About the opportunity
The World Health Organization (WHO) offers a 24-week internship within the Ethics team in the science division, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Ethics team serves as the central point for examining ethical issues across the organization, developing global norms in health ethics, and supporting Member States in building health ethics capacities. The internship runs from 1 February to 16 July 2027 and provides an enriching learning experience for students and recent graduates in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines. Interns will assist with ongoing technical projects, literature reviews, normative guidance preparation, and major outreach activities such as the Global Summit of National Ethics Committees.
Salary and benefits
- Living allowance ranging from a maximum of 739 CHF per month for interns with permanent residence in Geneva to 1,680 CHF per month for those residing outside the duty station
- Daily lunch vouchers for meal expenses valued at 20 CHF per working day
- Accident and medical insurance coverage provided by WHO
- Practical professional experience and capacity building in global health ethics and international guideline development
Who can apply?
- Enrolled in a postgraduate qualification in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines, or applying within eighteen months of completion
- Interest in applied ethics and familiarity with key ethical concepts related to public health, climate change, and emerging technologies
- Expert knowledge of English (read, write, speak); intermediate knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable
- Familiarity with common computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, alongside knowledge of responsible AI use for research
Required documents
- Certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies
- Completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
- Legal financial disclosure form for living allowance calculation
- Contact details for reference checks
When to apply
- Application closing date: 23 October 2026 at 9:59 PM UTC
- Internship duration: 1 February to 16 July 2027 (24 weeks)
How to apply
- Review candidate instructions and guidance documents provided on the WHO careers portal
- Submit an online application through the official WHO recruitment system before the deadline
Additional information
- Internships at WHO are highly competitive and only a small number of applicants are accepted annually
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted
- Contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming required vaccinations before undertaking assignment
- WHO background verification is conducted for final candidates, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment
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…
- An ideal match for postgraduate students or recent graduates in bioethics, public health, law, or philosophy seeking direct international experience at the intersection of science and global health policy.
- Well-suited for candidates with a strong foundation in applied ethics who want to contribute to cutting-edge normative guidance on emerging technologies and public health surveillance.
- Provides an exceptional platform to build professional networks through engagement with Member States, expert groups, and global bioethics fora.
What should you think carefully about?
- Living in Geneva is notably expensive, and finding suitable accommodation can be challenging despite the provided living allowance and lunch vouchers.
- The internship requires a full-time commitment over 24 weeks from February to July 2027, requiring careful academic or professional schedule alignment.
- Relocation to Switzerland is required for the duration of the placement unless the applicant already permanently resides in Geneva.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This internship serves as a premier stepping stone for individuals aiming to launch careers in global health governance, international organizations, health policy, or advanced academic research in bioethics. By offering hands-on involvement in drafting global norms and interacting with international stakeholders, it bridges the gap between formal postgraduate studies and practical multilateral experience.
Our take
Postgraduate students and recent graduates specializing in ethics, public health, or law with a passion for global health governance should seriously consider applying before the October 2026 deadline. Candidates unable to relocate to Geneva or manage the cost of living should carefully weigh the financial practicalities beforehand.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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