Apply for the WHO Environment, Climate Change and One Health Internship 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland. Gain 24 weeks of international public health research experience, receive up to CHF 1,680 monthly living allowance, lunch vouchers and medical insurance. Applications close 12 November 2026.
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Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) Environment, Climate Change and One Health Internship 2027 offers eligible students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in international public health research, scientific evidence review, and health policy development.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, this 24-week internship focuses on the relationship between public health, radiation emergencies, scientific evidence, and international health policy. Interns will support research on the public health effects of nuclear weapons, help prepare policy and advocacy materials, collect and analyse information, and contribute to workshops and other departmental activities.
Although the internship is unpaid, WHO provides a monthly living allowance of up to CHF 1,680 for eligible interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva, as well as daily lunch vouchers and accident and medical insurance coverage.
The internship is scheduled to begin on 18 January 2027, and applications close on 12 November 2026, according to the supplied vacancy announcement.
Internship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Internship | Environment, Climate Change and One Health |
| Vacancy Reference | 2604481 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Duration | 24 weeks |
| Start Date | 18 January 2027 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time |
| Monthly Living Allowance | Up to CHF 1,680 for eligible interns residing outside Geneva |
| Additional Support | Daily lunch vouchers and accident and medical insurance |
| Target Applicants | Eligible university students and certain recent graduates |
| Essential Language | Expert knowledge of English |
| Application Deadline | 12 November 2026, as displayed in the vacancy |
| Application Method | Online through the WHO careers portal |
About the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is the United Nations agency responsible for international public health. It works with countries and partners to improve health outcomes, strengthen health systems, and address health threats through scientific evidence, technical guidance, and international cooperation.
The internship sits within WHO’s Chemicals, Radiation and Health unit. This unit works to protect people from health risks associated with hazardous chemicals and exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Its work includes developing technical guidance, supporting risk assessment, helping countries prepare for and respond to chemical and radiological events, and promoting health considerations in international governance.
About the Environment, Climate Change and One Health Internship
The internship provides exposure to WHO’s work at the intersection of public health, radiation emergencies, scientific research, and international policy.
Under the supervision of a technical expert, interns will support ongoing research and policy activities. The position offers an opportunity to understand how scientific evidence is reviewed, organized, and translated into reports and communication materials used in international public health work.
Key responsibilities
Selected interns may be expected to:
- Conduct literature searches and review scientific, public health, and policy evidence on the effects of nuclear weapons on public health.
- Undertake online research and collect relevant data.
- Organize information and contribute to the development of a report for the relevant project.
- Help draft, format, and edit policy briefs and advocacy materials.
- Prepare communication products such as handouts, infographics, and brochures.
- Assist with organizing workshops, meetings, webinars, and other events.
- Contribute to other ongoing departmental projects as required.
Internship Learning Objectives
The internship is designed to help participants develop practical skills in research, analysis, communication, and international health policy.
Learning objectives include:
- Understanding the objectives of the relevant programme and area of work.
- Communicating clearly about the programme’s activities.
- Understanding the differences between WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country offices.
- Learning how to conduct and review literature surveys.
- Assembling data and preparing comprehensive analyses.
- Preparing background documents for meetings.
- Developing outlines for reports and other documents.
These learning experiences can be valuable for candidates interested in public health research, international organizations, evidence-based policy, and scientific communication.
Internship Benefits and Financial Support
Monthly living allowance
WHO interns do not receive a salary. Instead, the organization provides a living allowance, with the amount determined by duty station and individual circumstances.
For Geneva, the vacancy specifies the following maximum monthly amounts:
- CHF 1,680 for interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.
- CHF 739 for interns whose permanent residence is in Geneva.
The exact amount is calculated after selection using a financial disclosure form. It also depends on other external financial support, including grants or scholarships, and the applicant’s permanent residence.
The maximum allowance is not guaranteed for every selected intern.
Daily lunch vouchers
Interns based in Geneva receive lunch vouchers valued at CHF 20 per working day to help cover meal expenses.
Medical and accident insurance
WHO provides accident and medical insurance coverage to all interns under the arrangements described in the vacancy.
International public health experience
Participants gain exposure to research and policy work within a UN agency, developing an understanding of international health priorities and institutional processes.
Research and analytical skills
The internship offers practical experience in evidence review, data collection, report preparation, and scientific communication.
Professional development
Interns work under the supervision of a technical expert and collaborate with colleagues on departmental projects and activities.
Important: The living allowance is financial support, not a salary. Applicants should also consider the cost of accommodation and living in Geneva before accepting an internship offer.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet WHO’s stated education requirements.
Educational qualifications
Candidates must have:
- Completed the equivalent of at least three years of full-time university study in Sociology, Anthropology, Global Affairs, or Public Health before starting the assignment; and
- Be enrolled in a university or equivalent institution in a programme leading to a formal postgraduate qualification.
Applicants who have already graduated may also be considered if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification.
The supplied vacancy does not state that applicants from every academic discipline are eligible. Candidates should confirm that their studies satisfy the specific requirements.
Skills and competencies
WHO identifies the following core competencies:
- Teamwork.
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
- Communication.
Additional desirable skills include:
- Combining technical documentation with structured data tracking.
- Engaging with stakeholders in multilateral settings.
- Preparing evidence-based reports and technical guidance.
- Organizing meetings involving multiple stakeholders.
- Conducting research and analysing data.
- Preparing communication materials on global health and development.
Applicants should also be familiar with commonly used computer programmes, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Copilot.
Relevant experience
Experience in the following areas is relevant:
- Research or report writing in related fields.
- Academic or research work in the subject area.
- Data analysis.
- Maintaining institutional databases and document repositories.
- Producing communications content on global health and development.
- Research or policy engagement within the UN system, international organizations, or NGOs.
Language requirements
- Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
- Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French or another UN language.
Required Documents
The supplied vacancy states that selected candidates will be required to provide:
- Certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of study.
- A completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work.
- Contact details for reference checks.
The online application may request additional information. Candidates should follow the instructions provided in the official WHO recruitment system.
WHO only considers higher educational qualifications from institutions recognized or accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities in cooperation with UNESCO. Applicants can check institutional recognition at https://www.whed.net.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 12 November 2026.
The supplied vacancy displays the closing date as 12 November 2026 at 12:59 a.m. The page also warns that the displayed deadline may reflect the applicant’s device settings, so candidates should confirm the exact closing time in the official WHO application system.
The planned internship start date is 18 January 2027, with a duration of 24 weeks.
How to Apply for the WHO Internship 2027
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official WHO Careers website.
- Search for Internship – Environment, Climate Change and One Health, vacancy reference 2604481.
- Review the education, skills, language, and experience requirements.
- Confirm that your university studies meet WHO’s eligibility conditions.
- Complete the online application and provide the information requested.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Monitor your email for any communication from WHO.
WHO states that internships are highly competitive and that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Official Application Link
Apply through the WHO Careers portal:
https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl
Search for vacancy 2604481 or the title Internship – Environment, Climate Change and One Health.
Why Apply for This WHO Internship?
This internship is suited to students and eligible recent graduates who want practical experience in international public health research and policy.
It offers the opportunity to contribute to scientific evidence reviews, research reports, policy briefs, and outreach materials while learning how an international health organization works.
The financial support package includes a potential monthly living allowance, lunch vouchers, and accident and medical insurance. However, applicants should carefully evaluate the actual allowance they may receive against Geneva’s living costs and confirm their eligibility before making travel arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WHO Environment, Climate Change and One Health Internship paid?
The internship is unpaid, but WHO provides a living allowance. Eligible interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva may receive up to CHF 1,680 per month. The exact amount depends on individual circumstances and other financial support.
How long does the internship last?
The internship lasts 24 weeks, beginning on 18 January 2027.
Where is the internship located?
The internship is based at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Who can apply?
Applicants must have completed at least three years of full-time university study in Sociology, Anthropology, Global Affairs, or Public Health and be enrolled in a postgraduate programme. Certain recent graduates may also qualify if they apply within 18 months of completing their formal qualification.
Does WHO provide accommodation?
The supplied vacancy does not state that accommodation is provided. Applicants should plan for accommodation costs and research housing options in Geneva.
Is medical insurance included?
Yes. WHO states that all interns in Geneva receive accident and medical insurance coverage.
What is the application deadline?
The vacancy lists 12 November 2026 as the closing date. Applicants should verify the exact deadline in the official recruitment system.
Do I need to speak French?
Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate French or another UN language is desirable but is not listed as mandatory.
Will every applicant be contacted?
No. WHO states that internships are highly competitive and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Conclusion
The WHO Environment, Climate Change and One Health Internship 2027 offers a 24-week opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates to develop research, analytical, and policy communication skills in an international public health setting.
With a potential monthly living allowance of up to CHF 1,680 for eligible interns living outside Geneva, daily lunch vouchers, and medical and accident insurance, the internship provides financial and professional support while participants contribute to WHO’s research and policy work.
Candidates who meet the education and language requirements should review vacancy 2604481 and submit their applications before 12 November 2026.
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