Job Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering an internship position with its Ethics Team within the Science Division at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This is a rare international opportunity for postgraduate students and recent graduates who want to work at the forefront of global health ethics.

The Ethics team is the focal point for examining ethical issues raised by activities throughout the WHO and developing global norms in health ethics. The team supports Member States in building health ethics capacities and addressing ethical issues in public health programs and policies. The work covers a range of global bioethics topics—from public health surveillance to genomics, from research with human beings to fair access to health services.

The internship runs for 24 weeks, from 1 February to 16 July 2027. The intern will work under the supervision of the Senior Ethics Specialist and assist with technical work across several ongoing projects. This is an exceptional opportunity for anyone pursuing a career in bioethics, public health, global health policy, or international law.

This internship is best suited for someone currently enrolled in a postgraduate qualification (or applying within 18 months of completion) in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines. If you are passionate about applied ethics, emerging technologies, climate change and health, and global health governance, this opportunity is worth serious consideration.

Why This Opportunity Matters

An internship at WHO is not just a line on your CV. It is a career-defining experience that places you at the centre of global health decision-making.

What makes this opportunity valuable:

• Work at the highest level of global health. WHO is the leading international public health organisation. As an intern in the Ethics team, you will contribute to the development of normative guidance that shapes health policy worldwide.

• Exposure to cutting-edge ethical issues. You will work on topics such as the anticipatory governance of emerging technologies, ethical issues in public health surveillance, climate change and health action, and emergency preparedness and response. These are the issues that will define global health in the coming decades.

• Practical experience in international guideline development. You will gain insight into how WHO develops international guidelines, engages Member States, and works with expert groups, regional and country offices, and external partners.

• Multi-cultural, pluri-disciplinary environment. You will work alongside experts from diverse backgrounds, learning how to collaborate effectively in a global team. This experience is invaluable for anyone pursuing an international career.

• Living allowance and benefits. Interns receive a living allowance (up to 739 CHF per month for those with permanent residence in Geneva, or up to 1680 CHF per month for those residing outside Geneva). Interns in Geneva also receive daily lunch vouchers (20 CHF per working day), accident and medical insurance coverage.

• Learning and development. The internship has clear learning objectives, including understanding WHO's work in ethics, acquiring knowledge about international guideline development, contributing state-of-the-art ethics research, and gaining practical experience managing complex global health ethics projects.

• Networking opportunities. You will support major outreach activities such as the Global Summit of National Ethics Committees, regional meetings, the Global Forum on Bioethics in Research, and the Ethics2Policy Platform. These events connect you with leading figures in global health ethics.

• Gateway to a career in global health. Many WHO interns go on to work in international organisations, research institutions, government health agencies, and academic centres. The experience and network you build here can open doors for decades.

If you are looking for international internships, global health opportunities, or a chance to work at the intersection of ethics and public health, this WHO internship is one of the most prestigious opportunities available.

Application Tips

Internships at WHO are extremely competitive. Only a small number of applicants are accepted each year. To give yourself the best chance, follow these practical tips.

• Confirm your eligibility first. You must be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification (or applying within 18 months of completion) in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines. Your educational institution must be accredited and recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

• Apply before the deadline. The closing date is October 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Do not wait until the last minute. WHO internships attract thousands of applicants, and early submission shows professionalism.

• Tailor your application to the role. Highlight your academic background in ethics, public health, or a related field. Demonstrate your interest in applied ethics and familiarity with key ethical concepts, especially those related to public health, climate change, and emerging technologies.

• Show your research and writing skills. The role involves reviewing and synthesising academic and grey literature, preparing technical outputs, and drafting reports and presentations. Provide examples of your writing and research experience.

• Demonstrate teamwork and communication skills. WHO's core competencies include teamwork, respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, and communication. Share examples of how you have worked collaboratively in diverse teams and communicated effectively.

• Show willingness to learn. WHO values interns who show a willingness to learn from mistakes and produce quality results. Be honest about your strengths and areas for growth, and demonstrate a genuine desire to develop.

• Highlight relevant technical skills. You should be familiar with commonly used computer programmes such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You should also know how to use AI responsibly for research purposes.

• Mention language skills. Expert knowledge of English (read, write, and speak) is essential. Intermediate knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable and should be highlighted if you have it.

• Prepare for background verification. If selected, you will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work, and contact details for reference checks. WHO also conducts background verification of final candidates.

• Be aware of the costs of living abroad. Living in Geneva is expensive, and finding accommodation can be challenging. Be prepared for these realities before applying.

• Demonstrate commitment to WHO's values. WHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other abusive conduct. Show that you are committed to promoting a safe and respectful workplace.

• Apply through the official WHO careers portal. Use the official link provided in the job posting. Do not apply through unofficial channels.

• Encourage diversity. WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

As an intern in the Ethics Team, your duties will include:

Technical Support

• Participate in ongoing ethics technical projects and meetings, as well as FLS unit and SFH departmental projects and meetings.

• Support the preparation of technical outputs, including briefs, evidence summaries, meeting notes, draft reports, and presentations on a diverse range of ethical issues.

• Review and synthesise academic and grey literature on specific topics in line with the objectives of the ethics team.

Project Support

• Support the development, piloting, and implementation of TArGET: the WHO-OECD Tool for the Anticipatory Governance of Emerging Technologies in Public Health.

• Support the development of a programme of work with the health emergencies team to implement the findings of a review of ethical issues related to advances in public health surveillance.

• Support the organisation and documentation of consultations, workshops, and expert meetings, including agendas, background notes, presentations, participant lists, summaries of discussions, and follow-up actions.

Outreach and Engagement

• Support the team's major outreach activities, including the Global Summit of National Ethics Committees and regional meetings, the Global Forum on Bioethics in Research, and the Ethics2Policy Platform.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the objectives of WHO's work in ethics, particularly as it relates to the ethics and governance of emerging technologies, climate change and health action, emergency preparedness and response, and uptake of ethics in policy and decision making in global health.

• Understand how WHO engages Member States, expert groups, regional and country offices, and external partners in the development and implementation of ethics-related guidance.

• Acquire knowledge about the process of developing international guidelines at WHO.

• Contribute state-of-the-art ethics research to pressing global health issues.

• Work in a multi-cultural, pluri-disciplinary environment.

• Gain practical experience in managing complex projects in global health ethics.

Requirements

Education

• Currently enrolled in a postgraduate qualification (or applying within 18 months of completion).

• Field of study: bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law, or related disciplines.

• Educational institution must be accredited and recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience

• An interest in applied ethics and a familiarity with key ethical concepts, with an emphasis on those that relate to public health, climate change, and emerging technologies.

Skills

• Communicating effectively orally and in writing.

• Showing willingness to learn from mistakes.

• Producing and delivering quality results.

• Working collaboratively with team members.

• Familiarity with commonly used computer programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Knowledge of how to use AI responsibly for research purposes.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork.

• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

• Communication.

Languages

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English (Read, Write, and Speak).

• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of another UN language.

  Financial Support

• • Interns do not receive a salary but do receive a living allowance.

  • The amount varies by duty station and depends on external financial support and whether the intern's permanent residence is in the duty station.

  • In Geneva:

    • For interns with permanent residence in the duty station: maximum 739 CHF per month.

    • For interns whose permanent residence is outside the duty station: maximum 1680 CHF per month.

  • All interns in Geneva receive daily lunch vouchers (20 CHF per working day).

  • WHO provides accident and medical insurance coverage.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the WHO Internship in the Ethics Team:

1. Check your eligibility. Confirm that you are enrolled in a postgraduate qualification or applying within 18 months of completion in a relevant field.

2. Prepare your application materials. Update your CV to highlight your academic background, research experience, writing skills, and any relevant work or volunteer experience.

3. Write a strong motivation letter. Explain why you want to intern with the WHO Ethics team and how your background aligns with the role. Be specific about your interest in applied ethics, emerging technologies, climate change and health, or other relevant areas.

4. Visit the official WHO careers portal. Access the job posting using the official link and create or update your profile.

5. Complete the online application. Fill in all required fields accurately and upload your CV and any other requested documents.

6. Submit before the deadline. Applications must be submitted by October 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

7. Prepare for the outcome. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. If selected, you will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work, and contact details for reference checks.

8. Prepare for travel and relocation. If selected, you will need to arrange travel, accommodation, and any required vaccinations. WHO will provide guidance on these matters.