.

7. Is previous participation in the WHO Internship Programme allowed?

No, individuals who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible to apply again.

8. What happens if I am not selected for an internship?

Only successful candidates are contacted. If not selected, you may apply for other posted internship positions if you are still interested and meet the eligibility criteria.

9. Can WHO interns be hired for staff positions after their internship?

WHO interns are not eligible for non-staff positions within three months following their internship. However, they can apply for temporary or long-term staff positions through a competitive process.

10. Does WHO sign agreements with sponsors or universities for internships?

WHO does not sign any agreements with sponsors, universities, or equivalent institutions for internships.

11. What type of educational qualifications does WHO consider?

WHO considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Some professional certificates not listed in WHED may require individual review.

12. Are there any restrictions related to the internship location?

Interns need to consider the cost of living and accommodation challenges, especially for internships in Geneva, Switzerland, despite the provision of a living allowance.

13. Where can I find more information about the WHO Internship Programme?

More information about the recruitment process and specific internship opportunities can be found on the WHO Careers site and in the FAQs section of the internship page.