The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking for an Intern for 2024. Fully Funded
The World Health Organization (WHO) is looking for an Intern for 2024 ( Benefits : an Estimate allowance of CHF 1620 per month + CHF 20 lunch per day + accident and medical insurance coverage)
Why should you work at WHO
Working at the World Health Organization (WHO) can offer several compelling reasons to consider:
Global Impact: WHO is a leading international health agency that plays a crucial role in addressing global health challenges. By working at WHO, you have the opportunity to contribute to improving the health and well-being of people worldwide, making a significant impact on a global scale.
Public Health Expertise: WHO brings together experts in various fields, including epidemiology, public health, medicine, policy, and research. Working at WHO allows you to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the health sector, expanding your knowledge and skills in public health and gaining invaluable professional experience.
Multidisciplinary Approach: WHO promotes a multidisciplinary approach to health, recognizing that addressing complex health issues requires collaboration across various sectors and disciplines. Working at WHO exposes you to a diverse range of professionals, fostering cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaborations to tackle global health challenges comprehensively.
Global Network: WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working closely with governments, partner organizations, and stakeholders worldwide. By joining WHO, you become part of a vast global network, connecting you to a wealth of resources, expertise, and opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Policy and Advocacy Influence: WHO plays a vital role in shaping global health policies, providing evidence-based guidance and advocating for health equity, access to healthcare, and the reduction of health disparities. Working at WHO allows you to contribute to policy development, influence decision-making processes, and advocate for important health issues on a global stage.
Professional Development: WHO is committed to the professional development and continuous learning of its staff. It offers a wide range of training opportunities, workshops, conferences, and access to global health networks, enabling you to enhance your skills, broaden your knowledge, and stay updated with the latest developments in public health.
Organizational Culture: WHO values diversity, inclusivity, and a collaborative work environment. It fosters a supportive and inclusive organizational culture that encourages teamwork, innovation, and the exchange of ideas. Working at WHO provides a stimulating and rewarding work environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
These reasons make working at WHO an appealing choice for individuals passionate about global health, seeking to make a difference, and contribute to addressing pressing health challenges on a global scale.
BACKGROUND 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.
Terms of reference
Containment of poliovirus per the 2018 WHO resolution, requires that countries establish a National Authority for Containment (NAC) to certify that the facilities holding poliovirus implement global standards for containment. The World Health Organization establishes the standards by which these facilities should adhere. The Containment Team (CNT) at WHO HQ provide the Secretariate support to the Containment Working Group (CWG) that reviews the applications for certification review submitted by the NACs and coordinates these data in a SharePoint. Under the supervision of a technical officer in the polio eradication programme, containment of poliovirus team, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference, including support of the development of the USAID report of polio eradication activities, as follows:
1. Assist with work on the CNT Share Point, containment generic mailbox
2. Organize data and documents
3. Assist in drafting, formatting, and editing reports
4. Participate in on-going departmental projects
Benefits / 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 with a focus on poliovirus containment
– 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
– Develop the outline of a document/report
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 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
– Teamwork
– 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 laboratory sciences and standards
– Experience in microbiology
– Experience in science communications
– 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.
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 1620 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 20 for each working day to buy lunch at WHO campus or elsewhere. WHO also provides all interns with accident and medical insurance coverage.
