The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 in Geneva offers a 24-week opportunity for postgraduate students and recent graduates, with a living allowance of up to CHF1,680 monthly, lunch vouchers and medical and accident insurance. Apply by 23 October 2026.
Background & Internship Description
The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for its 2027 Ethics Internship in Foresight, Leadership and Ethics in Science at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The 24-week internship is designed for postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law and related fields. Participants will support the WHO Ethics team in addressing ethical challenges affecting global health, including emerging technologies, climate change, public health surveillance, health inequalities and research ethics.
The internship runs from 1 February to 16 July 2027 and offers practical experience in international health policy, ethics research and the development of global guidance.
Although interns do not receive a salary, WHO provides a living allowance, daily lunch vouchers and medical and accident insurance.
Internship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Internship | Ethics Team in Foresight, Leadership and Ethics in Science |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Duration | 24 weeks |
| Start date | 1 February 2027 |
| End date | 16 July 2027 |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Maximum monthly living allowance | CHF1,680 for eligible interns permanently residing outside Geneva |
| Geneva resident allowance | Up to CHF739 monthly |
| Lunch vouchers | CHF20 per working day |
| Insurance | Medical and accident insurance |
| Application deadline | 23 October 2026 |
| Official application | Apply through the WHO Careers Portal |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
Under the supervision of a Senior Ethics Specialist, the selected intern will contribute to the WHO Ethics team’s technical and research activities.
Responsibilities may include reviewing academic literature, preparing evidence summaries, drafting reports and presentations, documenting meetings, and supporting consultations and workshops involving health ethics experts.
The intern will also support the development and implementation of the WHO-OECD Tool for the Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies in Public Health. Other activities may involve work on ethical issues relating to public health surveillance, emergency preparedness and international research.
Financial Support and Benefits
WHO provides interns with a living allowance rather than a salary. The amount depends on the duty station, permanent residence and other external financial support, such as scholarships or grants.
For the Geneva internship, the maximum allowance is:
- CHF1,680 per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.
- CHF739 per month for interns whose permanent residence is in Geneva.
The exact amount is determined after selection using a financial disclosure form.
All Geneva interns also receive CHF20 in lunch vouchers per working day, along with medical and accident insurance coverage.
Applicants should consider the cost of accommodation and living in Geneva when assessing whether the financial support will meet their needs.
Learning and Professional Development
Participants will gain practical experience in global health ethics and learn how WHO develops international guidelines and works with Member States, expert groups, regional and country offices, and external partners.
The internship also offers opportunities to work in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment and contribute to research on emerging technologies, climate change, public health policy and emergency preparedness.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or apply within 18 months of completing an eligible qualification in one of the following areas:
- Bioethics
- Public health
- Medicine
- Philosophy
- Law
- Related disciplines
Required Skills
Candidates should demonstrate strong communication, teamwork and collaborative working skills. They should be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, produce quality work, and show a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Applicants must also be familiar with common computer programmes, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and know how to use artificial intelligence responsibly for research.
An interest in applied ethics and familiarity with ethical concepts relating to public health, climate change and emerging technologies are expected.
Language Requirements
Expert knowledge of English, including reading, writing and speaking, is essential. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as is intermediate knowledge of another United Nations language.
WHO also requires relevant higher education qualifications to be obtained from institutions recognised in the World Higher Education Database.
Additional Information
Applications close on 23 October 2026. The WHO vacancy notice warns that the displayed closing time may reflect the applicant’s device settings, so candidates should check the official recruitment portal promptly.
How to apply: Visit the official WHO Ethics Internship vacancy, review the eligibility criteria and submit your application online before the deadline.
Applicants selected for the internship will be required to provide certified proof of enrolment in an eligible course, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work and contact details for reference checks.
WHO internships are highly competitive, and only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the WHO Ethics Internship 2027?
It is a full-time, 24-week internship with WHO’s Ethics team in Geneva, focusing on ethical issues in global health, research, emerging technologies and public health policy.
2. How much does the WHO Ethics Internship pay?
The internship does not provide a salary. Instead, WHO offers a living allowance of up to CHF1,680 monthly for eligible interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva, or up to CHF739 monthly for those permanently residing in Geneva.
3. Are lunch vouchers included?
Yes. Geneva interns receive lunch vouchers worth CHF20 for each working day.
4. Does WHO provide insurance?
Yes. The organisation provides medical and accident insurance coverage to interns in Geneva.
5. Who can apply for the internship?
Postgraduate students and eligible recent graduates in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law or related disciplines may apply. Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or apply within 18 months of completing one.
6. Is English required?
Yes. Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate French or another UN language is desirable.
7. When does the internship begin and end?
The internship runs from 1 February to 16 July 2027.
8. What is the application deadline?
The advertised closing date is 23 October 2026. Applicants should verify the deadline and time displayed in the official recruitment portal.
9. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official WHO recruitment portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 offers postgraduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in international health ethics, research and policy development. The living allowance, lunch vouchers and insurance provide financial support, although the allowance is not a salary and its final amount depends on individual circumstances.
Candidates should assess Geneva’s living costs, confirm their eligibility and apply before the closing date.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with WHO and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all application requirements and financial support details through the official WHO website.
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