The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Internship Programme is now accepting applications from students and recent graduates seeking to gain practical experience in one of the world’s leading public health organizations. The programme provides participants with an opportunity to work alongside global health experts while contributing to WHO’s mission of promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving vulnerable populations.
Internships are available across WHO Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices in technical and administrative fields, giving participants valuable international experience and preparing the next generation of global health professionals.
About the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Founded in 1948, WHO works with governments, healthcare institutions, researchers, and international partners to improve health outcomes worldwide.
The organization leads global efforts to prevent disease, strengthen health systems, respond to emergencies, promote universal health coverage, and improve the wellbeing of people across all countries.
With offices in more than 150 countries, WHO provides leadership on global health issues, develops evidence-based policies, coordinates responses to health emergencies, and supports countries in achieving better health outcomes.
About the WHO Global Internship Programme
The WHO Global Internship Programme is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical learning opportunities within WHO’s technical and administrative programmes.
Interns gain hands-on experience by supporting projects that contribute to global public health while developing professional skills, expanding their international networks, and learning how international organizations operate.
Internship opportunities are available throughout the year across a wide range of departments and locations.
Programme Objectives
The WHO Internship Programme aims to:
- Build the capacity of future public health leaders.
- Provide practical learning opportunities for students and recent graduates.
- Strengthen participants’ professional and technical skills.
- Expose interns to international public health systems.
- Support WHO programmes with talented young professionals.
- Promote diversity across the global health workforce.
- Encourage innovation and collaboration in public health.
Internship Benefits
Selected interns may receive several benefits, including:
- Practical work experience with the World Health Organization.
- Exposure to international public health programmes.
- Professional mentorship from experienced WHO staff.
- Opportunities to work with multidisciplinary international teams.
- Medical and accident insurance during the internship.
- Living allowance for eligible interns requiring financial support.
- Lunch vouchers at selected duty stations.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- International work experience.
- Enhanced career prospects in global health and international development.
The availability of financial support depends on eligibility requirements and the information provided in the Declaration of Interests.
Internship Areas
WHO offers internships across numerous technical and administrative fields, including:
- Public Health.
- Medicine.
- Epidemiology.
- Global Health.
- Health Policy.
- Health Systems.
- Nursing.
- Biomedical Sciences.
- Social Sciences.
- Environmental Health.
- Communications.
- External Relations.
- Human Resources.
- Administration.
- Finance.
- Information Technology.
- Data Analysis.
- Programme Management.
Internship opportunities vary according to organizational needs and office locations.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programme leading to a recognized qualification, or have completed a qualification within the previous 18 months.
- Have completed at least three years of full-time university study before beginning the internship.
- Be studying a field related to WHO’s technical or administrative work.
- Be fluent in at least one working language of the WHO office where they will be assigned.
- Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
- Not have previously participated in the WHO Internship Programme.
- Not be closely related to a WHO staff member.
Internship Duration
The internship lasts for:
- Minimum: 6 weeks
- Maximum: 24 weeks
The duration depends on the needs of the hosting WHO department and office.
Interns are expected to work on a full-time basis throughout the internship.
Candidate Responsibilities
Before receiving an internship offer, selected candidates must:
- Provide proof of enrolment or graduation.
- Complete a Declaration of Interests form.
- Disclose any financial support received for the internship.
- Submit a WHO medical certificate confirming fitness for work.
- Meet all administrative requirements before the internship begins.
Applicants should not submit supporting documents until specifically requested by WHO.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Visit the WHO Careers website.
- Search for available internship vacancies.
- Create an account in the WHO Stellis recruitment system.
- Complete the online application.
- Apply for internship positions that match their qualifications.
- Monitor the careers portal regularly, as new internship opportunities are posted throughout the year.
Applications can only be submitted through official internship vacancy announcements published on the WHO Careers Portal.
Selection Process
WHO internship opportunities are highly competitive.
The recruitment process generally includes:
- Online application review.
- Assessment of eligibility.
- Evaluation of academic qualifications.
- Review of relevant experience and skills.
- Selection by the hiring department.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stage of the recruitment process.
Applicants who are unsuccessful may continue applying for future internship opportunities as long as they remain eligible.
Why Apply?
The WHO Global Internship Programme provides an outstanding opportunity to gain practical experience at the forefront of international public health. Participants develop technical expertise, strengthen their professional networks, and gain valuable insight into the operations of one of the world’s most influential international organizations.
Whether pursuing a career in medicine, epidemiology, global health, communications, administration, or policy development, interns benefit from meaningful assignments that contribute to improving health outcomes worldwide.
Conclusion
The WHO Global Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates an excellent opportunity to build professional skills while contributing to global public health initiatives. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, international collaboration, and exposure to WHO’s technical programmes, interns gain valuable knowledge that prepares them for future careers in healthcare, international development, and public service.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to regularly check the WHO Careers Portal for new internship opportunities and submit applications that align with their qualifications and career goals.
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