WHO Internship Programme: Build Your Future as a Public Health Leader

January 23, 2025

4 minutes read

WHO Internship Programme 2025: Building Future Leaders in Global Public Health

In today’s interconnected world, addressing global health challenges requires a skilled and diverse workforce that can navigate the complexities of public health systems. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designed its Internship Programme to empower the next generation of public health professionals. Through this initiative, WHO is committed to shaping future leaders who are equipped to advance global health goals while contributing to innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing health challenges.

WHO Internship Programme: Build Your Future as a Public Health Leader

The WHO Internship Programme provides an unparalleled opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain valuable insights into the organization’s technical and administrative functions. It also offers participants the chance to engage in meaningful projects that support public health initiatives across the globe. If you’re passionate about improving health outcomes and want to make a tangible difference, this programme could be your gateway to a rewarding career in global health.

Objectives of the WHO Internship Programme

The WHO Internship Programme is designed with two primary objectives:

Enhancing Educational Experience: The programme provides a structured framework that allows eligible students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world health challenges. This capacity-building initiative enables participants to work alongside experts, enriching their understanding of global health systems.
Contributing to WHO Programmes: By engaging with students from diverse academic backgrounds, WHO benefits from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Interns contribute to a range of technical and administrative programmes, including public health, communication, external relations, and human resources.

Why Choose the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme stands out for its comprehensive approach to fostering professional growth. Interns are exposed to the inner workings of an international organization, providing a unique opportunity to:

Collaborate with leading experts in global health.
Work on impactful projects that address critical health issues.
Gain exposure to technical and administrative processes within WHO.
Develop a deeper understanding of how international health stakeholders interact.

Eligibility Criteria for WHO Internships

To ensure a fair and competitive selection process, WHO has outlined the following eligibility requirements:

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the date of application.
Educational Background:
- Must be enrolled in a university course leading to an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate qualification.
- Fields of study should relate to public health, medicine, social sciences, or administrative areas like management and communication.
- Recent graduates can apply if they submit their application within six months of completing their formal qualification.
- Applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time studies at the bachelor’s level.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in at least one of the working languages of the WHO office of assignment is mandatory.
Family Relations: Applicants cannot be directly related to a WHO staff member (e.g., parent, sibling, or child).
Nationality: Applicants must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Internship History: Individuals who have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme are not eligible.

How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme

Applications for the WHO Internship Programme are managed through the organization’s official careers portal, Stellis. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Visit the WHO Careers Website: All internship positions are posted on the WHO Careers page.
Create an Account on Stellis: Applicants must register on Stellis to access the application forms.
Browse Internship Vacancies: Positions are available across various departments and locations, including regional and country offices.
Submit Your Application: Ensure that all required documents are uploaded, including proof of enrollment or recent graduation, and complete the Declaration of Interests form.
Regularly Check for Updates: Internship vacancies are posted continuously, so it’s essential to stay updated on new opportunities.

Internship Benefits and Support

WHO aims to create an enabling environment for interns, offering several benefits to support their experience:

Living Allowance: Since January 2020, WHO provides a living allowance to eligible interns requiring financial support. The amount varies depending on the duty station.
Medical and Accident Insurance: All interns are covered by WHO’s insurance policy during the internship period. However, travel to and from the duty station remains the intern’s responsibility.
Lunch Vouchers: In some duty stations, interns receive lunch vouchers to ease daily expenses.

It’s important to note that while WHO supports interns during their stay, they must arrange their own travel and accommodation. For internships in Geneva, Switzerland, interns should be prepared for the high cost of living and challenges in finding housing.

Intern Obligations Before Joining

Candidates who receive an internship offer must fulfill the following requirements:

Availability: Interns must commit to working full-time for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks.
Documentation: Submit proof of enrollment or recent graduation, a completed Declaration of Interests form, and the WHO medical certificate of fitness.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Interns must declare any circumstances that could pose a conflict of interest.
Preparedness: Interns should not send additional documents unless specifically requested.

Key Considerations for Interns

Non-Staff Status: Interns are not considered WHO staff members and cannot represent the organization in any official capacity.
Post-Internship Employment: Interns are not eligible for immediate employment within WHO for a three-month period following their internship. However, they can apply for advertised positions through competitive processes.
Accredited Institutions: WHO only recognizes qualifications obtained from institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Competitive Selection: The internship programme is highly competitive, and only a small number of applicants are selected each year.

Why the WHO Internship Programme Matters

The WHO Internship Programme is not just about gaining professional experience—it’s about making a meaningful impact. Interns contribute to projects that address pressing global health issues, from combating infectious diseases to improving maternal and child health. By participating in this programme, interns become part of a global effort to achieve health equity and build sustainable health systems.