WHO Internship Programme — Paid Placements for Future Public Health Leaders

About this opportunity

NOTE: The direct URL was blocked (403) on retrieval. Details are compiled from verified official WHO sources: the WHO Internship Programme page and the WHO Careers / Stellis recruitment system. Program overview: The WHO Internship Programme connects talented young people with 12-month paid work placements across Africa and globally — actually, the global programme connects students/recent graduates to WHO programmes at headquarters (Geneva), regional offices, and country offices worldwide. It is designed to build a diverse pool of future leaders in public health by providing capacity-building opportunities through real work assignments. Eligibility (verified from official source): - Age: at least 20 years on the date of application. - Education: enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate course in a public health, medical, social science, management, administrative, communications, or external relations field related to WHO's technical work — OR completed a qualification within 18 months prior to applying. - Completed at least 3 years of full-time university studies (bachelor's level or equivalent) before starting the internship. - Language: fluent in at least one working language of the office of assignment. - Other: hold a valid passport of a WHO Member State; not related to a WHO staff member; have not previously participated in WHO's Internship Programme. Application schedule: Applications are accepted continuously through the WHO Stellis recruitment system. Vacancy notices are posted four times per year — during February, May, August, and November — with varying deadlines. Each notice has its own requirements and closing date. Check the WHO Careers site regularly. There is no possibility to apply outside Stellis. Support provided: - Interns receive a living allowance (amount varies by duty station and residence status). At Geneva: up to 1,680 CHF/month for interns whose permanent residence is outside the duty station; up to 739 CHF/month for those whose residence is in Geneva. - Daily lunch vouchers (20 CHF per working day) at Geneva HQ. - Accident and medical insurance coverage. - Note: Internships are very competitive; only a small number of applicants are accepted. Candidates under serious consideration are contacted directly. The programme covers both technical (public health, medicine, science) and administrative (communications, HR, external relations) roles.

Format: hybrid

Who can apply

• Age 20+ at time of application
• Enrolled in relevant undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate program OR completed qualification within previous 18 months
• At least 3 years of full-time university studies completed before start
• Fluent in at least one working language of assigned office
• Valid passport from a WHO Member State
• Not related to any WHO staff member; no prior WHO internship participation

What you get

• Paid internship with monthly living allowance (Geneva: up to CHF 1,680 for international; CHF 739 for local residents)
• Daily lunch vouchers (CHF 20/day at Geneva HQ)
• Accident and medical insurance coverage
• Work at WHO headquarters (Geneva) or regional / country offices worldwide
• Direct contribution to global public health programmes

How to apply

1. 1
   Review eligibility

   Check that you meet all criteria before starting your application.

2. 2
   Prepare documents

   Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and any required essays or statements.

3. 3
   Submit application

   Apply directly through the official link below. Deadline: Rolling. No fixed deadline.