WHO Paid Ethics Internship 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland
Job/Internship ShortlistOpportunity Details
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Opportunity ID 295862
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Degree Non Degree Program/Certificate
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Gender Male Female
Opportunity Description
Are you a postgraduate student passionate about public health and bioethics? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in global health governance while receiving up to 1,680 CHF per month? The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently accepting applications for its 2027 Internship Programme with the Ethics Team in Geneva, Switzerland, and it might be the perfect stepping stone for your career.
This 24-week residential program places you at the heart of international health policy. The WHO Ethics team develops global norms and supports Member States in addressing critical challenges like climate change, emerging technologies, and emergency preparedness. As an intern, you will directly contribute to high-level technical projects and major outreach activities, including the Global Summit of National Ethics Committees.
If you are ready to make a significant impact on global health initiatives, read on to discover the eligibility criteria, financial benefits, and how to submit a strong application before the October 23, 2026 deadline.
Quick Overview
| Provider | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Country / Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Program Type | Internship |
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Funding | Up to 1,680 CHF/month + 20 CHF daily lunch |
| Open To | All nationalities |
| Deadline | 23 October 2026 |
Important Dates
| Application Opens | 2 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 23 October 2026 |
| Program Start | 1 February 2027 |
| Program End | 16 July 2027 |
Financial Benefits
If you are selected for the WHO Ethics Internship, here is what your financial support package includes:
- Living Allowance (Non-Residents): Up to 1,680 CHF per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside of Geneva.
- Living Allowance (Residents): Up to 739 CHF per month for interns with permanent residence in Geneva.
- Meal Support: Daily lunch vouchers valued at 20 CHF per working day.
- Insurance: Full accident and medical insurance coverage provided by WHO.
Responsibilities and Learning Objectives
As an intern with the WHO Ethics team, you will be heavily involved in normative guidance and research.
Key Duties
- Participate in ongoing technical projects and departmental meetings.
- Prepare technical outputs, including briefs, evidence summaries, meeting notes, and reports.
- Review and synthesize academic and grey literature on specific ethical topics.
- Support the piloting and implementation of the WHO-OECD Tool for the Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies in Public Health (TArGET).
- Organize consultations, workshops, and expert meetings.
- Support major outreach activities like the Global Summit of National Ethics Committees.
Learning Objectives
During this 24-week program, you will:
- Understand WHO’s work in ethics, climate change, and emergency response.
- Learn how WHO engages Member States and expert groups to develop international guidelines.
- Gain practical experience managing complex global health projects.
- Work collaboratively in a multi-cultural, pluri-disciplinary environment.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this internship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Must be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification (or apply within 18 months of completion) in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines.
- Qualifications must be from an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Language Requirements
- Expert knowledge of English (read, write, and speak) is essential.
- Intermediate knowledge of French or another UN language is considered desirable but not required.
Skills & Nationality
- Open to all nationalities; applicants from unrepresented and underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Strong interest in applied ethics, public health, climate change, and emerging technologies.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and responsible use of AI for research.
Required Documents
When preparing your application, you will need to gather the following documents if you are selected to proceed:
- Certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies
- A completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work
- Contact details for reference checks
- A copy of your updated vaccination card (required during medical clearance)
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for the WHO Ethics Internship, follow these steps carefully:
- Review the official job description to ensure you meet all educational and language criteria.
- Access the WHO careers portal to initiate your online application.
- Complete all required fields and submit your application before 11:59 PM on October 23, 2026.
For more information, please visit the
World Health Organization official website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WHO Internship fully funded?
While interns do not receive a traditional salary, they are provided with a living allowance of up to 1,680 CHF per month (for non-residents of Geneva), plus 20 CHF per day for lunch, and comprehensive health insurance.
Can I apply if I have already graduated?
Yes, you can apply if you are a recent graduate, provided you submit your application within 18 months of completing your postgraduate degree.
Are Afghan nationals eligible to apply?
Yes, the program is open to applicants from all countries. Nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States, which typically includes Afghanistan, are strongly encouraged to apply.
