WHO Ethics Internship 2027 in Switzerland

The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethics Internship 2027 offers postgraduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in international public health ethics at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The internship is hosted by WHO's Ethics Team within the Science for Health division. This team addresses complex ethical questions arising from public health programmes, scientific research, emerging technologies and international health policies.

Successful candidates will work under the supervision of a Senior Ethics Specialist, contributing to research activities, technical documents, consultations and projects related to ethical decision-making in global health.

Interns may assist with literature reviews, evidence summaries, research reports, presentations and the development of ethical guidance. The work also involves topics such as climate change and health, public health surveillance, research ethics and the governance of emerging technologies.

Participants may also support international consultations, workshops and expert meetings involving public health professionals, researchers and policy specialists.

The internship runs from 1 February to 16 July 2027, providing 24 weeks of full-time professional experience in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Hold a valid passport from a WHO Member State.
• Age: Be at least 20 years old when applying.
• Education: Be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or apply within 18 months of completing an eligible qualification.
• Fields of Study: Bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law or related disciplines.
• Previous Education: Have completed at least three years of full-time university-level study before starting the internship.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate expert knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Additional Languages: Intermediate French or another UN language is desirable but not mandatory.
• Relevant Knowledge: Demonstrate an interest in applied ethics and familiarity with ethical concepts related to public health, climate change and emerging technologies.
• Technical Skills: Be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and the responsible use of AI for research.
• Professional Competencies: Demonstrate teamwork, communication, cultural awareness and willingness to learn.
• Previous WHO Internship: Applicants must not have previously participated in WHO's Internship Programme.
• Family Relationship: Applicants must not have a disqualifying family relationship with a WHO staff member.
• Availability: Be available for the full-time internship period.

Selected interns may receive the following financial and professional benefits:

• Monthly Living Allowance: Up to CHF 1,680 for interns whose permanent residence is outside the Geneva duty station.
• Geneva Residents' Allowance: Up to CHF 739 per month for interns whose permanent residence is within the duty station.
• Meal Support: CHF 20 in lunch vouchers per working day for interns based in Geneva.
• Medical Insurance: WHO-provided medical insurance during the internship.
• Accident Insurance: Insurance coverage for the duration of the placement.
• Possible Travel Support: Approved travel expenses may be covered for some eligible interns from least developed and middle-income countries.
• International Experience: Practical exposure to global health ethics, international research and public health policy.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to strengthen research, analysis, communication and project coordination skills.
• Professional Networking: Exposure to international experts, WHO teams and public health stakeholders.
• Completion Certificate: Available from WHO upon request after the internship.

During the Initial Application

Applicants must complete their online profile through WHO's Stellis recruitment system, providing:

• Personal and eligibility information
• Academic qualifications and current study details
• Relevant professional, academic or research experience
• English and other language proficiency information
• Technical and computer skills
• Motivation or cover letter tailored to the Ethics Internship
• Other information requested in the official application form

After Selection or When Requested

Selected candidates may need to provide:

• Certified proof of university enrolment or completion of their qualification
• Completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
• Contact details for reference checks
• Declaration of Interests, including relevant financial disclosures
• Required vaccination or medical clearance evidence
• Passport and relevant documents for immigration procedures

WHO considers applicant suitability in relation to the position's qualifications and competencies, including:

• Relevant postgraduate education and academic background
• Knowledge of applied ethics and public health issues
• Research, literature-review and analytical abilities
• Expert English communication skills
• Familiarity with relevant computer applications
• Teamwork, communication and cultural awareness
• Ability to produce quality technical outputs
• Motivation and suitability for the Ethics Team's work
• Performance in any interview or assessment conducted during selection

• Global Health Experience: Gain practical exposure to international public health ethics within WHO.
• Research Development: Contribute to evidence reviews, ethical guidance and technical research outputs.
• International Networking: Engage with professionals, researchers and public health specialists.
• Emerging Technologies: Explore ethical challenges associated with scientific innovation and public health technologies.
• Policy Exposure: Understand how international ethical guidance informs public health decision-making.
• Career Development: Strengthen analytical, communication and project coordination skills in a multicultural setting.