Intern – WCO-QAT- Communications
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
Within the country office, the role of the Communication Intern is to contribute to the development and delivery of communication activities to support national health priorities, and to support global and regional guidance from the WHO. The role is to translate key public health information into culturally appropriate messages to be communicated to key stakeholders.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Terms of reference
Under the supervision of the WR/Head of Office, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference, under the direct supervision of the line manager:
• Conduct background research and literature reviews on global public health-related issues, and prepare background materials, briefing notes, and communication and advocacy products.
• Assist in the planning and organization of high-level meetings, events, and visits, including logistical and coordination support.
• Draft and edit communication products, including web content, social media posts, newsletters, media materials and presentations.
• Support media relations activities, including maintaining media contact lists, identifying media engagement opportunities and conducting media monitoring.
• Support stakeholder engagement through monitoring, results tracking, and the maintenance of relevant records and database. 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 the programme/area of work
• Communicate clearly about the programme/area of work
• Understand the difference of work between headquarters, regional offices and country offices
• Know how to conduct and review communication material
• Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive communication plan
• Prepare background documents for meetings
DURATION OF INTERNSHIP
Start date: 22 November 2026
End date: 21 January 2027
A total of 9 weeks
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies in communication, media, public
relations or any similar field 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 eighteen 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
• Basic experience in communications including media and social media
• Basic experience in coordinating planning and development of communications products, as well
as handling and implementing media campaigns/events, preferably in health and development
sectors
• Basic experience in planning and implementing media and communications projects and tactics,
including the development of audio and visual materials and tools preferably in the fields of health
and development
Languages
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and Arabic.
Desirable: 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. 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.
• 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 prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards
and that is committed to putting 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.