WHO Ethics Internship 2027

Edutu Inc.; Genf; Hybrid; CHF 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch vouchers

Medical insurance

Accident insurance

Travel support

Professional development

Job summary

World Health Organization invites postgraduate students and recent graduates to join the Ethics Internship 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland. The 24-week program offers practical exposure to international health ethics, under supervision, and involves literature reviews, evidence summaries, and preparing technical outputs.

Interns receive a living allowance up to CHF 1,680 monthly (non-Geneva residents) or CHF 739 (Geneva residents), lunch vouchers, and medical and accident insurance.

Qualifications

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or apply within 18 months of completing an eligible qualification.
• Demonstrate expert English proficiency in written and spoken language.
• Familiarity with public health ethics and related concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist in literature reviews and evidence summaries.
• Support preparation of technical documents and reports.
• Contribute to research activities and ethical guidance development.

Skills

English proficiency

Research support

Literature reviews

Education

Postgraduate student status

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Internships Living Allowance Geneva, Switzerland

Check your fit and build a clear application plan.

Source checked Checked about 3 hours ago Verify deadline

Date to verify 23 Oct 2026

Location Geneva, Switzerland

About this opportunity

WHO Ethics Internship 2027 in Switzerland The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 in Switzerland offers eligible postgraduate students and recent graduates a 24-week professional experience in global health ethics. Selected interns receive a living allowance of up to CHF 1,680 per month, lunch vouchers and medical insurance, subject to applicable funding conditions. WHO Ethics Internship 2027 in Switzerland – Paid Internship Quick Overview Host Organisation World Health Organization (WHO) Host Country Switzerland Location Geneva, Switzerland Opportunity Type Paid Internship (Living Allowance) Department Science for Health – Ethics Team Degree/Academic Level Postgraduate Students and Eligible Recent Graduates Funding Status Living Allowance, Lunch Vouchers and Insurance Monthly Allowance Up to CHF 1,680 (Non-Geneva Residents) or CHF 739 (Geneva Residents) Duration 24 Weeks (Full-Time) Eligible Applicants Nationals of WHO Member States Meeting the Internship Requirements Age Requirement Minimum 20 Years Application Fee Free IELTS/English Requirement Expert English Proficiency Required; IELTS Score Not Specified Applications Open 2 October 2026 Deadline 23 October 2026 Internship Dates 1 February – 16 July 2027 Detailed Description The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethics Internship 2027 offers postgraduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in international public health ethics at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The internship is hosted by WHO's Ethics Team within the Science for Health division. This team addresses complex ethical questions arising from public health programmes, scientific research, emerging technologies and international health policies. Successful candidates will work under the supervision of a Senior Ethics Specialist, contributing to research activities, technical documents, consultations and projects related to ethical decision-making in global health.

Interns may assist with literature reviews, evidence summaries, research reports, presentations and the development of ethical guidance. The work also involves topics such as climate change and health, public health surveillance, research ethics and the governance of emerging technologies. Participants may also support international consultations, workshops and expert meetings involving public health professionals, researchers and policy specialists.

Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Nationality: Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State. Age: Be at least 20 years old when applying.

Education: Be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or apply within 18 months of completing an eligible qualification. Fields of Study: Bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law or related disciplines. Previous Education: Have completed at least three years of full-time university-level study before starting the internship.

English Proficiency: Demonstrate expert knowledge of written and spoken English. Additional Languages: Intermediate French or another UN language is desirable but not mandatory. Relevant Knowledge: Demonstrate an interest in applied ethics and familiarity with ethical concepts related to public health, climate change and emerging technologies.

Technical Skills: Be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and the responsible use of AI for research. Professional Competencies: Demonstrate teamwork, communication, cultural awareness and willingness to learn. Previous WHO Internship: Applicants must not have previously participated in WHO's Internship Programme.

Family Relationship: Applicants must not have a disqualifying family relationship with a WHO staff member. Availability: Be available for the full-time internship period. Am I eligible?

Benefits Selected interns may receive the following financial and professional benefits:

• Monthly Living Allowance: Up to CHF 1,680 for interns whose permanent residence is outside the Geneva duty station.
• Geneva Residents' Allowance: Up to CHF 739 per month for interns whose permanent residence is within the duty station.

• Meal Support: CHF 20 in lunch vouchers per working day for interns based in Geneva.
• Medical Insurance: WHO-provided medical insurance during the internship.
• Accident Insurance: Insurance coverage for the duration of the placement.

• Possible Travel Support: Approved travel expenses may be covered for some eligible interns from least developed and middle-income countries.
• International Experience: Practical exposure to global health ethics, international research and public health policy.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to strengthen research, analysis, communication and project coordination skills.

Professional Networking: Exposure to international experts, WHO teams and public health stakeholders.

Completion Certificate: Available from WHO upon request after the internship.

Documents Required During the Initial Application Applicants must complete their online profile through WHO's Stellis recruitment system, providing: Personal and eligibility information Academic qualifications and current study details Relevant professional, academic or research experience English and other language proficiency information Technical and computer skills Motivation or cover letter tailored to the Ethics Internship Other information requested in the official application form.

After Selection or When Requested Selected candidates may need to provide: Certified proof of university enrolment or completion of their qualification Completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work Contact details for reference checks Declaration of Interests, including relevant financial disclosures Required vaccination or medical clearance evidence Passport and relevant documents for immigration procedures.

Selection Criteria WHO considers applicant suitability in relation to the position's qualifications and competencies, including: Relevant postgraduate education and academic background Knowledge of applied ethics and public health issues Research, literature-review and analytical abilities Expert English communication skills Familiarity with relevant computer applications Teamwork, communication and cultural awareness Ability to produce quality technical outputs Motivation and suitability for the Ethics Team's work Performance in any interview or assessment conducted during selection.

Timeline Applications open 2 October 2026 Deadline 23 October 2026 ShortlistingNot specified InterviewsDates not specified Results announcedNot specified Internship begins 1 February 2027 Internship ends 16 July 2027 Duration 24 Weeks

Why This Opportunity?

Global Health Experience: Gain practical exposure to international public health ethics within WHO. Research Development: Contribute to evidence reviews, ethical guidance and technical research outputs. International Networking: Engage with professionals, researchers and public health specialists.

Emerging Technologies: Explore ethical challenges associated with scientific innovation and public health technologies. Policy Exposure: Understand how international ethical guidance informs public health decision-making. Career Development: Strengthen analytical, communication and project coordination skills in a multicultural setting.

The official vacancy was posted on 2 October 2026 and is open as of 14 October 2026. The application deadline is 23 October 2026. WHO provides an assessed living allowance rather than a salary.

The maximum monthly allowance is CHF 1,680 for interns residing outside the Geneva duty station and CHF 739 for permanent Geneva residents. The vacancy requires expert English proficiency in reading, writing and speaking, but does not specify a mandatory IELTS score. WHO may assess language abilities or request supporting evidence during recruitment.

Yes. Eligible international applicants holding valid passports from WHO Member States may apply, provided they meet the programme's requirements. Applicants must be at least 20 years old on the application date.

WHO does not specify a maximum age for this internship. No. WHO does not charge recruitment or application fees.

This particular vacancy seeks applicants enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or applying within 18 months of completing an eligible qualification. Undergraduate students should not assume they qualify based only on the general WHO Internship Programme requirements. WHO does not arrange accommodation, and interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and paying visa costs.

Selected candidates can request supporting documentation for visa applications. Travel support may be available for some eligible interns from least developed and middle-income countries. Coverage is not guaranteed and depends on WHO's applicable arrangements.

No. The WHO Internship Programme is separate from its employment recruitment process. Completing an internship does not guarantee future employment.