About the opportunity
The Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention at WHO Headquarters in Geneva offers a 6-month internship running from February 1, 2027, to July 16, 2027. The intern will work under the supervision of a technical expert to support the production of the 11th WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic (GTCR 2027). Key responsibilities include proofreading and cross-checking drafts, conducting independent data validation on report analyses, performing web research and data collection, organizing documents, and assisting with the report launch and departmental projects.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly living allowance of up to 1,680 CHF per month for interns residing outside the duty station, or up to 739 CHF per month for local residents.
- Daily lunch vouchers worth 20 CHF per working day.
- Accident and medical insurance coverage provided by WHO.
Who can apply?
- Completed at least three years of full-time university studies in a health or data-science related field prior to starting the internship.
- Currently enrolled in a degree program leading to a formal qualification, or applied within 18 months of completing a formal qualification.
- Qualifications must be from an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Expert knowledge of English is essential; intermediate knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
- Demonstrated skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, quality result delivery, and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Experience in research, drafting reports, data analysis, statistical packages, or health information visualization is advantageous.
- Must be a non-smoker and non-user of any form of tobacco.
Required documents
- Certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of study (if selected).
- Completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work (if selected).
- Contact details for reference checks (if selected).
- Proof of required vaccinations (if selected).
When to apply
- Job posted: September 7, 2026.
- Application deadline: September 28, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM UTC.
- Internship duration: February 1, 2027 – July 16, 2027.
How to apply
- Access the official WHO Careers portal requisition page for Job Number 2603774.
- Click 'Apply Online' and log in or create an account.
- Complete the online application form and submit all requested background details before the closing date.
Additional information
- The selection process is highly competitive, and only shortlisted candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process by emailing reasonableaccommodation@who.int.
- WHO conducts background verification checks regarding sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment 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 with at least 3 years of university study in health or data science.
- Candidates with expert English skills and intermediate knowledge of another UN language.
- Those with experience in statistical packages, data analysis, and health information visualization.
- Non-smokers who are committed to tobacco prevention and health promotion.
What should you think carefully about?
- Lacking a full salary, the monthly living allowance varies based on residency (up to 1,680 CHF for non-residents).
- The role is on-site in Geneva, which requires relocation for those not already based there.
- Strict non-smoking and non-tobacco use policy is a mandatory requirement.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a perfect stepping stone for a graduate or current student aiming for a career in global public health. By contributing to the 11th WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, the applicant can build high-level research, data validation, and report drafting skills.
Our take
A highly competitive internship for non-smokers with a data science or health background who want to gain prestigious experience at WHO Headquarters in Geneva.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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