Internship – Project Management

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is part of and contributes to the work of the Universal health coverage/Communicable and non-communicable diseases (UHC/UCN) cluster in the WHO African region. The strategic agenda of the cluster is to reduce disease burden in the WHO African Region, by guiding disease control agenda in Africa, and using analytics to inform strategic investments and tailored interventions for disease control”. This approach is underpinned by the guiding principles of a comprehensive whole of society, people-centered, integrated approaches to disease control. The comprehensive whole-of-society approaches to disease control involve: (a) coherent implementation of triple response – technical response: implementing diseases specific normative guidance, promoting intervention mixes and deploying medical commodities; health systems response: building capacities of district service delivery systems in disease mapping and stratification, interventions tailoring, and sector/subsector planning; and multi-sectoral response: addressing socio-economic and environmental determinants of diseases through mobilizing non-health sectors, communities and stakeholders; (b) disease control partnership of public and private sectors, health and non-health sectors; and (c) community involvement in targeted high-risk communities, focused on managing determinants of diseases, health services demand creation and accountability by local health stewards. The people-centered, integrated approaches to disease control involve: (a) integrated guidance on disease control for each health service delivery platform, a move away from stand-alone disease-specific guidance; and (b) integrated and efficient disease control investments in strengthening the capacity of appropriate health services delivery platforms through the deployment of appropriate technologies and analytics to guide stratification of disease risks across population groups to develop and deploy comprehensive packages of interventions appropriate for each population group and health service delivery platform, as well as monitor population access, coverage and impact to leave no one behind.
The specific objectives of the UCN cluster to which the ESPEN programme contributes, are to: (i) provide leadership on disease control coordination, partnership and resource mobilization; (ii) contribute to the development of WHO disease control technical products, services and tools including adoption of new technologies and innovations; (iii) support generation and use of strategic information for action and decision making including optimizing investment; and (iv) provide or facilitate provision of technical support in deployment of WHO technical products and services and institutional capacity building, including support to national disease programmes and regulatory authorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

Under the supervision of the ESPEN Team Lead, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:
1. Participate in planning, review meetings, and program adjustments to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
2. Assist in implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to track the progress and impact of ESPEN and MMM Programme activities.
3. Collect, organize, and manage program data, reports, and documents to ensure accurate tracking of activities.
4. Monitor grant implementation to ensure activities are consistent with agreed objectives and donor requirements.
5. Incorporate the Mwele Malecela Mentorship (MMM) Programme into broader ESPEN M&E frameworks, tracking its progress and outcomes.
6. Advocate for the use of results-based approaches and promote best practices to improve NTD elimination efforts.
7. Collect, store, and manage program reports, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting of activities.
8. Develop and maintain a centralized repository for program data and documents on the ESPEN SharePoint, ensuring it is organized, up-to-date, and accessible to ESPEN team.
9. Track progress using tailored monitoring indicators to assess the implementation of ESPEN-funded activities and ensure alignment with project goals, providing actionable insights for decision-making.
10. Provide technical assistance to NTD Program Managers in data management, ensuring accurate reporting and strengthening local capacity for effective program delivery.
11. Prepare regular reports summarizing the status of ESPEN-funded activities, identifying any implementation gaps, and providing recommendations for improvement.
12. Facilitate training on data management best practices for program staff and stakeholders, building capacity to ensure high-quality data collection and reporting.
13. Ensure compliance with reporting standards across all ESPEN-funded activities, while monitoring the alignment of grants with intended outcomes and strategic objectives.
14. Integrate the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme (MMM) within ESPEN’s monitoring and evaluation frameworks, tracking progress and reporting on its impact and outcomes.
15. Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive data-sharing processes.
16. Participate in program planning, review, and evaluation activities, contributing to strategic discussions and adjustments to ensure ESPEN activities are effectively implemented.
17. Document and share success stories to showcase program impact.
Through these efforts, the Intern Project Management will ensure that ESPEN’s initiatives are effectively monitored and evaluated, advancing the mission of eliminating neglected tropical diseases through informed decision-making and improved program performance.

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:
• Gain experience in data-driven decision-making for NTD elimination programs.
• Develop project management and M&E skills by supporting key ESPEN initiatives.
• Enhance communication skills by contributing to advocacy and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Build capacity in organizing and executing large-scale health programs.
• Learn about the integration of mentorship programs into broader health initiatives.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

Six (6) months non-renewable. The tentative start date is April 7, 2025.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university program in international health, public health, business administration, or a related field. Applicants who have already graduated may also qualify provided that they apply to the internship no later than six months after graduation.
Desirable: Training and/or education in evaluation, data analytics, data visualization tools (PowerBi), database and systems development, and GIS.

Skills

Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Proven expertise in data management, including collection, storage, and analysis of program data, reports, and documents.
• Strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles, with the ability to develop program indicators to track progress and effectiveness.
• Proficiency in using data management tools for collection, compilation, and analysis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting standards.
• Familiarity with M&E frameworks and their integration into program activities for effective tracking and assessment.
• Experience in preparing regular reports, identifying implementation gaps, and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective data-sharing and project alignment.
• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to document success stories and share program impact.
• Familiarity with SharePoint or similar document management systems, ensuring the organization, maintenance, and accessibility of program data and documents for team members.

Core competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
All interns should be able to demonstrate the following skills 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
• Building and Promoting Partnerships across the Organization and Beyond.
In addition, interns need to be familiar with commonly used computer programmes, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of specialized computer programmes, for example, statistical software may be an advantage.

Experience

Essential:
Experience in development or humanitarian evaluation, program management, project management, monitoring and assessment, and in disciplines related to evaluations covered by international agencies.

Desirable:

Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization, and/or developing countries and/or countries in the region, are assets.

Languages

Essential: Fluency in English or French. required.
Desirable: Knowledge of any other UN language.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Intern do not receive a salary. They do however receive a living allowance. The amount of living allowance for Brazzaville, Congo. For trainees whose permanent residence is outside the place of employment, the maximum amount is 648 000 FCFA per month. For trainees whose permanent residence is in the place of employment, the maximum amount of the allowance will be determined by the WHO.
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. 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.
• 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: http://www.whed.net. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• 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 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 Department of Staff Health and Wellbeing (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.