Internship - Programme Resource Management/MFH/HQ Polio

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) aims to protect future generations of children from the threat of polio paralysis. The primary means of achieving this goal is to halt poliovirus transmission in countries where the disease is still endemic and to ensure a rapid and effective response to poliovirus outbreaks in polio-free countries.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference

USAID has been one of the major contributors to polio eradication and other health interventions since the mid-1990’s. This has contributed to the achievements made in WHO’s polio eradication activities.

Under the supervision of a technical officer in the polio eradication programme, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference, including support of the development of the USAID report of polio eradication activities, as follows:

• review literature and conduct literature surveys
• undertake web research and data collection on WHO’s polio eradication activities
• organize data and documents
• assist in drafting, formatting and editing reports
• assist in organizing and participating in interviews and meetings
• participate in on-going departmental projects

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 global health and polio eradication programme
• Communicate clearly about the global health and polio eradication programme
• Understand the difference of work between headquarters, regional offices and country offices
• Know how to conduct and review literature surveys
• Know how to assemble data and prepare a comprehensive analysis
• Prepare background documents and records/minutes for meetings/interviews
• Develop the outline of a document/report

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

From late June/early July to mid-August (about 6-7 weeks)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment; AND be enrolled in a course of study related to epidemiology or public health 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 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 in research and/or in drafting reports
• Experience in the subject area through academic work or research
• Experience with data analysis, statistical packages and interest in the design of graphical display and analysis of health information in an international comparative perspective, such as for health system performance assessment
• Field and/or developing country experience is an asset

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 15 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 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 details
• 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 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.