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Unlock Your Future in Public Health: WHO Internship Programme for Future Leaders

Internships SpecialistApril 4, 2025

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Are you passionate about global health and eager to contribute to tackling the world’s most pressing health challenges? The World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme is your gateway to gaining unparalleled exposure to public health systems, processes, and stakeholders worldwide. While there may not be any open positions at the moment, this blog post will guide you through what the WHO Internship Programme offers and how you can prepare for future opportunities.

The Importance of a Strong Health Workforce

A competent and dynamic health workforce is at the heart of any health system, and it plays a vital role in achieving the global health goals set by organizations like WHO. The world needs trained professionals who understand the intricacies of international health systems and can navigate the various stakeholders involved. WHO recognizes the importance of this and is dedicated to building a diverse pool of future public health leaders.

The WHO Internship Programme provides students and recent graduates with an invaluable opportunity to contribute to WHO’s mission while gaining firsthand experience in the organization’s technical and administrative programs.

Programme Objectives: Empowering the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders

WHO’s Internship Programme is designed with two main objectives:

Enhancing Educational Experience: The programme provides students from diverse academic backgrounds a unique opportunity to engage with WHO’s global health initiatives. Interns can apply their educational knowledge to real-world public health challenges, thereby gaining practical insights into the field.
Mutual Benefits for WHO and Interns: While interns gain hands-on experience, WHO also benefits from the fresh perspectives, energy, and academic expertise that interns bring. By specializing in technical and administrative areas, such as communications, human resources, and external relations, interns make meaningful contributions to WHO’s work.

Who is Eligible for the WHO Internship Programme?

The WHO Internship Programme is open to bright, motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:

Age: You must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
Education: You should be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate course of study in a public health, medical, social science, or management-related field. You may also qualify if you’ve completed your qualification within the last six months.
Experience: Applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time university studies prior to starting the internship.
Languages: Proficiency in at least one of the WHO working languages (English, French, Spanish, etc.) is required.
Nationality: You must hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
Family Relations: Applicants should not have any close relatives (such as parents, siblings) working with WHO.

How to Apply for the WHO Internship Programme?

While there are no open positions at this time, applying to the WHO Internship Programme is straightforward when opportunities are available. You must apply through the official WHO online recruitment system (Stellis). Internship opportunities are posted regularly on the WHO Careers site, and each position has specific application deadlines and requirements.

We encourage applicants to check the internship page frequently for new openings. Be prepared to submit your application and any required documents, including a well-crafted cover letter, when positions are posted.

Benefits of the WHO Internship Programme

Interning with WHO comes with a host of valuable benefits:

Medical and Accident Insurance: All WHO interns are covered by medical and accident insurance for the duration of the internship.
Living Allowance: Eligible interns may receive a living allowance to support their stay.
Lunch Vouchers: At some duty stations, interns are provided with lunch vouchers to support their daily expenses.
Global Networking: Interns have the chance to interact with professionals from around the world, expanding their global network in public health and international organizations.

Key Requirements Before You Begin Your Internship

Before being selected for the WHO Internship Programme, candidates must meet the following obligations:

Full-time Commitment: Interns are expected to commit to working full-time for a minimum of six weeks, up to a maximum of 24 weeks, depending on the WHO technical unit’s needs.
Proof of Enrollment: Interns must provide proof of enrollment in a course of study or proof of completion of their last qualification.
Medical Fitness: A completed medical certificate of fitness for work is required prior to starting the internship.
Declaration of Interest: Interns must disclose any financial support they may be receiving, including bursaries, scholarships, or grants, and address any potential conflicts of interest.

A Unique Opportunity for Future Leaders

The WHO Internship Programme is more than just a chance to gain experience—it’s an opportunity to contribute to global health efforts and gain insight into the inner workings of one of the world’s leading public health organizations. Whether you’re interested in communications, medical research, or administration, WHO provides a dynamic environment where you can apply your academic knowledge and further develop your skills.

While there may not be open positions right now, stay tuned for new opportunities and prepare your application in advance. Visit the WHO Careers page regularly to learn more and be ready for the next chance to join this esteemed programme. Together, we can work toward building a healthier world!

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