The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering an exciting internship opportunity for postgraduate students and recent graduates interested in public health ethics, medical research, emerging technologies and global health policy. Based at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO Ethics Internship 2027 runs for 24 weeks and provides practical experience in research, technical writing and international collaboration. Selected interns may receive a monthly living allowance of up to CHF 1,680, depending on their circumstances, alongside lunch vouchers and insurance coverage. The application deadline displayed in the vacancy is 23 October 2026.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Position | Internship – Ethics Team |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Duration | 24 weeks |
| Internship Dates | 1 February – 16 July 2027 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time |
| Eligible Applicants | Postgraduate students and qualifying recent graduates |
| Relevant Fields | Bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law and related disciplines |
| Financial Support | Living allowance, lunch vouchers and medical and accident insurance |
| Application Deadline | 23 October 2026, 11:59 p.m., as displayed |
| Official Application | https://careers.who.int/careersection/intern/jobdetail.ftl?job=2604183 |
About the WHO Ethics Internship 2027
The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 is offered within the Ethics Team in Foresight, Leadership and Ethics in Science, part of WHO’s science division. The team examines ethical questions arising from the organisation’s work and contributes to the development of international guidance on health ethics.
Its work covers issues such as public health surveillance, genomic developments, research involving human participants, emerging technologies and equitable access to healthcare. The team also supports countries in strengthening their ability to address ethical challenges in public health policies and programmes.
Through the WHO Ethics Internship 2027, interns can gain practical exposure to the research and consultation processes that inform international health guidance. This opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates interested in how scientific evidence, ethical principles and public policy interact to address global health challenges.
Overview of the Internship
The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 is a full-time placement scheduled for 1 February to 16 July 2027. Interns will work under the supervision of a Senior Ethics Specialist and contribute to ongoing technical projects.
The internship is not a conventional salaried job. Instead, WHO provides financial support under its internship arrangements, with the amount determined by factors including the intern’s permanent residence and other external financial assistance.
Candidates should understand that living in Geneva can be expensive and that the available allowance may not cover every expense. Nevertheless, the internship offers an opportunity to gain experience within a major international public health organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Selected interns will support the Ethics Team with research, documentation and project coordination. Duties may include:
- Reviewing academic literature and other evidence on public health ethics.
- Preparing technical briefs, evidence summaries, draft reports and presentations.
- Participating in team meetings and ongoing technical projects.
- Supporting research on emerging technologies and their governance in public health.
- Helping organise workshops, consultations and expert meetings.
- Preparing agendas, background notes, participant lists and meeting summaries.
- Supporting activities related to ethics in health emergencies and public health surveillance.
- Contributing to international ethics forums and outreach activities.
These responsibilities can help interns develop research, analytical, writing and organisational skills while contributing to important global health discussions.
Learning Opportunities
The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 is designed to provide an enriching learning experience for students and recent graduates.
Interns can learn how WHO develops international guidelines, engages with Member States and collaborates with expert groups and external partners. They may also gain a better understanding of ethical decision-making in areas such as climate change and health, emergency preparedness, research governance and emerging technologies.
Working in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment can strengthen communication, teamwork and project management skills. This experience may be useful for future careers in public health, academic research, health policy and international development.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy to ensure they meet the requirements.
Education
Candidates are expected to be enrolled in a postgraduate qualification in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law or a related discipline. Applicants who completed their studies within the previous 18 months may also qualify, subject to the vacancy’s conditions.
WHO requires relevant higher education qualifications to come from recognised institutions. Applicants can consult the World Higher Education Database to check institutional recognition where necessary.
Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong written and spoken communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
- Respect for individual and cultural differences.
- Willingness to learn from mistakes and feedback.
- Ability to produce accurate, high-quality work.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence for research purposes.
Relevant Experience and Languages
An interest in applied ethics and familiarity with ethical concepts related to public health, climate change and emerging technologies are expected.
Expert knowledge of English is essential. Intermediate French is desirable, as is intermediate knowledge of another official United Nations language.
Financial Support and Benefits
The WHO Ethics Internship 2027 does not provide a salary. Instead, interns may receive a living allowance calculated individually after selection.
For the Geneva duty station, the vacancy lists these maximum monthly allowances:
- CHF 739 per month for interns whose permanent residence is in Geneva.
- CHF 1,680 per month for interns whose permanent residence is outside Geneva.
The actual amount depends on individual circumstances, including other financial support received from grants or scholarships.
Additional benefits include:
- Lunch vouchers: CHF 20 per working day in Geneva.
- Medical insurance: Coverage under WHO’s internship arrangements.
- Accident insurance: Coverage subject to programme conditions.
- International exposure: Experience working within a global health organisation.
- Professional development: Practical research, writing and project coordination experience.
Applicants should budget carefully for accommodation, transport, food and other expenses not covered by the programme.
How to Apply for the WHO Ethics Internship 2027
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official WHO vacancy page: https://careers.who.int/careersection/intern/jobdetail.ftl?job=2604183
- Read the complete job description and confirm eligibility.
- Prepare an updated CV highlighting relevant education, research and communication skills.
- Gather academic records and other requested information.
- Complete the online application through the WHO careers system.
- Review all details before submitting the application.
- Monitor your email and WHO account for recruitment updates.
If selected, candidates may need to provide certified proof of enrolment or recent graduation, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work and reference contact details.
Application Deadline and Important Dates
The internship is scheduled to run from 1 February to 16 July 2027, for a total of 24 weeks.
The vacancy displays an application deadline of 23 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. However, WHO notes that the displayed deadline may reflect the applicant’s device settings. Candidates should verify the closing time and applicable time zone on the official vacancy page.
WHO internships are competitive, and only candidates under serious consideration may be contacted. Applicants should therefore ensure that their applications are complete and accurately reflect their qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WHO Ethics Internship 2027 paid?
It is not a salaried position. WHO provides a living allowance based on individual circumstances, as well as lunch vouchers and medical and accident insurance under the stated conditions.
Where is the internship located?
The internship is based at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
How long does the internship last?
The placement lasts 24 weeks, from 1 February to 16 July 2027.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible postgraduate students and qualifying recent graduates in bioethics, public health, medicine, philosophy, law and related disciplines may apply.
What is the application deadline?
The vacancy displays 23 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants should confirm the deadline directly on the official WHO careers website.
Final Thoughts
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. Through technical assignments and collaboration with specialists, interns can develop skills relevant to careers in public health, research and international organisations.
Before applying, candidates should confirm their eligibility, review the financial support arrangements and assess the cost of living in Geneva. Visit the official WHO careers portal for the full vacancy details and application instructions.
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