Internship – Language services/Interpretation

About the opportunity

Within the Department of Governing Bodies, the Language Services Unit (LNG) provides high-quality, timely, and cost-effective translation, interpretation, editing, and official records services. The WHO Internship Programme offers a limited number of internships to university students and recent graduates with the desired language combinations and academic backgrounds. Interns gain insight into the technical and administrative programmes of WHO and enrich their knowledge and experience of the work of WHO language professionals. Tasks may include contributing to the testing of an AI interpretation platform, dummy boothing, interpretation, collaborating on an interpretation management tool, and assisting with glossary preparation and meeting coordination.

Salary and benefits

• Living allowance provided: maximum of 739 CHF per month for interns with permanent residence in Geneva, or up to 1680 CHF per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside the duty station.
• Daily lunch vouchers for meal expenses (20 CHF per working day) for interns in Geneva.
• Accident and medical insurance coverage provided by WHO.

Who can apply?

• Applicants 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 enrolled in a course of study at a university or equivalent institution leading to a formal qualification as a conference interpreter, OR have graduated within eighteen months prior to applying.
• Expert knowledge of English and French and another WHO official language, preferably Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.
• Intermediate knowledge of other WHO official language(s) is desirable.
• Familiarity with commonly used computer programmes, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Required documents

• Certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies
• Completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
• Contact details for reference checks
• Legal financial disclosure form

When to apply

• Job posting date: Sep 4, 2026
• Application deadline: Sep 25, 2026, 9:59:00 PM UTC
• Internship start date: January 4, 2027

How to apply

• Prepare the required documentation and check eligibility criteria.
• Access the WHO online recruitment system via the official career portal.
• Complete and submit your application online before the closing date.

Additional information

• The internship duration is 24 weeks.
• The duty station is Geneva, Switzerland.
• Internships at WHO are very competitive, and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• WHO contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming they are vaccinated as required by WHO.