The World Health Organization (WHO) is inviting applications for its Health Emergencies Internship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious 24-week full-time internship offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to work alongside global public health experts while contributing to epidemic and pandemic preparedness initiatives.
The internship is hosted within the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management (EPM) and provides valuable hands-on experience supporting WHO’s work on vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and other medical countermeasures used during global health emergencies.
About the WHO Health Emergencies Internship
The internship is based within WHO Headquarters in Geneva under the Medical Countermeasures (MCM) Unit, which coordinates international efforts to improve equitable access to life-saving medical countermeasures during outbreaks and pandemics.
Interns will contribute to research, data analysis, technical documentation, policy development, and international coordination activities while learning directly from experts working on global health security.
Internship Details
- Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Programme: Health Emergencies Internship
- Department: Epidemic and Pandemic Management (EPM)
- Contract Type: Internship
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Internship Period: 5 October 2026 – 19 March 2027
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Schedule: Full-time
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Internship Responsibilities
Successful interns will support WHO’s Medical Countermeasures Unit through a variety of research and technical activities, including:
- Conducting literature reviews on emerging medical countermeasure technologies.
- Collecting, organizing, and analysing scientific data for reports and publications.
- Supporting research related to vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and pandemic preparedness.
- Drafting and editing policy briefs, technical guides, manuals, reports, and educational materials.
- Assisting with the organization of international meetings, workshops, and conferences.
- Supporting projects under the International Coordination Group (ICG), WHO BioHub, influenza programmes, and the i-MCM-Net.
- Preparing background documents and technical materials for meetings and global initiatives.
Learning Opportunities
Throughout the internship, participants will gain practical knowledge in:
- Global epidemic and pandemic preparedness.
- Medical countermeasure systems and international coordination.
- Public health research methodologies.
- Scientific literature reviews and evidence synthesis.
- Data analysis and technical reporting.
- WHO headquarters operations and collaboration with regional and country offices.
- International health policy development and emergency preparedness.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Education
Candidates must have:
- Completed at least three years of undergraduate study before the internship begins; and
- Be currently enrolled in a university programme leading to a formal qualification.
Recent graduates are also eligible provided they apply within 18 months of completing their qualification.
Eligible fields include:
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Biology
- Medical Sciences
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Information Sciences
- Related disciplines
Required Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong teamwork abilities.
- Analytical and research skills.
- Scientific writing experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work in multicultural environments.
Knowledge of statistical software such as R or XLStat is considered an advantage.
Experience
WHO is looking for candidates with experience gained through academic work or research in areas such as:
- Public health
- Infectious diseases
- Emergency preparedness
- Scientific research
- Statistical analysis
- Technical report writing
Field experience or work in developing countries is considered an asset.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable qualifications include intermediate knowledge of:
- French
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Other United Nations official languages
Financial Support
WHO internships are unpaid; however, selected interns receive financial support including:
- Monthly living allowance.
- Up to CHF 1,680 per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.
- Up to CHF 739 per month for interns residing in Geneva.
- Daily lunch vouchers valued at CHF 20 per working day.
- Medical insurance coverage.
- Accident insurance throughout the internship period.
Why Apply?
The WHO Health Emergencies Internship provides an exceptional opportunity to:
- Gain international public health experience.
- Work alongside leading global health experts.
- Build professional research and policy development skills.
- Contribute to pandemic preparedness initiatives.
- Expand your international professional network.
- Strengthen your career prospects in global health, humanitarian response, epidemiology, and public health research.
Additional Information
Applicants should note that:
- WHO internships are highly competitive.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Selected candidates must provide proof of enrolment or recent graduation, medical clearance, and references.
- WHO promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities.
- Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented WHO Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
- WHO does not charge any application or recruitment fees.
Application Deadline
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Interested students and recent graduates who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
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