About the opportunity
The Governing Bodies Department (GBS) of the World Health Organization (WHO) offers a 24-week internship focused on language and technology services in Geneva, Switzerland. Interns work under the supervision of a technical expert in areas such as translation (into/from WHO official languages), terminology, editing, official documentation management, and innovation and technology projects. Responsibilities may include translating medical and public health texts, post-editing machine-translated content, editing session documentation, establishing terminology in the database, and deploying language tools. The internship aims to provide insight into WHO’s technical and administrative programs, enhance professional language skills, and familiarize interns with modern language tools. The program starts on January 4, 2027.
Salary and benefits
- Living allowance (maximum 739 CHF per month for interns with permanent residence in the duty station, or up to 1680 CHF per month for those whose permanent residence is outside the duty station, adjusted based on financial disclosure)
- Daily lunch vouchers for meal expenses (20 CHF per working day for interns in Geneva)
- Accident and medical insurance coverage provided by WHO
- Hands-on professional experience and mentorship from WHO language professionals and technical experts
Who can apply?
- Must have completed the equivalent of three years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution prior to commencing the assignment
- Must be currently enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification, OR have graduated within eighteen months prior to applying
- Degree should preferably be in modern languages, translation, or computational linguistics
- Essential language skills: Expert knowledge of English and Arabic, Chinese, or Russian
- Desirable language skills: Intermediate knowledge of other WHO official languages
- Familiarity with standard computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and knowledge of computer-assisted or AI translation tools is an asset
Required documents
- Certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies (if selected)
- Completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work (if selected)
- Contact details for reference checks (if selected)
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: September 4, 2026
- Closing Date: September 25, 2026, at 9:59 PM (UTC)
How to apply
- Review the candidate instructions and ensure system requirements are met
- Create an account or sign in on the WHO careers portal
- Submit your online application through the official WHO recruitment page before the deadline
Additional information
- Living abroad can be expensive, and finding accommodation in Geneva can be challenging.
- WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Selected candidates must confirm vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking the assignment.
- WHO maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and background checks will be conducted for final candidates.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students or recent graduates in modern languages, translation, or computational linguistics.
- Candidates with expert proficiency in English and Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
- Individuals with an interest in applying AI and machine translation tools to public health documentation.
- Those seeking mentorship from established language professionals within a major international organization.
What should you think carefully about?
- Living in Geneva is expensive; carefully weigh the provided living allowance against local housing costs.
- The internship is strictly on-site, requiring relocation to Switzerland for the 24-week duration.
- Applicants must ensure their university is recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- The selection process includes background checks and a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This internship is ideal for those looking to bridge the gap between traditional translation and modern language technology. It offers a clear path to gaining professional experience in terminology management and AI-assisted translation within a public health context, which is a valuable asset for a career in international language services.
Our take
This role is a strong fit for tech-savvy language students or recent graduates. It is less suitable for those who lack the specific language requirements or those unable to manage the logistical challenges of living in Geneva.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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