OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Office of Country Strategy and Support (CSS) is responsible for ensuring that WHO is poised to deliver where it matters most: at the country level. It works towards developing a clear strategic direction for strengthening WHO’s work at the country level in a participatory, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach based on General Programme of Work, national health priorities, health policies and plans. CSS and the regional Country Support Units work with other divisions to identify country needs and priorities, helping make WHO’s support relevant, flexible, effective and focused on measurable impact.

CSS specifically: advocates and guides development and renewal of country cooperation strategies; coordinates and collaborates with regions on strategic policy dialogue; strengthens WHO's country presence ensuring that WHO's work is closely aligned with the needs and circumstances of individual countries. CSS also coordinates a global meeting of WHO senior managers which includes the Director General, the six Regional Directors, and 153 WHO country Representatives. Held every two years, the event provides a forum for organization-wide discussion and agenda-setting. The 2026 Global Management Meeting (GMM) will be held in the fourth quarter and will require advance coordination and extensive preparation.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of technical officers in the respective areas, the primary role of the intern will be to perform the following tasks:

  1. Support the technical preparation for the 13th GMM of WHO Representatives (meeting scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026)
  2. Assist in the compilation of 13th GMM meeting report
  3. Assist in the development of the 2027 Country Presence Report
  4. Support the preparation and updating of standard operating protocols for CSS work
  5. Assist in draft technical briefing packages for senior management
  6. Contribute to maintaining and updating the Country Presence Portal, the CSS Intranet and Internet pages, and other tools by collaborating with respective WHO staff and drafting updates;
  7. Participate in on-going CSS projects and provide support as requested by the supervisor.


Learning objectives

  1. Enhanced collaboration and networking skills through working with WHO leadership and technical staff from WHO country offices, WHO regional offices, and WHO headquarters;
  2. Increased awareness and understanding of country’s strategic planning processes, political circumstances, environment and infrastructure which help determine their health priorities, policies and intervention feasibility;
  3. Understanding of the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, WHO’s governing bodies processes and mechanisms, implications for WHO’s future ways of working;
  4. Improved research, analytical, drafting and communication skills; and

  5. Understanding of WHO mandate, scope of work and collaboration with WHO Member States

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

19 October 2026 – 2 April 2027

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed three years of full-time studies (bachelor's level or equivalent) at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment in a field related to health studies or social sciences; AND be enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a Masters level qualification in a field related to health or social sciences (applicants who have already graduated may also qualify for consideration provided that they apply the internship within eighteen months after completion of their formal qualification).

Skills

Core competencies

  • Team work
  • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural difference
  • Communication
  • Producing results

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

In addition, interns need to be familiar with commonly used computer programmes, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of use of social media and mobile phone technology may be an advantage.

Experience

  • Field and/or experience of working in a developing country setting experience
  • Experience in managing participating in programs and/or projects
  • Experience in the subject area through academic work or research
  • Experience with data analysis, including its use to develop evidence-informed policy briefs
  • More specific experience such as specialized computer programmes

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 amount of living allowance is different in each duty station. The amount also depends on any other external financial support received by the intern (grant, scholarships, etc.) and whether their permanent residence is in the duty station of the internship. In Geneva, for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, the maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is 739 CHF per month. For interns whose permanent residence is outside of the duty station, the maximum amount is 1680 CHF 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 daily lunch vouchers for meal expenses (20 CHF per working day). 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 contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.
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