Internship - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research HQ/SRH

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The World Health Organization's Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). HRP is the main instrument within the United Nations system: for identifying research priorities on SRHR; for promoting, conducting, evaluating and coordinating related interdisciplinary research; for collaborating with countries to build national capacity to conduct research; and for promoting the use of research results in policy making and sexual and reproductive health programmes. The Department draws on research and global expertise to set norms and standards and develop global guidelines on SRHR. More information about SRH and HRP can be found at https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

A key priority for the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) is the development of implementation guidance and implementation research on self-care interventions based on evidence-based prioritization, systematic monitoring of impact and progress, and ensuring sustainability of efforts. Self-care interventions are evidence-based, quality drugs, devices, diagnostics and/or digital products which can be provided fully or partially outside of formal health services and can be used with or without health workers. These include for example, self-administration of injectable contraception to reduce unintended pregnancy, HPV self-sampling to improve cervical cancer screening, HIV self-testing to improve knowledge of your status, and self-monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia.

In 2023, the World Health Organization's SRH team conducted a comprehensive review of literature on self-care for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) across four countries. Additionally, they engaged in stakeholder consultations within these countries to gather evidence on existing self-care interventions and practices. The intern will be contributing to this evidence generation effort which aims to inform the development of WHO's implementation guidance on self-care in SRHR.

Under the supervision of the technical officer for Sexual and Reproductive health and research, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:

1. Undertake content mapping on self-care for Sexual and Reproductive Health literature (approximately 60% of work effort):

• Review and finalize the content mapping.
• Develop a draft of key findings.
• Assist in convening internal (within WHO) workshops, meetings, conferences, and events.

2. Contribute to the preparation of a thematic analysis on self-care for SRHR (approximately 40% of work effort):

• Screen full-text articles and extract data on a given theme.
• Conduct content analysis of the extracted information.
• Develop a draft of key findings.

Learning objectives

The purpose of the WHO Internship Programme is to provide an enriching learning experience for students and recent graduates. The Learning Objectives outlined within each internship vacancy are a key component of the programme.

Within this internship, the intern will:

• Understand the objectives of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, specifically its work on self-care interventions for SRHR;
• Know how to conduct content mapping and thematic analysis;
• Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive analysis;
• Develop the outline and draft of a peer-reviewed manuscript.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

Min 6 weeks to max 24 weeks - tentative start date 10 June 2024

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in Public Health/Social Sciences at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment; AND be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification (applicants who have already graduated may also qualify for consideration provided that they apply to the internship within six months after completion of their formal qualification).

Skills

Core competencies

• Team-work
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication

All interns should be able to demonstrate the following competencies in line with the WHO core competencies:

• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Showing willingness to learn from mistakes
• Producing and delivering quality results
• Working collaboratively with team members

In addition, interns need to be familiar with commonly used computer programmes, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of specialized computer programmes related to systematic review, for example, Covidence or Rayyan may be an asset.

Experience

• Previous experience with content mapping and thematic analysis is an asset, but not necessary.
• Demonstrated interest in sexual and reproductive health through academic and professional work or research.

LANGUAGES

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of other UN language.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Interns do not receive a salary. They do however receive a living allowance. The allowance depends on the duty station and other external support (grant, scholarships, etc.) received by the intern. In Geneva, the maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is CHF 1680 per month. The exact amount of the living allowance will be calculated for each intern, after selection, based on a legal financial disclosure form that the individual will complete. In addition, all interns in Geneva will receive a lumpsum of CHF 20 for each working day to buy lunch at WHO campus or elsewhere. WHO also provides all interns with accident and medical insurance coverage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be accepted every year. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• 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.
• If selected for a WHO Internship, candidates will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work, and the contact details for reference checks.
• Interns are not eligible to take up a consultant or other non-staff contract in WHO for a period of three months following the end of the internship. However, no such restriction applies to temporary or longer-term staff positions if the vacancy has been advertised and a competitive process completed.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/values) into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.