OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Research, Ethics and Innovation (REI) Unit supports Member States in strengthening health research and development ecosystems, research ethics and governance, and responsible AI innovation in health across the Western Pacific Region. The programme provides technical support to countries to strengthen national research governance, ethics review systems, evidence-informed decision-making, and regional collaboration to ensure that health research is ethical, equitable, and responsive to public health priorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of a technical expert in REI Unit, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:
Conduct literature reviews and evidence syntheses on research ethics and governance and responsible AI in health.
Undertake research, collect information and conduct analysis on challenges confronting national ethics and governance mechanisms across Member States.
Assist in the development of background reports, briefing notes, and presentations.
Support the planning and coordination of technical meetings, workshops, and webinars, including preparation of meeting materials and documentation.
Assist with knowledge management activities, including maintaining technical resources and supporting dissemination of programme outputs.

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:

• Develop an understanding of WHO's role in strengthening health research systems, research ethics, and responsible AI adoption at global, regional, and country levels.
• Gain practical experience in conducting literature reviews, evidence synthesis, and policy analysis.
• Develop skills in preparing technical documents, briefing notes, meeting reports, and presentations for policy audiences.
• Understand how WHO supports Member States in research governance, ethics oversight, and evidence-informed policy-making.
• Gain experience in organizing and supporting regional technical meetings and expert consultations.
• Strengthen analytical, communication, and project management skills within an international public health environment.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

12 weeks, September to December 2026

Indicative timeline

• Weeks 1-3: Literature review and analytical framework development
• Weeks 4-7: Country mapping and data compilation
• Weeks 8-10: Drafting analysis
• Weeks 11-12: Finalization of outputs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in Public Health, Health Policy, Global Health, Bioethics or Research Ethics, Health Sciences, Law (health, public or international law)
Or another relevant discipline (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 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 specialized computer programmes, for example, statistical software such as XLStat may be an advantage.

Experience

• Experience conducting academic or policy research
• Experience undertaking literature reviews or evidence synthesis.
• Experience drafting technical reports, policy briefs, or scientific manuscripts.
• Experience supporting research projects or public health programmes.
• Experience organizing meetings, workshops, or academic events.
• Interest or experience in research ethics, health research governance, implementation research, or evidence-informed policy.

Languages

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: 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 Manila, Philippines, for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, the estimated maximum amount of the allowance provided by WHO is PHP 895.48 per day. For interns whose permanent residence is outside of the duty station, the estimated maximum amount is PHP 2,183.8 per day. 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 Manila, Philippines will receive equivalent of USD 5 for each working day to buy lunch at the 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.
  • 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

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